Passport Office in Gangtok
Passport Office in Gangtok
Gangtok is a city of mesmerising views and abundant natural beauty. It is also the largest and most populated city in the State of Sikkim.
Over the years, the city has progressed, with the residents engaging in business and students taking up higher studies. Thus, a passport is an essential identity and travel document needed by residents if they wish to travel abroad for business, education, tourism, etc.
To make it easier for the residents to obtain a passport, Passport Seva Gangtok was established. This article enlists all the necessary information related to the passport application process, PSK Gangtok address, fees, etc.
Expert's Guide to Dubai Visa Process
How To Find The Best Travel Insurance Plan?
8 Documents Required For International Travel
The Regional Passport Office in Gangtok
There is no Regional Passport Office (RPO) in Gangtok, as it is covered under the jurisdiction of RPO Kolkata. However, to facilitate passport procurement for the residents, a PSK Gangtok has been established. The PSK, also known as the Passport Seva Kendra, is a branch of the RPO. The RPO is the head passport office that guides the PSK functionality.
The Gangtok PSK is a government-run organisation which performs functions and services similar to those of an RPO. It enables the residents to make passport applications conveniently within the city limits.
Some of the services provided by the passport office in Gangtok are as follows:
Passport Issuance to the applicants | Accepting the passport applications received from the public | Verifying the application details |
---|---|---|
Carrying out police verification to confirm the applicant details provided | Providing police clearance certificates | Printing and delivery of passports |
Contact Details of the Passport Seva In Gangtok
If you have any questions or queries relating to the passport application process, you can contact the PSK at the passport office gangtok contact number for assistance. The passport seva officials will be glad to answer your questions. Following are the contact details, such as the address and email ID, through which you can reach out to them.
PSK Gangtok Address | Passport Seva Kendra, Manan Kendra, Development Area |
---|---|
State | Sikkim |
Pin Code | 737101 |
National Call Centre Number | 1800-258-1800 |
Email address | rpo.kolkata@mea.gov.in |
Details of the Public Grievance Cell |
|
Officer Name | Shri Bal Krishan |
Address | Public Grievance Officer |
PSP Division, Ministry of External Affairs | |
Room No. 24, Patiala House | |
Tilak Marg, New Delhi - 110001 | |
Telephone Number | +91 11 23384497/23384519 |
Fax No | -23384381 |
passport.pg@mea.gov.in |
Indian Passports: An Overview
The Indian passport ranks 72nd in the world with a mobility score of 73. It is a crucial identity document issued by the Ministry of External Affairs of India. Indian passport holders can travel to 26 countries without a visa, including Thailand, Nepal, Kenya, Malaysia, etc.
A passport enables Indians to travel to all countries of the world for leisure, education, business, medical treatment and many other purposes.
As citizens of India, Gangtok residents must be aware of the types of passports and their eligibility criteria so they know the passport category applicable to them.
Passport Type | Eligibility | Colour Code |
---|---|---|
Official Passport | Government officials on duty | White |
Diplomatic Passport | Diplomats and High-Ranking officials | Maroon |
Ordinary Passport | General Citizens | Blue |
A fourth category of passports previously available in India was the ECR passport, which was orange in colour. It was issued to those Indians who were yet to complete their 10th-grade qualification.
Thus, the importance of an Indian passport can be seen from the above-mentioned facts. To reap the benefits of an Indian passport and travel the world, Gangtok residents must apply for a passport at the PSK in Gangtok.
How to Apply for a Passport Using Passport Seva in Gangtok
Through technological integration and an increased network of passport offices, the government has speeded up the passport issuance process in India. One can now conveniently apply for a passport without standing in long queues using online and offline services.
-Online Passport Application Process In Gangtok
Visit the Passport Seva official website.
On the Homepage, navigate to the “New User Registration” tab and click it.
Create an account on the portal by following the instructions. Provide an active email address and phone number for creating an account successfully.
Perform account verification using the link sent to the email and log in to your account using the new credentials.
On the Homepage, click on the “Apply for New Passport/Re-issue of Passport” tab.
You must then fill out the application form accurately with all the details. Ensure to provide the correct spelling of your name, address, etc.
Upload the form and the supporting documents on the portal.
Next, you must pay the passport application fee online. For this, select “View Saved or Submitted Applications”. Then, click on “Pay and Schedule Appointment.”
Make the fee payment using the available options. Remember to download the payment receipt and take its printout.
Schedule a passport office in Gangtok appointment as per your preference, at the PSK near you.
Remember to visit the PSK during the Gangtok passport office timings on the scheduled day and time.
-Note: One must visit the passport office within 90 days from the date of online form submission. If you do not visit the passport within 90 days, you must re-submit the application form.
Take all the necessary documents and their photocopies along.
Complete the biometrics and other formalities at the passport office, which includes visiting counters A, B and C.
Once you have given your biometrics information at the passport office, you will get an acknowledgement receipt with a reference number.
Next, a police verification will be conducted, after which your passport will be dispatched to your address.
Note: If the passport application is for a minor who is below 4 years of age, one must carry a passport-size photograph measuring 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm consisting of a white background.
-Offline Passport Application Process In Gangtok
While the entire passport application process has been digitalised, you can choose to fill out the application form offline. Here are the steps to follow if you want to fill out the form using the offline method.
Download the passport application form from the “Forms and Affidavits” tab.
Once the form is saved to your system, open it and fill it out accurately with the correct information.
Upload the form on the Passport Seva portal using the Upload E form link.
Proceed to pay the application fee and schedule an appointment at your convenience.
On the scheduled day, visit the PSK Gangtok and complete the procedure.
Documents Needed to Apply for a Passport in Gangtok
The key to a successful passport application in Gangtok or anywhere in India is submitting the right documents. If any of the required documents are missing or inaccurate, your passport application may be rejected.
Submit the following documents while applying for a passport:
Birth date proof, such as birth certificate, Aadhar card, driving licence, etc.
Residential address proof includes an Aadhar card, passport, etc.
Applicants photo ID proof such as voter ID, PAN card, driving licence, etc.
Old passport, if the passport has expired.
Parents' address proof in case of the minor’s passport.
Relevant certificates and documents are needed in case of a name change.
Academic certificate
How Can You Track Your Passport in Gangtok?
Once you have submitted the application and attended the passport interview at the passport office in Gangtok, you can keep track of your passport status by following these steps.
Navigate to the Passport Seva website.
Use the “Track Application Status” tab to track the passport by clicking on it.
On the next page, select your application type from the dropdown menu as “Passport/PCC/IC/GEP”.
Next, enter the file number and date of birth in the space provided.
Click on “Track Status.”
Your passport status will reflect on the screen.
The authorities also notify you via SMS about the status of your passport application using the registered mobile number. The SMS contains a consignment number associated with your passport. You can use the consignment number to track the passport location while it is in transit. Once the passport has reached the nearest P.O., you can wait for it to be delivered to your home or collect it personally. Remember to bring proof of valid ID along with you to collect the passport.
Is it Possible to Get Your Passport Quickly in Gangtok?
Yes, Gangtok residents can now quickly get their passports using the Tatkaal Scheme introduced by the Ministry of External Affairs. When one applies for a passport using the Tatkal scheme, the passport is issued and delivered within 1-3 working days if all the documentation is accurate.
An application under the normal scheme may take anywhere from 7-10 working days without police verification for passport re-issue. The average police verification time in India is around 14 days.
However, the fees for a Tatkal passport is higher than the fees for the normal passport. You can find the details of the normal and tatkal passport on the official website of passport India.
About mPassport Seva App
The mPassport Seva app is also a revolutionary dimension introduced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)in the passport application landscape. It allows citizens to carry out various tasks related to their passport applications, making it even more convenient. The app is available for download on PlayStore or App Store on the mobile.
You can do the following using the app:
Register/create an account on the passport portal.
Apply, pay and schedule a passport appointment.
Find out about the nearest PSK or passport office
Learn the steps involved in a passport application.
Get access to the helpline number for queries and concerns.
Learn about the documents needed for passport application, renewal, etc.
Track the passport status with the help of the file number and date of birth.
Conclusion
A passport establishes your identity in the global landscape, allowing you to benefit from various opportunities abroad. Thanks to digital advancement and technology, applying for a passport is simple and convenient.
Whether you reside in Gangtok or anywhere in India, you can easily apply for a passport by completing the application online and attending an interview at the PSK/RPO near you. Gangtok residents must attend the passport interview at the PSK Gangtok and after a successful interview and verification, the passport will be delivered in a few days.
Securing Trips With TATA AIG Travel Insurance Policy
While a passport is the most crucial document required for travelling to any country, valid travel insurance is also important. In fact, many countries require foreign nationals to have travel insurance mandatorily.
Here, TATA AIG international travel medical insurance comes to the rescue. It is an efficient insurance plan curated to protect travellers during their journey. Our plan offers extensive protection covering sickness, accidents, medical evacuation, death and repatriation, etc. Our travel insurance also protects you against passport loss, luggage loss or delay, flight cancellation, trip curtailment or extension, plane hijack, personal liability, and much more.
Travelling with your family? No worries, we have got all your loved ones covered with our family travel insurance plan, which is suitable for 6 family members. We also offer single-trip insurance, multi-trip insurance, student travel insurance and senior citizen insurance.
Buy our travel insurance online, starting at ₹40.82 per day and reap plenty of benefits, such as cashless hospitalisation, 24/7 customer support, all-day medical assistance and much more.
Disclaimer / TnC
Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions & inclusions and exclusions mentioned in your policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.