How to Renew an Indian Passport in Spain
One of the many processes that immigrants of any nationality have to go through in foreign countries is passport renewal. Depending on how efficient the embassy of your country of origin is, this might be a smooth or tedious process.
If you’re an Indian living in Spain, you’re just in luck. This blog post is just what you need to have your passport renewed easily and without hitches.
Two major bodies handle passport renewal for Indians in Spain. Let’s talk about each of them:
- Embassy of India in Spain: As with every other country, passport renewal for Indians in Spain is mainly handled by the Embassy of India in Madrid and any of its consular centres.
- VFS Global: This is a visa and passport outsourcing company and a major affiliate of the Embassy of India that helps to facilitate the application process. You can learn more about the process here.
A Step By Step Guide To Applying For An Indian Passport In Spain.
The passport renewal process for Non-Resident Indians in Spain is made up of the following simple steps.
Identify and verify the passport service you need: Before you begin any application, read through the passport types here.
Use the dropdown to select the passport type. Each passport type has tabs that contain information about the following:
- Overview: This contains detailed information about the passport service and every criterion to be met before application. If you meet the necessary criteria, move to the 'Fees' tab.
- Fees: Payment of fees is necessary for a successful application. Use the Print Fees Brochure to verify the fees you should pay. The mode of submission shows you the accepted modes of payment.
- Documents Required: This tab gives you a comprehensive checklist of the documents you need for your passport renewal.
- Photo Specifications: Here, you can find the right specifications for your passport photo. These guidelines should be strictly followed.
- Passport processing time: This tab gives you the minimum processing time of your passport depending on your place of submission. Please note that these processing times are dependent on the Embassy of India.
- Download Forms: Here, you'll find information on how to fill out your application form and any additional forms you might need for your application. Please go through this page carefully.
Fill and submit the online application form: After filling and submitting the online application form, remember to print out the submitted form. This will be submitted along with other required documents and the fees at the VFS centre.
Once completed, note down the Application Reference Number (ARN) on your form. If your chosen VFS centre is the Madrid office, you have the special privilege to send your application by postal service. To use this service, make a bank transfer to the bank account specified here.
When making the transfer, remember to include your surname and passport number. Remember to attach proof of payment with your application. Once you have verified the payment method, print and fill out the checklist for postal applications.
If you want your passport or documents returned to you, you'd have to subscribe to the Delivery Service for each application, and you'll get your documents sent back by a secure courier service as quickly as possible.
Please note that there will be no reimbursements and any applications with missing or incomplete papers or payment will be rejected and returned to the applicant at their expense.
Book an appointment at a VFS centre: Once you've completed your online application, you can schedule an appointment at an Application Centre. You can book your appointment here.
For Indian passport renewal in Spain, you have to visit VFS Global offices in the country. These offices can be found in Madrid, Barcelona & Las Palmas. After you've scheduled your appointment, you'll receive an appointment confirmation email and a letter of appointment. Please print this and keep it ready for your booked appointment.
Attend your appointment at your chosen VFS Center: You must submit your completed application form in person to the Application Centre. Applications with missing or incomplete papers will not be accepted, and you will need to book another appointment to apply.
Track your passport application online: It's very easy to stay informed about the progress of your application. You will be notified via email when there's any update about your passport renewal. If you don't have easy access to email or want more precise monitoring information, you may be able to receive updates via SMS to your phone. Get more information on how to track your application here.
Wait to receive your new passport: Your new passport will be delivered to the address you provided within the processing time given. Alternatively, you could pick it up at the same VFS Center you applied at.
Important Things To Note When Applying For Indian Passport In Spain.
- If your passport has been lost, destroyed, or stolen, you have to apply for and obtain a police report for the incident.
- If you need to return to India urgently, apply for an Emergency Certificate at the Embassy of India in Madrid. This allows you a one-way trip back to India.
- Start your passport application process early. Passport renewals generally take some time. It's advisable to start the process several months before your passport expires to avoid hitches.
- Before submitting your application, double- and triple-check all essential papers.
- Provide recent passport-sized pictures that meet the standards on the renewal form.
Wrapping Up.
You can find more details on the processes involved in renewing your Indian passport in Spain can be found on the following sites:
Follow this guide to properly prepare for your application to have a smooth process while renewing your Indian passport renewal journey in Spain!
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