1. When and how can I apply for renewal/re-issue of my passport?
You may apply for renewal/re-issue of your passport up to 18 months before its expiry. A passport may also be re-issued before expiry in the following circumstances:
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Exhaustion of visa pages
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Change or correction in personal particulars
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Splitting of name into Given Name and Surname
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Addition, deletion, or change of spouse name
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Change in appearance or signature
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Damage to passport
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Loss of passport
Applicants must submit the prescribed application form along with supporting documents applicable to their case.
2. What are the requirements for a lost or damaged passport?
In case of a lost or damaged passport, the applicant is required to submit:
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Lost Report Circular issued by the Kuwait Passport Office (for lost passport cases)
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Annexure-F explaining the circumstances of the loss or damage
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Copy of the lost or damaged passport, if available
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Copy of Civil ID
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Applicable passport fee along with the prescribed additional fee for lost/damaged passports
Additional documents may be requested depending on the circumstances of the case.
3. What is the procedure for obtaining a passport under the Tatkaal scheme?
Applicants requiring an urgent passport may apply under the Tatkaal scheme by:
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Submitting a written undertaking explaining the urgency
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Providing two valid photo identity documents issued in India
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Paying the applicable Tatkaal fee in addition to the normal passport fee
Acceptance of Tatkaal applications is subject to approval by the Embassy. Once approved, the passport is generally dispatched within three working days after acceptance of the application.
4. What is the procedure for splitting a name into Given Name and Surname?
Applicants whose passports contain their complete name in a single field may apply for re-issue of the passport under the category of change in personal particulars.
The applicant must:
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Submit a request for splitting the name into Given Name and Surname
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Provide supporting identity documents showing the correct name format
Please note that this process only allows splitting of an existing name and does not permit addition, deletion, or modification of name components.
5. What are the requirements for addition of spouse name in a passport?
Applicants seeking to add their spouse's name in the passport must apply for passport re-issue under the category of change in personal particulars.
The following documents may be required:
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Marriage Certificate (preferred)
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Copy of spouse's passport
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Copy of Aadhaar Card or other supporting identification documents
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Prescribed application form and request letter
In cases where a Marriage Certificate is not submitted, police verification may be required.
6. What are the requirements for deletion of spouse name from a passport?
Applicants may request deletion of a spouse's name from their passport by applying for re-issue under the category of change in personal particulars.
The application should include:
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A written request stating the reason for deletion
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Relevant supporting documents, where applicable
Reasons may include:
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Divorce
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Death of spouse
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Other valid circumstances accepted by the competent authority
7. What is the procedure for changing or substituting a spouse's name in a passport?
Applicants who wish to replace an existing spouse's name with a new spouse's name may apply for passport re-issue.
This facility is generally applicable in cases such as:
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Divorce followed by remarriage
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Death of spouse followed by remarriage
Supporting documents may include:
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Divorce Decree or Divorce Certificate
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Death Certificate of former spouse
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Marriage Certificate of current marriage
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Copy of current spouse's passport or Aadhaar Card
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Prescribed request letter
Additional verification may be required depending on the documents submitted.
8. What are the requirements for obtaining a passport for a newborn baby?
For issuance of a passport to a newborn child, the following requirements must be fulfilled:
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Birth of the child must be registered with the Embassy of India
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Birth Certificate must be obtained after registration
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Spouse name endorsement must be available in at least one parent's passport
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Consent of both parents in the form of Annexure-D is mandatory
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Original Birth Card issued by the Ministry of Health, Kuwait, along with English translation
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Parents' passports and Civil IDs
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Registration of Birth on the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) portal
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Additional supporting documents, if required
If one parent is a foreign national, a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the respective Embassy may be required.
9. What are the requirements for registration of birth after one year?
The birth of a child should normally be registered with the Embassy within one year from the date of birth.
If registration could not be completed within this period, parents must submit:
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A written request explaining the reasons for delayed registration
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Supporting documents, if applicable
The Embassy will examine the request and process the application as per applicable rules and regulations.
10. Who is eligible for ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) status?
ECNR status may be granted to eligible applicants, including:
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Children below 18 years of age
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Applicants who have passed the 10th standard or higher
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Qualified nurses recognized under applicable regulations
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Diploma holders
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Professional degree holders and their spouses
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Individuals above 50 years of age
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Certain emigrants meeting the prescribed requirements
Applicants may be required to provide documentary proof supporting their eligibility.
11. What should I do if the lamination on my passport is damaged?
Applicants should not attempt to repair or re-laminate a passport on their own.
If the passport lamination is damaged:
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Visit the Embassy or authorized service center with the passport and identification documents
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The passport will be examined to determine the extent of damage
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If feasible, re-lamination may be carried out without charge
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If the passport is substantially damaged, the applicant may be required to apply for a fresh passport
12. What are the requirements for obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)?
Indian passport holders residing in Kuwait may apply for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
The process generally includes:
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Submission of the prescribed PCC application
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Verification of passport and supporting documents
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Police verification by the concerned authorities in India, where applicable
The PCC will be issued after successful completion of all required verifications and clearances.
Processing times may vary depending on the verification process.
Q.1 If I do not have to reissue OCI card do I need to register my new passport on OCI portal?
Yes. You are required to update the OCI database within 3 months of the issue of a new passport. Once the application has been submitted, you will receive an automated email to your registered email id, confirming that the database has been updated. It normally takes about 4 weeks.
Q.2 Can a person registered as an OCI be granted Indian citizenship?
Yes. As per the provisions of section 5(1)(g) of the Citizenship Act, 1955, a person who is registered as an OCI for 5 years and is residing in India for 1 year out of the above 5 years, is eligible to apply for Indian Citizenship.
Q.3 Do the Indian civil / criminal laws apply to persons registered as OCI?
Yes, for his / her period of stay in India.
Q.4 Can a person registered as an OCI Cardholder travel to protected area/restricted area without permission?
No. He / she will be required to obtain Protected Area Permit / Restricted Area Permit for such visits.
Q.5 What are the consequences of furnishing wrong information or suppressing material information?
All the applications will be subject to pre or post enquiry depending on whether any adverse information is voluntarily reported in the application or not. If the Government comes to know that any false information was furnished or material information was suppressed, the registration as OCI already granted shall be cancelled by an order under section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955. The persons will also be blacklisted thereby banning his/her entry into India.
Q.6 What should be done for issuance of duplicate OCI Card in case of loss of OCI Card?
In case of loss of OCI documents, file a complaint with the Police authorities. Apply online for reissue of OCI under lost category.
Q.7 Under what circumstances can the OCI Miscellaneous services be availed?
OCI Miscellaneous services can be availed for re-issuance/issuance of duplicate OCI Registration Certificate and Visa in the following category of cases:
- In case of issuance of new passport (refer to the condition according to one's age)
- In case of change of personal particulars viz. nationality etc.
- In case of loss/damage of OCI registration certificate/visa.
- If wrong personal particular is filled in the online application viz. name, father's name, date of birth etc.
- In case of manually filled in applications (discontinued now) mistakes have been committed by the Indian Mission/Post/Office while entering the personal particulars.
- In case of change of address/occupation
Q.8 Who can avail the OCI Miscellaneous services?
Only a registered Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holder can avail the OCI Miscellaneous Services.
Q.9 What are the miscellaneous services available to the OCI card holder at Kuwait ICAC?
The following miscellaneous services are available at Kuwait ICAC:
- Reissue of OCI card in case of issuance of new passport after completing 20 years of age.
- Reissue of OCI card in lieu of Loss/damaged OCI card
- Reissue of OCI card due to change of personal particulars like Change of name, viz. name, father's name, nationality etc.
Q.10 Can I travel to India with just my OCI Card, or should I also carry the passport which contains the 'U' Visa (OCI Visa)?
No need to carry the passport which contains the U visa. Vide circular No. 26011/06/2015-OCI dated 29th January, 2015 of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India has decided that, all immigration authorities in India will not insist on production of the foreign passport containing the 'U' Visa Sticker in the case of OCI Cardholders while they enter/exit India and the immigration clearance will be granted based on production of just the valid OCI card, accompanied by a valid passport (which may not have the U visa sticker).
Q.11 Can an OCI Card holder renounce his OCI status?
Yes, he/she has to declare their intention of renunciation in Form XXII to the Indian Mission/Post where OCI registration was granted.
Q.12 I have a valid OCI Card and a valid foreign passport. Is there any minimum validity specified for my foreign passport?
You will be allowed entry into India if you have a valid OCI Card and a valid foreign passport. You do not need to carry the old passport on which your "U" (OCI) Visa was stamped, if that happens to be different from your current passport.
Q.13 Who is eligible to apply for OCI card?
A foreign national, who was eligible to become a citizen of India on 26.01.1950 or was a citizen of India on or at anytime after 26.01.1950 or belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15.08.1947 and his/her children and grand children, provided his/her country of citizenship allows dual citizenship in some form or other under the local laws, is eligible for registration as an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI). Minor children of such person are also eligible for OCI. However, if the applicant had ever been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh, he/she will not be eligible for OCI.
Q.14 I have recently acquired a new passport; do I need to re-issue my OCI card?
OCI Card renewal is only required once after acquiring a new passport after turning 20 years of age.
Q.15 Whether civil Govt. servant working in Ministry of Defense as IT engineers/civil contractors entitled for OCI?
No.
Q.16 Are Minor children eligible for OCI Card?
Yes, minor children whose both parents are citizens of India or one of the parents is a citizen of India are eligible for OCI Card.
Q.17 Can foreign nationals, who are not otherwise eligible for OCI, get OCI if they are married to persons who are eligible for OCI?
Yes, the spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or spouse of foreign origin of an Overseas Citizen of India cardholder registered under section 7A and whose marriage has been registered and subsisted for a continuous period of not less than two years immediately preceding the presentation of the application.
Q.18 What are the benefits to which an OCI card holder is NOT entitled to?
The OCI Card holder is not entitled:
- To vote
- To be a member of a Legislative Assembly or of a Legislative Council or of the Parliament of India
- To hold Indian constitutional posts such as that of the President, Vice President, Judge of the Supreme Court or High Court etc.
- OCI cardholder shall also require Protected Area Permit (PAP) / Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit any place which falls within the Protected/Restricted Area notified by the Government as in the case of any other foreigner.
- He/she cannot normally hold employment in the Government or undertake any Missionary work, Mountaineering and Journalism without prior permission of the Govt. of India
Q.19 What are the benefits available to an OCI Card holder?
An OCI card holder gets the following benefits:
- A multiple entry, multi-purpose life-long visa for visiting India.
- Exemption from registration with local police authority for any length of stay in India.
- Parity with Non-resident Indians (NRIs) in respect of economic, financial and educational fields as per the relevant Acts, except in relation to acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties.
- OCI can be used as identity proof for application of PAN Card and driving license as well as for opening a bank account if the OCI card holder is residing in India.
Q.20 Are foreign military personnel of Indian origin eligible for OCI cards?
No, foreign military personnel either in service or retired are not entitled for grant of OCI. No person who has earlier served in a foreign military organization is eligible for an OCI card.
Q.21 My spouse is a foreign national of non-Indian origin. I hold an OCI Card. Is my spouse entitled to an OCI Card? What about my children?
Yes, the spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or spouse of foreign origin of an Overseas Citizen of India cardholder registered under section 7A and whose marriage has been registered and subsisted for a continuous period of not less than two years immediately preceding the presentation of the application, can apply for an OCI card. Minor children whose both parents are citizens of India or one of whose parents is a citizen of India are eligible to apply for an OCI Card.
Q.22 Is a Renunciation Certificate compulsory before I apply for an OCI Card? What is the procedure to apply for a Renunciation Certificate? How long does it take to issue it?
Yes, a Renunciation Certificate is compulsory before applying for an OCI card. You can apply for a renunciation certificate through the official website. Please refer to the procedure for Renunciation/Surrender Certificate available on the portal.
Q.23 I am a person of Indian origin as my parents were born in undivided India before partition. After partition, they briefly held Pakistani citizenship before moving to foreign country. Am I eligible for an OCI card?
No. If the applicant, or his/her parents or grand-parents have ever been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh, he/she will not be eligible for an OCI card.
Q.1 Why do I need to register the Birth of a newborn child?
Parents of a newborn child are legally required to register the child's birth in order to obtain a birth certificate and give him / her an official identity and apply for an Indian passport.
Q.2 Is Birth Certificate mandatory for applying for a fresh Passport for the child?
Yes.
Q.3 How can I add the name of the father on the Birth Certificate when couple is not married?
In case the couple is not married, the name of the father can be included in the certificate issued by the Embassy / Consulate only if father name is mentioned in the birth certificate issued by local authorities.
Q.4 What are the documents that are necessary for registration of a newborn child?
- Application Form: Form I
- Copy of Kuwait Birth Certificate
- Proof of Residence
- Copy of Passports of Parents
- Valid Residence Permit
- Undertaking to be signed by the parents.
- Confirmation issued from the concerned authority / office that the child does not hold any other nationality
Q.5 How long does it take to get the Birth Certificate of a newborn child?
The process usually takes 1-2 weeks after the complete documents are received.
Q.6 What is the fee for the Birth Certificate and the mode of payment of a newborn child?
Refer to the "Fees Details" section for details. Kuwait ICAC accepts both cash payment and payments through credit / debit cards.
Q.7 How can corrections in the birth certificate of a newborn child be done?
You have to reapply with a fresh application and all the correct details as mentioned in Question No 4 above.
Q.8 If I am single parent of my child, what are the additional documents required for the birth registration of a newborn child apart from those mentioned in Q4?
In this case at least one of the parents must be an Indian National. Declaration (Annexure D) by the applicant's parent or Guardian. Please download Annexure D from the official portal.
Q1. Do I Need a Visa to Travel to India?
Yes. All foreign nationals require a valid visa to enter India, except nationals of Nepal, Bhutan, and Maldives. Nationals of Maldives are exempt from visa requirements only for stays of up to 90 days. A visa is required for stays exceeding this period.
Q2. Can I Obtain a Visa on Arrival in India?
No. Foreign nationals must obtain an appropriate visa before travelling to India. Entry into India without a valid visa is not permitted.
Q3. Which Visa Should I Apply for if I Intend to Visit India for Tourism?
Applicants travelling to India for tourism, sightseeing, recreation, or casual visits should apply for a Tourist Visa.
Q4. What Are the General Requirements for Obtaining an Indian Visa?
Applicants are required to submit:
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A duly completed visa application form
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Two recent passport-size photographs
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Original passport
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Flight itinerary or travel details
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Applicable visa fee
The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of application. For long-term visas, the passport should remain valid for at least the duration of the visa requested.
Additional requirements may apply depending on the visa category. For example, applicants applying for a Business Visa must submit an invitation letter from the Indian company.
Applications from certain nationalities or applicants who have not resided in Kuwait for more than three years may require additional processing time. Each application is examined individually, and processing times may vary.
Q5. How Can I Pay the Applicable Visa Fee?
Visa fees may be paid through cash or card payment methods available at the application centre.
Q6. What Documents Are Required for Attestation by the Embassy of India, Kuwait for Family Visit or Residence Visa Applications?
Applicants may be required to submit documents attested by the Embassy of India, Kuwait, including:
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Marriage Certificate (for spouse sponsorship)
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Birth Certificate (for children)
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Death Certificate (for parents)
The applicant must appear in person and submit:
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Original valid passport
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Copy of the passport's first page
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Copy of the passport's last page
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Copy of the valid visa page
Q7. Which Visa Should I Apply for Internship or Training in India?
Applicants travelling to India for internship, training, or academic placement should apply for an Entry Visa.
The following documents may be required:
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Copy of the internship or training offer letter
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Details of internship terms and duration
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Copy of the inter-university exchange agreement, if applicable
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Proof of financial capability to support the stay in India
Q8. Can I Obtain a Refund of My Visa Fee if I Decide Not to Travel?
No. Visa fees are non-refundable once the application has been accepted for processing, irrespective of whether the visa is granted, refused, or the applicant decides not to travel.
Service charges are also non-refundable under any circumstances.
Q9. Is It Mandatory to Submit My Visa Application Through Du Digital Global?
Yes. Applicants are generally required to submit their passport and visa application through Du Digital Global.
However, diplomats, officials of foreign diplomatic missions, personnel of the United Nations, and certain international organizations who are eligible for gratis visas may submit the printed copy of their duly completed online visa application directly, as per applicable procedures.
Q10. What Is the Procedure for Applying for a Business Visa or Employment Visa?
Applications for Business Visa and Employment Visa must be completed online. The printed application form, along with the required supporting documents, must be submitted at any Du Digital Global Centre.
Applicants may refer to the Embassy of India website or the Ministry of Home Affairs website for additional information.
For visa-related assistance, applicants may contact the Embassy of India, Kuwait through the designated consular channels.