Passport is an important travel document for people travelling abroad for education, pilgrimage, tourism, business, medical treatment and to visit family members. In the last few years, the demand for International Travel Pass and related services has increased due to the growing economy and spread of globalization. To meet this growing demand for services, the Ministry of External Affairs launched the Passport Seva Project in May 2010.
passports Seva has simplified and brought transparency in the delivery of International Travel Pass and related services. Under this project, Government officials dealing with International Travel Pass, State Police for verification of applicants’ details and India Post for delivery of passports have been linked together under a network to establish coordination among them for issuing International Travel Pass across the country.
All Indian citizens travelling or wishing to travel outside India require a valid passport or travel document. Under the Passport Act 1967, the Government of India can issue various types of International Travel Pass or travel documents, such as ordinary International Travel Pass, diplomatic passport, official passport, emergency certificate and identity certificate for the purpose of identification.
Apply for passport through e-form submission
To apply for a new passport or International Travel Pass re-issuance through e-form submission, you have to register yourself on the passport seva portal.
After registration, you have to log in to the passport seva portal.
Download the e-form for new International Travel Pass or passport re-issuance.
Fill the downloaded e-form and click on the validate and save button. After this, an XML file will be created which will have to be uploaded later.
Upload the XML file through upload e-form. Do not upload PDF files here because only XML files will be taken here.
After uploading the form, click on the “Pay and Schedule Appointment” link and schedule your time (appointment) at the International Travel Pass seva kendra.
Search for the Passport Seva Kendra location and select your Passport Seva Kendra.
After scheduling your appointment at the selected Passport Seva Kendra, you can make online payment through Credit/Debit Card (Mastercard & Visa), Internet Banking (State Bank of India & Associate Banks only) or SBI Bank Challan.
International Travel Pass is an important travel document for people travelling abroad for education, pilgrimage, tourism, business, medical treatment and to visit family members. In the last few years, the demand for International Travel Pass and related services has increased due to the growing economy and spread of globalization. To meet this growing demand for services, the Ministry of External Affairs launched the Passport Seva Project in May 2010.
International Travel Pass has simplified and brought transparency in the delivery of International Travel Pass and related services. Under this project, Government officials dealing with International Travel Pass, State Police for verification of applicants’ details and India Post for delivery of International Travel Pass have been linked together under a network to establish coordination among them for issuing International Travel Pass across the country.
All Indian citizens travelling or wishing to travel outside India require a valid passport or travel document. Under the Passport Act 1967, the Government of India can issue various types of passports or travel documents, such as ordinary International Travel Pass, diplomatic passport, official passport, emergency certificate and identity certificate for the purpose of identification.
Apply for passport through e-form submission
To apply for a new International Travel Pass or passport re-issuance through e-form submission, you have to register yourself on the passport seva portal.
After registration, you have to log in to the passport seva portal.
Download the e-form for new passport or passport re-issuance.
Fill the downloaded e-form and click on the validate and save button. After this, an XML file will be created which will have to be uploaded later.
Upload the XML file through upload e-form. Do not upload PDF files here because only XML files will be taken here.
After uploading the form, click on the “Pay and Schedule Appointment” link and schedule your time (appointment) at the International Travel Pass seva kendra.
Search for the Passport Seva Kendra location and select your Passport Seva Kendra.
After scheduling your appointment at the selected International Travel Pass, you can make online payment through Credit/Debit Card (Mastercard & Visa), Internet Banking (State Bank of India & Associate Banks only) or SBI Bank Challan.
VISA FOR UK
Many types of visas are issued to Indians for entry into Britain. One of these is the Standard Visitors Visa, through which people are allowed to stay in Britain for six months. This is a great option for those who want to go there for holidays, to meet family members or to be a part of graduation ceremonies. Standard Visitors Visa cannot be extended further, as it is only for six months.
Standard Visitors Visa has to be applied for online. After this you will be called to the Visa Application Center, where it will be issued after the interview. Visitors’ visas can be applied for only 3 months before the trip. You will have to fulfill the necessary conditions for the visa and do only those things which are allowed. Let us know about the Standard Visitors Visa in detail. Also know which documents are required for this.
How much is the visa fee?
There are many types of Standard Visitors Visas. Because of this, their fees and the duration of stay are also different. Let’s know about all types of Standard Visitors Visa.
Standard Visitors Visa: The fee for this visa is 115 pounds and its validity is 6 months.
Standard Visitors Visa for Medical Reasons: A fee of 200 pounds will have to be paid for this visa. Its validity is 11 months.
Standard Visitors Visa for Academics: The fee for this visa is 200, while the validity is 12 months.
2 Year Long-Term Standard Visitors Visa: The fee for this visa is 432 pounds. Once you come, you are allowed to stay for 6 months.
5 Year Long-Term Standard Visitors Visa: The fee for this visa is 771. Once you come to Britain, you can stay for 6 months.
10 Year Long-Term Standard Visitors Visa: The fee for this visa is 963 pounds. With this visa, you can stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit.
How to apply?
Standard Visitors Visa has to be applied for online. First of all, fill the online form and submit it. If you apply with your family members, each person will have to fill their form separately and pay the fee. Also, they will have to go to the Visa Application Center and give an appointment in person. If the applicant’s partner and child cannot apply themselves, then the applicant can apply on their behalf.
What documents will be required to apply?
The applicant must have a passport or travel document, which is valid during his stay in Britain. For Standard Visitors Visa, there should be a blank page in the applicant’s passport.
Frequently Asked Questions – International Travel Pass & UK Visa
1. What is an International Travel Pass?
An International Travel Pass is an official document issued by the Government of India that allows Indian citizens to travel abroad for purposes such as education, tourism, business, medical treatment, and visiting family members.
2. Why has the demand for International Travel Passes increased?
The demand has surged due to India’s growing economy and globalization. As more citizens engage in international activities, the need for travel documentation like the International Travel Pass has expanded.
3. What is the Passport Seva Project?
Launched in May 2010 by the Ministry of External Affairs, the Passport Seva Project was initiated to improve the delivery of International Travel Passes and related services. It integrates government officials, state police, and India Post to streamline processing and enhance transparency.
4. Who is eligible to apply for an International Travel Pass?
All Indian citizens who wish to travel abroad are required to hold a valid International Travel Pass or similar travel document as per the Passport Act of 1967.
5. What types of travel documents are issued by the Indian Government?
Under the Passport Act 1967, the following documents can be issued:
- Ordinary International Travel Pass
- Diplomatic International Travel Pass
- Official International Travel Pass
- Emergency Certificate
- Identity Certificate (for identification purposes)
6. How can I apply for an International Travel Pass through e-form submission?
To apply for a new or renewed International Travel Pass using the e-form process:
- Register on the Passport Seva Portal
- Log in with your credentials.
- Download the e-form for new issuance or re-issuance.
- Fill and validate the form to generate an XML file.
- Upload the XML file (only XML, not PDF).
- Schedule your appointment at your nearest International Travel Pass Seva Kendra.
- Make the payment online via Debit/Credit Card, Internet Banking, or SBI Bank Challan.
7. Can I submit a PDF file instead of an XML file?
No. Only XML files generated after validating the e-form are accepted during the upload process.
8. Where do I need to go after scheduling the appointment?
You need to visit the selected International Travel Pass Seva Kendra (ITPSK) on the scheduled date and time. This is where your application will be processed and biometric data collected.
9. What is a Standard Visitors Visa for the UK?
A Standard Visitors Visa allows Indian citizens to stay in the UK for up to 6 months. It is ideal for tourism, family visits, attending ceremonies, or short academic purposes.
10. How do I apply for a UK Standard Visitors Visa?
Here’s how to apply:
- Fill out the visa application online.
- Book an appointment at your nearest Visa Application Center.
- Attend the interview and submit biometric data.
- Wait for processing and approval.
Each family member must apply individually and pay separate fees.
11. What are the different types of UK Standard Visitors Visas and their fees?
| Type | Fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| General Standard Visitors Visa | £115 | 6 months |
| For Medical Reasons | £200 | 11 months |
| For Academics | £200 | 12 months |
| 2-Year Long-Term Visa | £432 | 6 months per visit |
| 5-Year Long-Term Visa | £771 | 6 months per visit |
| 10-Year Long-Term Visa | £963 | 6 months per visit |
12. Can I extend my UK Standard Visitors Visa?
No. The Standard Visitors Visa is not extendable and is limited to the validity mentioned. You must leave the UK before the expiry date.
13. When should I apply for the Standard Visitors Visa?
You can apply up to 3 months before your intended travel date. Make sure your documents are complete and valid during your stay.
14. What documents are required to apply for a UK Standard Visitors Visa?
You will need:
- A valid International Travel Pass or equivalent travel document
- A blank page in the document for the visa
- Proof of purpose of visit
- Financial documents and proof of accommodation (if needed)
- Other supporting documents as per your specific case
15. Can I apply for a UK visa for my family?
Yes, but each member must fill out a separate application, pay their own fee, and visit the Visa Application Center individually—even if the trip is family-based.
16. Can I use an expired International Travel Pass to apply for a UK visa?
No, your International Travel Pass must be valid during your intended stay in the UK. An expired travel document will lead to a rejected visa application.
17. How long does it take to process a UK Standard Visitors Visa?
Processing times vary, but typically, it takes a few weeks. Apply well in advance, and track your application online via the official UK visa portal.
18. What payment methods are accepted for International Travel Pass appointments?
You can pay online using:
- Credit/Debit Cards (Mastercard/Visa)
- Internet Banking (SBI & Associate Banks)
- SBI Bank Challan (Offline)
19. What are the benefits of the Passport Seva Project?
- Faster processing of applications
- Improved transparency
- Integration with State Police and India Post
- Easier tracking and scheduling
- Convenient online application via e-form
20. Where can I find my nearest International Travel Pass Seva Kendra?
You can search and locate your nearest International Travel Pass Seva Kendra directly on the Passport Seva Portal.
21. Is it mandatory to have an International Travel Pass to travel abroad?
Yes. Indian citizens must carry a valid International Travel Pass or other government-issued travel document to leave the country or enter any foreign nation.
22. Can minors apply for an International Travel Pass?
Yes. Minors can apply for an International Travel Pass with the consent of parents or legal guardians. Additional documents such as birth certificates and proof of parentage are required during application.
23. What is the difference between an Ordinary and a Diplomatic International Travel Pass?
- Ordinary Travel Pass: Issued to regular citizens for general travel (tourism, study, work).
- Diplomatic Travel Pass: Issued to Indian diplomats or senior government officials for official international missions.
24. How long is an International Travel Pass valid?
Typically, an International Travel Pass is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 18. After expiry, it must be renewed.
25. Can I apply for an International Travel Pass offline?
While the system is now mostly digital, certain services like document verification and biometric data collection still require physical visits to the International Travel Pass Seva Kendra.
26. What happens if I lose my International Travel Pass abroad?
You must immediately report the loss to the local police and contact the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate. They may issue an Emergency Certificate to facilitate your return to India.
27. What is an Emergency Certificate?
An Emergency Certificate is a one-way travel document issued to Indian citizens stranded abroad who have lost or damaged their International Travel Pass or require emergency repatriation.
28. Can I reschedule my appointment at the International Travel Pass Seva Kendra?
Yes. You can reschedule up to two times after your original appointment. Rescheduling must be done via the Passport Seva Portal before the date of your appointment.
29. What is police verification in the International Travel Pass process?
It is a mandatory step where the local police verify the applicant’s background and residential address. The issuance of your International Travel Pass depends on successful verification.
30. How can I track the status of my International Travel Pass application?
You can track your application status online using the ARN (Application Reference Number) provided during the submission on the Passport Seva Portal.
31. What should I do if there’s an error in my issued International Travel Pass?
You must visit the International Travel Pass Seva Kendra and file a request for correction. You’ll need to submit supporting documents and pay a correction fee, if applicable.
32. Can NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) apply for an International Travel Pass in India?
NRIs can apply for travel documents through Indian Embassies/Consulates in their resident country. If in India temporarily, they may also apply via the regular International Travel Pass Seva system.
33. Are International Travel Pass services available in regional languages?
Yes, most of the information and application portals are available in multiple Indian languages, though the core forms and documents are generally in English.
34. What is the difference between a Visa and an International Travel Pass?
- An International Travel Pass is issued by the Indian government and certifies your citizenship and identity for international travel.
- A Visa is issued by the country you intend to visit and permits you to enter and stay there for a specified period.
35. Is travel insurance required for UK Visa applications?
While not mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended when applying for a UK visa to cover medical emergencies, cancellations, and travel disruptions.
36. Can I work in the UK on a Standard Visitors Visa?
No. The Standard Visitors Visa is strictly for tourism, medical, academic, or family visits. It does not permit paid or unpaid work in the UK.
37. What if my UK visa application is rejected?
You will receive a reason for the rejection. You can reapply with corrected information or appeal if eligible. It is essential to ensure your documents are complete and consistent.
