To understand the online application process for passport and visa, we need to understand the key difference between the passport and visa and also have to understand their definitions.
Also, Read- Passport Seva Kendra online portal
Passport
The Indian passport which is issued by the External Affairs Ministry under the government of India to citizens of India. The main purpose of this Indian passport is it enables Indian citizens to travel abroad and serves as proof of citizenship in India under the passport act 1967.
For this purpose, the ministry of external affairs has a division named the Consular, Passport, and Visa and under this division, it also has a unit named The Passport Seva unit( Passport Service) which functions as issuing authority and it is also responsible for issuing passports to all the eligible Indian citizens.
In India, there are 93 Passport offices where passports are issued.
VISA
It is a legal document with conditions framed by any country that authorizes foreigners to enter, live within the territory, and allow them to leave that country.
Visa has a time duration for the foreigners to live in that country, enter the country, leave that country and also includes the number of times they are permitted to enter the country etc.
According to the given definitions of both one is Passport and the second is Visa, the key differences are clear here. Now we will see the process of how we can apply for the Passport and for the Visa.
Applying process for Passport
There are two different criterias for applying this form.
1) If the applicants are presently living in india And,
2) If the applicants are not living in India, they are living abroad.
According to their present location, we will discuss the application process here.
1) If the Applicants who are living in india, For them the online process is given below :
- First you have to visit the official website by clicking on “Apply for Passport” and clicking on the tab “Apply Passport”.
- Now click the link, here an application form will be open, and here you have to select the services that you have required from the given box.
- Select the type of application that you wish to apply for (For the Tatkal application, you have to charge extra money).
- Select the types of passport booklet ( In case the applicants are minor then they need a booklet with only 36 pages) .
- Next, fill the applicants’ details with correct information.
- Also fill in the details of place of birth, family details, emergency contact details, etc.
- In case you have a coupon code then apply this while filling out the form.
- Before submitting the form, check the entire form and then click on the ‘validate & continue’ button.
Once You successfully submit the form then go to another window. It is a payment gateway window where you are charged some to initiate the further process.
- For the payments there are many gateways or modes of payments like : Credit card, debit card , internet banking, SBI bank challan and the other UPI payment.
- After making the payment, you have an option ‘Print Application Receipt’, click on that tab to print the application copy where it includes Application Reference Number(ARN)/appointment number.
Here one thing is important to note that the print out of the application receipt is not required for the proof of an appointment, the SMS that you have received is important as a proof of appointment while you visit the passport office.
- Now please visit the Passport Seva Kendra or regional passport office where your appointment has been booked and bring all the original documents.
- Online process to apply for the applicants who are not presently living in india :
- At first register yourself through the Global Passport Seva Kendra portal (make an account on the portal )
- After creating the account on the global passport seva kendra portal, login with the ID and password.
- here you have a tab, click on it ‘Apply for Background Verification for GEP’ link.
- here you have an application form, fill the required details here and submit it.
- In the next step, tap on the tab ‘Print Application Form’ link to print the application details where it including the Application Reference Number(ARN) and the other required details.
- For GEP ( Global Entry Program), you have to check the Indian Embassy or consulate website to get the overall background check application submission process. Now you also have to visit the Embassy or consulate office or OSP(outsourced service provider) with the required original documents and fee in USD.
Note :
There is a provision here that without any scheduled appointment, they can visit the Passport Seva Kendra in case there is an emergency or any medical cases and preapproved categories.
If the applicants are minors then they have to bring a recent passport size photo with white background.
There is required to submit the application if the applicants do not visit the Passport Seva Kendra within the period of 90 days from the date of online form submission.
Apply for Visa :
As we know, the application process for visas varies from country to country. Each and every country has its own set of rules for the visa process. But in a normal way, there are some steps that are needed to follow to get the visa.
let’s see the following steps :
- Click here for the types of visa you are applying for.
- click for your eligibility.
- Now here you have an online form, fill out the form by entering your details.
- At last, you appear for the visa interview with the all required documents at your selected Embassy.
You have an option whether you apply for online or offline mode but both the modes are applicable in all countries. if you go offline then you have to download the application form and fill this entire form and submit it to the concerned consulate of that country.
Here you should know that the fees for visas vary from country to country.
Conclusion
Here is a comprehensive way, I tried to tell you the entire process to Apply for a Fresh Passport/ Reissue of Passport in India and for the Visa. With the definition, I also told you the basic differences between the Passport and Visa. With good wishes to you all I goodbye for this time.
