Passport renewal is necessary for NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) to have valid documents for travel and residency when residing abroad. Indian passports held by NRIs need to be renewed before they expire to prevent legal and travel issues. Renewal is distinct from obtaining a fresh passport and has to be conducted through the Indian embassy or consulate in the country of residence of the NRI.
When to Renew the Passport of an NRI
- Prior to Expiry: One should apply for renewal at least 6 months prior to expiry.
- Damaged, Lost or Stolen Passport: If passport is lost, stolen or damaged, it must be renewed.
- Change in Personal Details: If name, spouse's name, address, or appearance has undergone a change, the passport has to be renewed.
- Exhausted Pages: If all pages in the passport are used, a new passport needs to be issued.
How to Renew an Indian Passport for NRIs?
The renewal process for an NRI passport involves the following steps:
- Visit the Official Portal – Go to the website of the Indian Mission (Embassy/Consulate) in the country of residence. Some NRIs can apply via the Passport Seva website.
- Fill Out the Online Application – Fill up the renewal form and upload necessary documents.
- Book an Appointment – Fix an appointment for document verification and biometrics at the local Indian Embassy/Consulate or VFS Global centre.
- Submit Required Documents – Bring the original passport and necessary documents to the embassy on the appointed day.
- Pay Renewal Fees – Varies per country and relies on the pages of the new passport (36 or 60 pages).
- Track Application Status – Utilize the tracking system of the concerned embassy or VFS Global to monitor the progress.
- Get the Renewed Passport – The renewed passport is generally sent by courier or may be picked up from the embassy. The processing would normally take 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the nation and embassy volume.
Documents Needed for NRI Passport Renewal
- Original current Indian passport and photocopy of the first and last pages.
- Valid visa, residence permit, or Green Card of the host country.
- Recent passport photos according to embassy specifications.
- Evidence of residence in the foreign state (utility bill, lease document, or bank statement).
- In case, evidence of a change of name, addition of spouse's name, or change of address.
- Police report (where the passport has been lost or stolen).
