Passport Office in Chennai
Passport Office in Chennai
Chennai brims with unexpected delights. A hive of activity with a booming economy and a flourishing scene for music and arts, Chennai also proudly preserves its deep past, with some neighbourhoods whispering tales of over 1,500 years. While Chennai basks in the glory of its rich culture and history, the residents here are eager to explore new horizons across the globe too.
With handy passport offices and Seva Kendras scattered throughout Chennai, residents can easily set out on international adventures for work, business ventures, educational pursuits or simply some fun in the sun.
Let us explore the advantages and the functions you can bag from the Passport Office in Chennai.
The Regional Passport Office in Chennai
The Chennai Regional Passport Office dates back to 1955. It started in George Town but moved to its current spot at Shastri Bhavan in 1966. Back then, it covered a much bigger area, including all of Tamil Nadu, neighbouring Puducherry and even states like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
These other states eventually got their own RPOs to handle the growing demand for passports. Separate passport offices were established for these other states in 1976. The jurisdiction of the Chennai RPO was further refined with the creation of a separate office in Trichy in 1983.
Presently, the Chennai RPO caters to these districts:
Chennai City
Chennai Suburban
Cuddalore
Dharmapuri
Erode
Kanchipuram
Tiruvallur
Tiruvannamalai
Vellore
Villupuram
Contact Details of the Regional Passport Office in Chennai
For any passport-related inquiries or services, please reach out to the Regional Passport Office in Chennai using the Passport Office Chennai contact number and address outlined below.
Passport Office Chennai Address: Head Post Office, Royala Towers No.2 and 3 IV Floor, Old No. 785 New No.158, Anna Salai Chennai, Tamil Nadu - 600002.
Telephone Number: 044 - 2851 8848
National Call Centre Number: 1800-258-1800 (8:00 AM to 10:00 PM)
Email ID: rpo.chennai@mea.gov.in
Details of the Public Grievance Cell Officer:
Name of the Public Grievance Cell Office | Shri Bal Krishan |
---|---|
Contact Number of the Public Grievance Cell Officer | +91 11 2338 4497 |
Fax Number of the Public Grievance Cell Officer | +91 11 2338 4461 |
Email ID of the Public Grievance Cell Officer | passport.pg@mea.gov.in |
Address of the Public Grievance Cell Officer | Public Grievance Officer PSP Division, |
Ministry of External Affairs Room No. 24, Patiala House Tilak Marg, New Delhi - 110001 |
Chennai Passport Seva Kendra Addresses
Following suit with Chennai's Regional Passport Office (RPO), Passport Seva Chennai locations and contact details can be found below:
PSK/POPSK | Location | Phone Number | Email ID |
---|---|---|---|
PSK Saligramam | No. 1, Bhanumathi Ramakrishna Road, | 044 2851 3640 | rpo.chennai@mea.gov.in |
Bharani Colony, Vijayaraghavapuram, Saligramam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu - 600093 | |||
PSK Aminjikarai | Head Post Office, | 044 2851 3640 | rpo.chennai@mea.gov.in |
Navins Presidium, No. 103, Nelson Manickam Road, Aminjikarai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu - 600030 | |||
PSK Tambaram | Head Post Office, | 044 2851 3640 | rpo.chennai@mea.gov.in |
Claret Complex, | |||
Duraisamy Reddy Street, Tambaram, Chennai, | |||
Tamil Nadu - 600045 | |||
Post Office PSK Chennai GPO | 1/10, Rajaji Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu - 600001 | 044 2526 0600 | rpo.chennai@mea.gov.in |
Applying for a Passport in Chennai
Regardless of your residence, travel documents like passports are essential. They also act as a form of identification when venturing abroad. In recent years, the desire for international travel and the interconnectedness of the world have driven a surge in passport applications.
Tabulated below are the different kinds of passports you may apply for, along with the eligibility requirements:
Passport Type | Eligibility Criteria | Features | Colour Code |
---|---|---|---|
Ordinary Passport (Type P) | Issued to regular citizens for standard travel purposes such as vacations, business trips and family visits. | Valid for ten years for adults and five years for minors. Also, the passport is renewable. | Navy Blue |
Diplomatic Passport (Type D) | Exclusively issued to Indian diplomats, top-ranking government officials and individuals travelling on official government assignments. | Offers special privileges and is recognised by countries worldwide for diplomatic immunity. | Maroon |
Official Passport (Type O) | Issued to government employees and individuals representing the Indian government on official duty abroad. | Valid for the entire duration of the official assignment, it facilitates smoother travel for official purposes. | White |
How to Apply for a Passport Using Passport Seva in Chennai?
Passport Seva Kendras are the outposts of Passport Offices in India, bringing passport services directly to residents in major and secondary cities. PSKs remove the necessity of applying for passports via agents by providing online services to applicants. PSKs also guarantee the secure, transparent and swift processing of passport applications.
The cost of acquiring a new passport is ₹1,500, and a reissue comes in at ₹2,000. You also have the option to apply for your passport under the Regular or Tatkal scheme, which will cost you ₹3,000. The application procedures themselves are identical, with the differentiating factors being processing speed and associated fees.
To delve deeper into the cost breakdown, please click this link.
There are two primary methods for securing a passport in Chennai: online and the traditional in-person approach.
Online Passport Application Process in Chennai
Here is a breakdown of the process to secure your passport at Passport Seva Kendra online:
Navigate to the official Passport Seva portal and register as a user.
After creating your login credentials on the platform, proceed to sign in using those details.
Opt for the "Apply for Fresh Passport or Reissue of Passport" section. Carefully fill out the application form with the required details, including your name, contact information and so on.
Once you have completed the application, proceed to the "View Saved or Submitted Applications" section and choose "Pay and Schedule Appointment”.
Since online payment is mandatory for securing an appointment at Passport Seva Kendra, select your preferred method from the following options:
Internet Banking: Accessible through the State Bank of India and other partnered banks.
Credit/Debit Card: Visa or MasterCard are accepted.
SBI Bank Challan: While available, this option might be less convenient compared to digital payments.
While you have the option to "Print Application Receipt" for your records, it is no longer mandatory. On your Passport Office in Chennai appointment day, you can simply present the SMS containing your appointment details, including the Appointment Reference Number, for verification purposes.
Offline Passport Application Process in Chennai
Here is a breakdown of the process for securing your passport at a Passport Seva Kendra in person:
Ensure you have all the necessary documentation assembled before heading to the PSK Chennai address for your passport application.
You can either acquire the passport application form beforehand by downloading it from the Passport Seva portal or obtain one directly from the PSK centre.
Thoroughly fill out the passport application form and affix your signature.
Secure an appointment at your closest PSK centre. You can do this conveniently through the official website or by contacting the PSK helpline.
Make your way to the PSK on your designated appointment day. Bring your completed application form and all required documents, and come strictly within the stipulated Chennai passport office timings.
Adhere to the instructions provided by the PSK staff to finalise the application process.
Settle the application fee according to the specific form you submitted. Do not forget to secure a receipt for your records after completing the payment process.
Your Indian passport will be delivered to your registered address within a timeframe that can vary from a few days to even weeks, depending on several factors.
Documents Needed to Apply for a Passport in Chennai
We have covered the passport application process online and offline. Now, let us ensure you have all the essential documents in order for a smooth application experience!
Address Proof: E-Aadhaar/Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card, Water Bill, Telephone Bill, Electricity Bill, Bank Account Statement, Rent Agreement, Gas Connection, Income Tax Assessment Order.
Proof of Birth: School Leaving Certificate, Birth Certificate, Voter ID Card, Driving Licence, PAN Card, E-Aadhaar/Aadhaar Card.
Photo ID Proof: Voter ID, Driving License, PAN Card, E-Aadhaar/Aadhaar Card, Ration Card.
Passport-size Photos: You must put forth a minimum of two recent passport-size images with a white background.
[Note: If you are having an old passport, you must submit it together with your passport application form]
How Can You Track Your Passport in Chennai?
Once you have submitted your passport application, you might be eager to track its progress. Here is a quick guide on how to check or track the status of your passport application in Chennai online:
Navigate to the Passport Seva portal and select "Track Your Application Status".
From the selection menu, choose the kind of passport that applies to you.
Input your unique 15-character identification code and your date of birth as specified.
Select the 'Track Status' button, and your application's current status will be displayed on the device’s screen.
You will receive a text message notification as soon as your passport is shipped via mail. You can track its progress even during this transit period. You will need the unique tracking number sent to you through SMS. This number can be used for status updates through the SMS service itself or the official website of the courier company the Chennai PSK uses.
Is It Possible to Get Your Passport Quickly in Chennai?
Unlike in the past, the passport application and issuance process has been revamped for increased speed and efficiency.
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) offers a fast-track option called the Tatkal Passport to expedite your passport application. This service can significantly reduce processing time, delivering your passport in as little as 1-3 working days, provided police verification is clear.
To leverage Tatkal processing, you will need to pay an additional fee in addition to the standard passport charges and submit the required documents along with proof of your urgent travel needs.
Conclusion
Locating a passport office in Chennai should not be a challenge since it is a prominent Indian metropolis. The city boasts multiple PSK locations along with a dedicated Regional Passport Office. This extensive network ensures a smooth and transparent passport application experience for residents seeking a new passport.
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Disclaimer / TnC
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