Passport & Consular Services

PASSPORTS

Indian passports are normally issued for a period of 10 years. Passports are reissued on expiry of final validity and can be done from one year before expiry, on exhaustion of visa pages, damage or loss, changes in appearance or particulars etc. Four passport size photographs taken full face is to be submitted along with the filled in application form for issue of a new passport booklet. 

All applicants for passport services are also required to produce/show their valid visas / resident cards for proof of their lawful residence in North Korea.

The Passport is a very important document.  It should be kept up to date by renewing it before it expires.  Its loss should be reported immediately to the local Police authorities and also to the nearest Indian Mission.

DUPLICATE PASSPORTS:

The issue of duplicate passports in lieu of lost or damaged passports is handled under a special procedure. In case of lost passport, application form should be accompanied with copy of FIR lodged with police, copy of lost passport and proof of identity like driving license, Institute ID card or letter from employer.

SEPARATE PASSPORTS TO MINOR CHILDREN: 

All minor children will need a separate passport valid for 5 years from the date of issue or till 15 years of age whichever is less.

MISCELLANEOUS PASSPORT & CONSULAR SERVICES:

All applicants for miscellaneous Passport and Consular Services are required to fill up a “Miscellaneous Services” form and submit their passports.

CHANGE OF FIRST NAME/FULL NAME:

Applicant has to submit:    

(a) Court Order or notarized affidavit

(b) newspaper clipping of notice in city of applicant’s domicile in North Korea, and

(c) newspaper cutting of notice in State of applicant’s domicile in India.

CHANGE TO MARRIED NAME:
Applicant is required to enclose a copy of the marriage certificate, sworn affidavit giving maiden and married names duly notarized by a Notary Public and husband’s passport.  In case where first name also changes after marriage, additional requirements as indicated in “change of full name” are to be met.

REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS, AND DEATHS are also undertaken by the Embassy.                     

ALL LOCAL DOCUMENTS FOR ATTESTATION (including attestation of degrees, etc., of students) are required to be initially attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the DPRK.  Applicant’s valid passport is also to be submitted.

ATTESTATION OF SIGNATURES ON AFFIDAVITS / POWER OF ATTORNEY, issued by the judicial authorities in India, the documents are required to be attested by Attestation Cell, Ministry of External Affairs, Patiala House, New Delhi. The applicant is also required to submit his passport along with copy of the passport and one copy of the document to be legalized.

WHERE TO APPLY:
Application for passport/consular services can be submitted at Consular Section of the Embassy in Pyongyang at the following address:

            Embassy of India
            6 Munsudong, District Daedonggang,
            Pyongyang, Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)
            Tel:+850-2-3817215 & 3817274
            Fax:+850-2-3817619.
            Email:hoc.pyongyang[at]mea.gov.in


OBTAINING FORMS -
The application forms for various services can be obtained from Consular Wing of the Embassy in Pyongyang.

WORKING HOURS:
Applications are accepted at the Consular Section of the Embassy between 0930-1200 hours on all working days (Monday to Friday). In case of emergency, Consular officials are available on 24X7 basis.  

FEES & MODE OF PAYMENT: [All fees to be paid in cash in USD/Euro]

Issue of New Indian PassportFee in Euro
36 pages + 10 yearsEuro     65/-
60 pages + 10 yearsEuro     77/-
Duplicate PassportEuro
Emergency CertificateEuro    20/-
Attestation of documentsEuro    27/-
Registration of birthEuro    10/-
Police Clearance CertificateEuro   27/-


Note:- Fee once received will not be refunded, even if the application is withdrawn or the service refused.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

(i)   Please read all instructions on the application form carefully before filling it out.
(ii)   Application forms should be filled in full, legibly and accurately. Incomplete and illegibly filled forms are returned without service.
(iii)   An Indian citizen who acquires DPRK citizenship should surrender his/her Indian Passport to the Embassy for its cancellation.  Possession of both DPRK and Indian passports is illegal.

          
Please contact the Consular Section of the Embassy of India for more information and assistance.

Visa Services

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR VISA APPLICANTS

With effect from June 17, 2013, Embassy of India, Pyongyang has stopped accepting the old visa forms;

Under the new system applicant is required to fill online application according to the instructions given on the link link: http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa External website that opens in a new window and upload the digital photo.

Take a printout of the filled-in form generated in pdf format, carry two copies of same photographs as uploaded on the online application form;

It is MANDATORY to upload digital photograph on the visa application filled online as per parameters given at http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa External website that opens in a new    window (photo requirements). Application without uploaded photograph will be rejected;

A printout of duly filled online form with photograph is to be signed by the applicant and presented in person at the Embassy along with requisite fees and all other required documents for issuance of visa;

Invariably, presence of the applicant at the Embassy is required for providing Biometric Data;

Separate visa form is required to be filled for each child travelling with the parent even when child’s name is included in the passport of the parent;

The new visa stickers are issued without signature and stamp from the Embassy.

WORKING HOURS

Visa applications are to be submitted in person at the Consular Section of the Embassy of India, Pyongyang

Acceptance of Visa applications:

            1000 - 1230 hrs. from Monday to Friday.
            Collection of Visas:
            1630 - 1700 hrs. on the date specified.

Embassy remains closed on Saturdays, Sundays and designated holidays.

GENERAL REQUIRMENTS FOR ALL VISA CATIGORIES

 All applicants seeking visa need to submit the following documents:
a)   Visa Application forms duly completed in ENGLISH only
b)   One recent colour photograph 2 inch by 2 inch as per parameters given on http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa External website that opens in a new window (photo requirements).
c)   Copies of relevant pages of International Passport including copies of previous Passports (if any) and previous Indian visas (if any)
d)   Domestic Passport / Residence Permit
e)   Taxpayer Identification Number (ENN number)
f)    Confirmed Return Air Ticket
g)   Other supporting documents depending on the kind of Visa applied for (you are required to carry originals of all documents attached with your application). Please see the relevant section below for further details.

 

A.   TOURIST VISA

In addition to the above, the Applicant needs to provide Bank Statement, Employment   Book, showing availability of sufficient money to support his/her stay in India, Identity Card,    ticket booking.

For Third Country Nationals:

Third Country Nationals are also required to submit copy of Resident permit/visa issued by the North Korea's Government in addition to their International Passport

B.   BUSINESS VISA

Business Visa applicants are required to submit the following documents in addition to the documents mentioned in General requirements mentioned above:

a)    Invitation from a Company/Firm in India.
b)    Certificate of Registration of Company/Firm in India.
c)    Acceptable proof of identity of Indian national who signs Invitation letter along with his authority lette
d)    Local registration certificate of visa applicant
e)    Copy of Rent Agreement of Business Premises
f)     Airwaybill / Bill of lading
g)    Bank statement of visa applicant
h)    Copy of latest income tax returns/ Personal Income Tax Identification Number + Ticket booking

 

C.    STUDENT VISA

Student Visa applicants are required to submit the following documents in addition to the documents mentioned in General requirements mentioned above:

a)   Proof of admission to recognized universities/institutions in India.
b)   Accreditation Certificate of the Indian Institution/University
c)   Details of the proposed education programme
d)   Certificates of the education qualifications obtained duly attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of North Korea
e)    Permission from the Parent/Guardian (with proof of guardianship), along with his/her Passport details
f)     Proof of source of finance for the study in India.

Visa fee for students proposing to pursue study in YOGA, VEDIC CULTURE, INDIAN SYSTEM OF MUSIC, DANCE etc. may be ascertained from the Consular Section of the Embassy.

D.   TRANSIT VISA (Copies of all papers are required)

Transit visas are also required to be obtained like other visas before departure for the purpose of direct transit to another country through India. Completed visa application form, confirmed air bookings, are required to be produced at the time of applying for transit visa. Duration of transit should not be more than three days.

E.   MEDICAL VISA/MEDICAL ATTENDANT VISA

Patients desirous of specialized treatment can apply for a Medical Visa. A maximum of two Medical Attendants (Close Relatives like spouse, children, in-laws etc. with proof of relationship) are allowed to accompany the patient. The attendants need to apply for Medical Attendant Visa.

Medical Visa applicants are required to submit the following documents in addition to the documents mentioned in General requirements mentioned above:

a)   Invitation from established Indian Hospital indicating name, passport number of patient & attendants, if any, ailment, broad details of the treatment, estimated treatment duration and cost - to be sent directly to Embassy’s official contact particulars. The invitation is also to be appended with the visa application form

b)   Patient’s medical history and supporting reports/documents of ailment with translation.

c)   Bank statement to confirm solvency of Patient for full payment of treatment.

d)   X-ray or other diagnostic examinations

e)   Ticket booking.

F.   VISA FOR MEMBERS OF SPORTS TEAMS (Apply for Entry Visa)

Sports Visa applicants are required to submit the following documents in addition to the             documents mentioned in General requirements mentioned above:

a)   Invitation from the authorised Sports Federation/Body in India.
b)   Visa will be considered only after receipt of approval of the event by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of Government of India.
c)   Letter from local Sports Ministry.
d)   Air Ticket booking.


G.   CONFERENCE VISA

Invitees of International Conferences and Seminars etc. held in India are required to submit the following documents in addition to those mentioned in General Information mentioned above:

a)   Invitation from the organisation/firm/institution holding the conference/seminar/ training etc. indicating duration & broad programme, hospitality if offered, name, passport number of invitee to be sent directly to Embassy’s official contact particulars. The invitation is also to be appended with the visa application form
b)   Certificate of Registration of Company/Firm/Organisation in India, which is holding the event.
c)   Clearance/Permission/Approval from relevant nodal Ministry/Agency/Body for holding stated event.
d)   Proof of employment/Accreditation Certificate/relevant document to testify competence of visa applicant to attend stated event in India.
e)   Bank statement of visa applicant in case visit is self-financed.


H.   OTHER VISAS

Applicants seeking visas for Research, film shooting, visiting spouses/relatives of persons working/employed in India etc. are required to submit relevant supportive documents to prove the fact along with visa application forms. Consular Section may be contacted for further details. Other conditions for visa remain the same.

For Visa Fees Please Contact the Embassay

EMERGENCY FEE:

Subject to the approval of competent authority, an additional emergency fee of Euro 65/- will be charged if: 

(i)    Visa has to be issued beyond office hours/on holidays;

(ii)   date of appointment is preponed;

(iii)   visa is issued the same day; and

(iv)   date of appointment is preponed and visa is issued on the same day.

Note:

Visa processing will commence after payment of fee. There will be no refund of visa fees in the event of non-issue of visa. Applicants are therefore requested to ensure that they provide all documents and details and carry all original documents for scrutiny at the Embassy.

Applicants other than DPRK nationals may consult the Consular/Visa section to ascertain the Visa fee.

An additional fee of Euro 65/- will be levied on each Visa document as per Government instructions, as indicated alongside visa fee above.

Applicants are advised to strictly adhere to the purpose for which visa is sought during their stay in India and avoid overstay.

Each visa application is considered on its merits and the Embassy may seek additional information at any stage during processing of the requests. Receipt of visa application and fees by the Embassy does not guarantee issue of visa. Visa may be declined without assigning any reason.

Person of Indian Origin - PIO Card Scheme

The Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card scheme for foreigners of Indian origin holding foreign passports was introduced with effect from 30.3.1999. The scheme was subsequently modified and revised in September 2002, and again on September 30, 2014.

Salient features of the PIO Scheme are as under:

A. Eligibility

All persons of Indian origin who hold passport of any other country subject to certain exceptions who have held Indian passport at any time or whose parents or grandparents were born in and permanently resident in India as defined in Government of India Act, 1935. Foreign nationals married to an Indian national or an foreigner of Indian origin entitled to get the PIO Card.

B.  Benefits available to a PIO Card holder

PIO Card holders shall not require a separate visa to visit India. However they will be required to fulfil other pre-requisite conditions and formalities in connection with their studies/employment as prescribed from time to time.

PIO Card holders will be exempt from the requirement of registration with the concerned Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO).

All PIOs including PIO Card holders shall enjoy parity with Non-Resident Indians in respect of all facilities available to the latter in economic, financial and educational fields except in matters relating to the acquisition of agricultural/plantation properties. No parity exists in the sphere of political rights.

Arrangements are also being made for separate immigration counters for PIO Card holders at all International Airports in India.

C.  Validity of PIO Card

A PIO Card shall be valid for the lifetime of the holder from the date of issue, subject to the validity of the foreign passport of the applicant.

D. Fee

The fee payable for obtaining PIO Card may be ascertained from the Consular Section of the Embassy.

E.  Documents required

Indian passport of applicant or parents/grand parents/great-grand parents.

Passport of foreign country indicating the place of birth.

Any other documents like revenue records, domicile certificate/school/college leaving certificates etc.

For foreign spouses of Indian nationals, a marriage certificate is required.

F.  Stateless persons

Stateless persons holding identity/travel documents shall not be eligible for grant of PIO Card.

G. Restrictions

PIO Card holders shall not automatically be entitled to visit restricted or protected areas. They will be governed by special instructions issued by Government of India from time to time. They will also not be entitled to undertake any Missionary, Mountaineering or research work without prior permission of the Government of India.

H.  Cancellation of PIO Card

PIO Card may be cancelled in the following circumstances:

If it was obtained by means of fraud, false representation or concealment of material fact; or

If the card holder has shown himself by act or speech to be disaffected towards the Constitution of India and other laws of India; or

If the card holder is a citizen or subject of any country at war with, or committing external aggression against India; or

sentenced in India for acts of terrorism, smuggling of narcotics, arms, ammunition etc. or sentenced with imprisonment up to one year or fine of Rs.10000/-; or

if it is not conducive to the public interest that the person should continue to hold the PIO Card.

I.  Additional instructions

If any foreigner obtains a PIO Card by virtue of being a spouse of an Indian national or of a PIO, and later he/she divorces the Indian/PIO spouse, the Indian/PIO spouse must inform the authorities for cancellation of PIO Card.

J.  How to apply

To obtain/view PIO card please approach our Consular Section at Embassy of India, 6  Munsudong, District Daedonggang, Pyongyang, Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) from 0930 hours to 1200 hours on all working days. Embassy is closed on Saturdays and Sundays and Govt. Holidays.

Working Hours:
Working Hours (Consular work)
1000 - 1230 hrs (Submission of documents)
1630 – 1700 hrs (Delivery of documents on the date specified)

Important Notice

Conversion of PIO card into OCI Card:

As notified by the Govt. of India (Jan. 9, 2015), separate PIO and OCI card schemes have been merged. As of Jan. 9 2015, the separate PIO scheme stands discontinued. All PIO cardholders are therefore cordially invited to apply for OCI cards in lieu of their PIO cards.

The Embassy will begin to accept applications for such conversions from April 2015. Applications for OCI cards are to be filled on line at :  https://passport.gov.in/oci

Fee  for conversion of PIO to OCI is US $  ____ plus US $  ___  for ICWF

Procedure:

Please bring in person a printout of your duly filled application form, signed by the applicant, with two photographs and requisite documents, as prescribed online.

The documents can be submitted to the Consular Section of E/I Pyongyang at: 6 Munsudong, District Daedonggang, Pyongyang, Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) between 1000  and 1230 hrs. Detailed information may be found at http://mha.nic.in

Public Advisory

Government of India
Ministry of External Affairs
CPV Division
(Patiala House, Tilak Marg, New Delhi)

December 23, 2014

PUBLIC ADVISORY

Indian citizens living in India and abroad are advised to apply for urgent re-issuance of their passports in the following cases:-

(i)   HANDWRITTEN PASSPORTS   

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

The Government of India has been issuing Machine Readable Passports since 2001. The Passports, however, issued before 2001 and particularly those issued during mid 1990s with a validity of 20 years will fall in the category of non-MRPs. All handwritten passports with pasted photographs are also considered non-MRPs.

By the end of November 2014, it is estimated that there are approximately 2.86 lakh handwritten passports in circulation. Approximately 6 crore Indian hold valid passports.

Indian citizens residing in India and abroad and holding such passports with validity beyond the 24th November, 2015 are advised to apply for re-issue of their passports well before the deadline in order to avoid any inconvenience in obtaining valid visa or international travel.

(ii)    PASSPORTS VALID FOR LESS THAN SIX MONTHS

Many international travellers may not realise that having an unexpired passport is sometimes not enough to obtain Visas or to enter certain foreign countries. Indian citizens travelling on Passports which may expire in less than six months should renew their passports before any upcoming international travel. It is especially important to check the passports needs of any minor who may be accompanying their parents as passports for minors have a shorter validity period (5 years) than passports for adults (10 years). The universal practice in vogue now is; “Once your passport crosses the nine-year mark, it is time to get new passport”.

(iii)    EXHAUSTION OF VISA PAGES

Some countries do not accept passports which may have fewer than two pages remaining. Please check your passport to ensure that you have enough visa pages. There is no provision of additional booklets/pages and you will be required to apply reissuance of passport following standard procedures. Frequent travellers may opt for Jumbo Passport containing 64 pages.

2.   All Passport Issuing Authorities have instituted a simple and fast-track procedure for renewal of passports. For more details related to passport services, website – www.passportindia.gov.in External website that opens in a new window - or the National Call Centre (1800-258-1800 - Toll Free) may be accessed. Indian citizens living abroad should visit the website of respective Indian Mission/Post.


EMBASSY OF INDIA PYONGYANG, DPR KOREA