Phasing out of Non-Machine Readable Passports (Non-MRP)

Phasing out of Non-Machine Readable Passports (Non-MRP)

1. This is to inform that 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). With effect from 25th November 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 also fall in this category. The Government started issuing MRP passports since 2001 and all new Indian passports are ICAO-compliant MRP passports.

3. In this connection, all Indian citizens residing in Jordan 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, you can log into the website: www.passportindia.gov.in or make a call at the National Call Centre (toll free no. 1800-258-1800).