Consulate General of India in Cape Town, South Africa

The government of India issues several types of passports, including:

Regular Passport (Dark Blue cover): This is the standard passport issued to Indian citizens for general travel purposes. It is a "Type P" passport, P stands for Personal.

Diplomatic Passport (Maroon cover): Diplomatic passports are issued to diplomats, Members of Parliament, members of the Union Council of Ministers, and individuals representing the Indian government on diplomatic missions abroad. It is a "Type D" passport, D standing for Diplomatic.

Official Passport (White cover): Official passports are issued to government officials, members of the Indian Armed Forces, members of the Indian diplomatic corps, and individuals representing the Indian government on official business or diplomatic missions. It is a "Type S" passport, S stands for Service.

Indian embassies and consulates offer vital consular services to Indian citizens abroad, including issuing, renewing, and replacing passports. They also provide crucial assistance in emergencies, such as accidents, illnesses, or legal matters. These diplomatic missions are essential support systems for Indian nationals traveling or living overseas, ensuring their safety and well-being while away from home. Their services are pivotal in addressing the needs and concerns of Indian citizens during their international travels or stays.

The Emergency Travel Document or Emergency Certificate (EC) is a one-way travel document issued to Indian citizens who have no valid travel documents and need to return to India on an emergency basis. EC is issued to those citizens of India to whom a new passport cannot be issued in an emergency in a short period of time. It allows the holder to travel back to India.