Indian Govt Warns Against Passport Defacement by Travel Agents

The Ministry of External Affairs has issued an advisory to all Indian passport holders, warning them against defacing their passports. The advisory comes after it was observed that many unscrupulous travel agents have been using passports as an advertising platform by pasting their agency/company’s stickers on the cover.

The advisory states that any tampering of the passport, including masking the national emblem or tampering with security features, will be treated as an offence. This is in contravention of the Government of India’s rules and regulations.

Advisory on Indian Passport

It has been observed on multiple occasions that Indian passports have been used as an advertising platform by many unscrupulous travel agents, defacing the cover of the passport by pasting their agency/company’s stickers. This is to inform that masks on national emblem and tampering of security features will be treated as an offence and in contravention of Government of India’s rules and regulations.

All passport holders are therefore requested to ensure that their passports are not defaced by the travel agents or any other person or establishment at any time.

Advertisement

Legal Implications and Government Stand

The Government of India underscores that such acts are not only a violation of the established rules and regulations but also pose a significant risk to the credibility of Indian passports on a global scale.

By defacing the passport, individuals may inadvertently subject themselves to legal repercussions, and it could potentially lead to the denial of entry or other travel-related complications.

The authorities have explicitly stated that any attempts to mask the national emblem or tamper with security features will be treated as a serious offense, and violators will be subject to legal consequences as per the prevailing laws of the country.

Urgent Reminder for Passport Holders

In light of the advisory, all passport holders are therefore requested to ensure that their passports are not defaced by travel agents or any other person or establishment at any time.

If a passport is defaced, the holder may be denied entry to other countries or may have to apply for a new passport.

The advisory also states that the Ministry of External Affairs will not be responsible for any inconvenience or loss caused to passport holders due to defacement of their passports.

Preserving National Identity

The Government of India remains committed to ensuring that Indian passports continue to be a symbol of identity, authenticity, and a representation of the nation. All citizens are encouraged to cooperate in this endeavor by adhering to the regulations outlined in the advisory.

Spreading Awareness

Passport holders are urged to spread awareness about this issue and to encourage fellow travelers to be cautious and vigilant regarding the condition of their passports. Together, citizens can help combat the defacement of passports and uphold the honor and integrity of this essential travel document.

Here are some tips for keeping your passport safe:

• Do not allow travel agents or any other person or establishment to paste stickers on your passport.
• Keep your passport in a safe place and do not let it out of your sight when you are traveling.
• If your passport is lost or stolen, report it to the nearest police station immediately.
• Apply for a new passport as soon as possible.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your passport safe and avoid any inconvenience or loss.