PUBLIC NOTICE

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has set a deadline of the 24th November 2015 for globally phasing out all non-Machine Readable Passports (MRPs).From 25thNovember 2015 onwards, foreign Governments may deny visa or entry to any person travelling with a non-MRP passport.

2.All handwritten passports with pasted photos earlier issued by Government of India are considered non-MRP passports. All 20 – year validity passports will also fall in this category. The Government started issuing MRP passports since 2001.All new Indian passports are ICAO-compliant MRP passports.

3.Indian citizens residing in India and abroad and holding handwritten passports as well as 20-year passports with validity beyond the 24th November 2015, should, therefore, apply for re-issue of passports and obtain MRP passports well before the deadline in order   to   avoid   any   inconvenience   in   obtaining   foreign   visa   or immigration problem.

4. For more details related to passport services, Passport website (www.passportindia.gov.in)   or   the   National  Call   Centre  (toll   free number 1800-258-1800) may be accessed.