How to Renew Your Indian Passport as an NRI: A Step-by-Step Guide

Indian passports, with their standard ten-year validity, serve as crucial travel documents for Indian residents and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) alike. It is imperative to renew your passport upon its expiration to ensure seamless international travel.

This extensive guide is designed to provide you with an in-depth understanding of the NRI passport renewal process.

Passport Renewal Guide for NRIs

We will delve into the differences between renewal and reissue, the step-by-step procedures, document requirements, and even walk you through the process of renewing your passport from overseas.

Let’s embark on this enlightening journey to demystify the NRI passport renewal process. Let’s get started!

NRI Passport Renewal vs. Reissue

The procedures for passport renewal and reissue are fundamentally similar. For instance, in the event of a lost passport, it’s necessary to file a First Information Report (FIR) before proceeding with renewal or reissue.

You can apply for renewal in various scenarios, such as when your passport pages are exhausted, it’s expired or damaged, or you need to update details like your address or name. In both cases, a new passport with a fresh passport number is issued. Notably, each passport has a distinct booklet number, and each renewal or reissue results in a new booklet number.

Why is it important for NRIs to renew their passports on time?

There are several reasons why it is important for NRIs to renew their passports on time:

• Expired passports are not valid for travel. If you attempt to travel with an expired passport, you may be denied boarding at the airport or entry into the country you are visiting.
• Some countries require that visitors have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their departure. If your passport is not valid for at least six months, you may be denied entry into the country you are visiting.
• It can take several weeks to renew a passport, so it is important to start the process early, especially if you have upcoming travel plans.

Also Read: Guide for NRIs: How to Add Your UAE Address to Your Indian Passport

Passport Renewal Process for NRIs in India:

Step 1: Complete the Passport Application Form

• Visit the Passport Seva website and log in.
• Select ‘Apply for Fresh Passport/Reissue of Passport.’
• Choose your state and district for application submission.
• Indicate ‘Reissue of Passport,’ application type (Normal/Tatkaal), type of passport booklet (36 pages/60 pages), and proceed.
• Specify the reason for renewal or reissuance and furnish the required details.
• Opt for your preferred payment mode and make the payment.

Step 2: Select the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) in your district and schedule an appointment

• Visit the Passport Seva Kendra
• Print the application form, payment receipts, and essential documents.
• Visit the appointed Passport Seva Kendra at the scheduled time with all the required documents.
• PSK staff will capture your photographs, and biometrics, and verify your documents.

Step 3: Complete Police Verification The necessity of police verification is determined by the information provided. It might be required before or after passport issuance, or in some cases, not at all.

Documents Needed for NRI Passport Renewal in India:

NRIs should carry originals and photocopies of the following documents:

• Passport (Valid/Expired)
• Educational qualification certificates
• Permanent address proof in India
• Overseas address proof
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Spouse’s passport (for name endorsement)
• Travel tickets (for Tatkaal applications)
• Supporting documents for detailed updates

NRI Passport Renewal from Overseas:

For NRIs unable to visit India for an extended period, the NRI passport renewal process can be accomplished from their foreign residence. Here’s the process:

Step 1: Apply at VFS Global

• Locate consular jurisdiction centres in or near your place of residence.
• Book an appointment for passport renewal, usually coordinated by foreign travel ministries in collaboration with VFS Global, a visa facilitation entity.

Step 2: Form Filling and Document Submission

• Complete the VFS Order form and gather the necessary documents.
• Document requirements may vary, potentially including proof of employment, overseas accommodation evidence, etc.
• Some documents may require notarization when renewing an Indian passport from abroad.

Step 3: Payment of Passport Renewal Fee

• Pay the renewal fee, which varies based on the country where you apply for renewal.
• Typically, passport renewal payments overseas are made in cash at VFS centres.

What are the key steps involved in renewing an Indian passport for NRIs?

The key steps involved in renewing an Indian passport for NRIs are as follows:

Complete the Passport Application Form: You can download the Passport Application Form from the Passport Seva website. Once you have completed the form, save it as a PDF file.

Book an Appointment: Visit the Passport Seva website and book an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) in your district. If you are renewing your passport from overseas, you will need to book an appointment at a consular jurisdiction centre in or near your place of residence.

Visit the PSK or consular jurisdiction centre: On the day of your appointment, visit the PSK or consular jurisdiction centre with all of the required documents. The staff will capture your photographs and biometrics, and verify your documents.

Complete Police Verification: The necessity of police verification is determined by the information provided. It might be required before or after passport issuance, or in some cases, not at all.

Receive your Renewed Passport: Once your passport has been processed and approved, you will receive it by mail or in person at the PSK or consular jurisdiction centre.

What are some important considerations for NRIs renewing their passports?

Here are some important considerations for NRIs renewing their passports:

Processing Time

The processing time for passport renewal can vary depending on the city or country of application and the need for police clearance. Generally, it takes approximately three to eight weeks to obtain a renewed Indian passport. However, it is advisable to start the process at least two months before your passport expires to give yourself enough time.

Document Requirements

The document requirements for passport renewal may vary depending on whether you are renewing your passport from India or overseas. Be sure to check the website of the Passport Seva or the Indian embassy or consulate in your country for specific requirements.

Fees for Passport Renewal

There is a fee associated with passport renewal. The fee varies depending on the type of passport booklet (36 pages or 60 pages) and whether you are applying for normal or Tatkaal (fast-track) processing.

Police Verification

NRIs who are renewing their passports from overseas may be required to complete police verification in their country of residence. The police verification process can vary from country to country, so be sure to check with the Indian embassy or consulate in your country for specific instructions.

Conclusion

Renewing your Indian passport is a straightforward process, whether you are a resident or an NRI. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily renew your passport and ensure that you have a valid travel document.