How to Apply for Your Baby's Passport in India?
How to Apply for Your Baby's Passport in India?
It is important for parents to know that a passport is necessary for an infant, even if the child will not be travelling any time soon. Having a passport is not just an official form of identification but it also offers convenience and peace of mind in case you plan to travel internationally. So, make your baby trip-ready now, and do not wait for future hassles. Also, if you are planning for an upcoming tour, make sure you also have travel insurance to secure your trip. This article will guide you on how you can get a passport for an infant in India.
Before we start discussing the application procedure, let us take a look at some of the important things you should know:
1. The infant’s passport for newborn baby in India can be applied for even if the parents do not have a passport. However, there is always an advantage when either of the parents has a passport.
2. In case a parent has a valid passport, a copy of the same should be attached along with the other documents.
3. If a parent is in a foreign country, the other parent needs to fill in Annexure D or C which has to be submitted by the other parent.
4. A minor passport for newborn baby in India is valid till the child turns five or 18, whichever is earlier.
5. In case the child is between 15 years to 18 years, the parents have the choice to opt either for 10 years or till the time the child turns 18.
How to get a Passport
Indian parents can apply for a new passport for a child under 18 years old at the nearest Regional Passport Office as well as Passport Seva Kendra. The required documents include the baby’s birth certificate, photos, identity proof and address proof of both parents and the application fee. It takes about two to six weeks in total to complete the whole process. Here's more about it.
1. Go for a passport when the baby is less than one year of age. The Tatkaal scheme requires a fresh application after one year.
2. Visit the official website of the passport for the baby and download the passport application form all details of the baby and parents should be filled in accurately.
3. Enclosed are documents such as birth certificates indicating parents’ names, No objection certificate if the single parent is working, and parents’ address proof.
4. Customers should visit the nearest passport office or Seva Kendra to get an appointment. It is recommended that each document be carried in its original form along with a photocopy. Pictures and fingerprints of the baby will be taken.
5. Additional services such as the number of years of passport validity should be paid for as per the required fee. Payment can be made online or through demand draft.
6. The police clearance will be conducted at the provided local address. The mother has to be present during the home visit as well as the father.
7. The passport will be printed and dispatched to the address provided within 1-2 weeks in case the police verification report is clear. Report any change of address.
8. Applying for a passport for newborn baby in India within three months of the baby’s birth is one of the ways that would ease the process.
9. Keep the original copy of the birth certificate for immigration purposes when going overseas with the baby.
Apply Offline Passport
Not everyone may prefer the online process of applying for a passport for a newborn. So, do not worry; the government has the offline method active as well. One can easily follow the simple steps to get a passport for an infant in India. The steps involved are:
1. Visit the nearest passport office or Passport Seva Kendra. To find the nearest centre click: https://passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/locatePSK/locatePFCInp
2. Ask for the relevant form and fill it out carefully
3. Re-check all the details and submit it along with the required documents
4. Pay the necessary passport fees to complete the process
A passport is an official identification document that everyone should have. Any individual, be it an infant, a minor or an adult, should have a passport so one can make travel plans anytime. For a foreign trip, international travel insurance is equally important. It lets you enjoy your trip stress-free, and even if something goes wrong when you are far away from home, your insurance policy can be a big support.
Documents Required
Whether you follow the online or offline method for obtaining a passport for infants in India, there are certain documents that you have to submit. Keep all these documents handy before you begin the application process:
1. The birth certificate of your infant as issued by the municipal corporation.
2. Address proof (can present one of the parent's passports as address proof).
3. Duly filled Annexure H as collected from Passport Seva Kendra.
4. Recent passport-size photographs of the infant.
5. The arrangement receipt.
6. Any other document, if asked by the Passport Seva Kendra.
Fee Structure
In India, the fee for applying for an infant passport is typically Rs. 1,000 for a regular passport application, while a Tatkal (urgent) application would cost Rs. 2,000; this applies to minors under 18 years old, with the passport validity limited to 5 years.
Timeline
From the time of applying for a passport for infants in India, parents need to wait for a few days to receive the passport. The processing time may differ depending on several factors and under certain circumstances. However, the average time period after affirmation is 4-7 days.
Once you have made the payment and successfully submitted all the documents, you will receive an affirmation regarding the same. After affirmation, it may take up to 7 days to process the infant's passport.
Additional Information
1. Get a passport for a baby when he/she is 90 days to 1 year old. Can apply earlier for international travel.
2. The passport application form has to be completed online. Scan and upload documents such as a parent's passport, a birth certificate of a baby, address proof etc.
3. Schedule an appointment with the Passport Seva Kendra. Baby should have both parents to accompany him/her.
4. The passport of the baby can be expected to be ready in 1-2 weeks if all necessary documents for the application are submitted. Comes with an expiry of 5 or 10 years.
5. Include the child’s name on the parent’s passport. It helps in getting clearance for immigration during international travel.
6. Buy international travel insurance for the baby, especially for health costs, cancellation of the trip etc.
7. Make extra passport pictures of the baby for visa purposes. Photocopy all the documents and prepare additional copies.
8. It is advisable to carry enough baby food, medicine, diapers etc for long flights. Carry a collapsible pram/stroller.
9. Every visitor should check the embassy of the country they are visiting to determine if there are any special requirements for infants such as special visas/paperwork.
10. If the baby is under two years old and will not be given a ticket and will be seated on the lap, it is advisable to inform the airline in advance. Book bassinet seats on the flight.
Conclusion
Getting a passport for your newborn baby is important so that you can travel outside the country. Having a passport ensures that you gain international travel insurance that will help you cover your child as well as provide you with that comfort as you travel in another country.
Having a valid passport and international travel insurance for your newborn from an early stage prepares them for visa-free travel around the world. For an Indian family, getting proper travel insurance, doing passport-related formalities before the travel bookings and getting the documents cleared for a newborn baby is imperative for hassle-free international travel.
FAQs
1. What is the processing time for passports for infants in India?
It may take up to a week to process the passport application for infants.
2. Can I apply for a passport for my infant if my spouse is abroad?
Yes. You can still apply. However, your spouse's signature will be required in Annexure D of the form.
3. Is it compulsory for the infant to be present at the Passport Seva Kendra when applying for a passport for an infant?
No. Your child does not have to be present. Only parents or guardians have to be present.
Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.
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