Indian citizens living in India and abroad are advised to apply for urgent re-issuance of their passports in the following cases:-

1. HANDWRITTEN PASSPORTS

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has set a deadline of the 24th November, 2015 for globally phasing out of all non-Machine Readable Passports (MRPs).

Indian citizens residing in India and abroad and holding such passports with validity beyond the 24th November, 2015 are advised to apply for re-issue of their passports

2. PASSPORTS VALID FOR LESS THAN SIX MONTHS

Indian citizens travelling on Passports which may expire in less than six months should renew their passports

“Once your passport crosses the nine-year mark, it is time to get new passport”.

3. EXHAUSTION OF VISA PAGES

Please check your passport to ensure that you have enough visa pages. There is no provision of additional booklets/pages and you will be required to apply reissuance of passport following standard procedures. Frequent travellers may opt for Jumbo Passport containing 64 pages.

Attached please find Public Advisory  issued by Ministry of External Affairs