Beyond Borders: Decoding ECNR In Passports

Passports are one of the key documents that several Indians, as well as citizens of other countries, have or want to have. The most important purpose that a passport serves is that it allows you to venture out of the country. It is also one of the most important documents you will be required to produce when applying for a visa for the country you want to visit. While documents like international travel insurance are not mandatory to visit every country, yet advisable, passports are a requirement. If you have yet to apply for a passport, you may find it valuable to learn about the categories of passports and the terminologies associated with them. ECNR is a common passport type that you may apply for. What does ECNR stand for? Who should apply for this passport? Let’s find out.

What is ECNR?

The term ECNR is an abbreviation for Emigration Check Not Required. Also, referred to as the non-ECR category, the term is not printed on the passport. For example, if you are required to be issued an ECR (Emigration Check Required) passport, the passport will be printed with the term. However, ECNR is considered default and the term will not be printed on the passport. If not printed ‘ECR’, you may be holding an ECNR or non-ECR passport. Holding an ECNR passport means you will not be required to undergo an emigration check. Having to undergo an emigration check means that you will have to be issued clearance by relevant authorities every time you seek to travel outside the country for the purpose of employment. If you have an ECR passport, instead of a non-ECR/ECNR, emigration check may be required when travelling for employment. One of the fundamental requirements to be issued an ECNR passport is fulfilling the educational qualification requirements. If you have not passed Standard 10, you may not qualify for an ECNR passport.

Documents Required To Get An ECNR Passport

If you seek a non-ECR passport, you may be required to submit a specific set of documents based on the category you fall under. Here is a look at the various categories and the documents you may be required to submit under these categories to get an ECNR passport.

Category for ECNR	Required Documents
If you are a gazetted government servant	Identity Certificate as per Annexure A OR No Objection Certificate as per Annexure G OR Prior Intimation Letter (PI) as per Annexure H
If you are a spouse of a gazetted government servant	Identity Certificate as per Annexure A OR An attested copy of the marriage certificate issued by a Registrar
If you are a dependent child of a gazetted government servant	Identity Certificate as per Annexure A OR Birth Certificate issued by Municipal Authority, or any office authorized to issue Birth Certificate by Registrar of Births and Deaths OR School leaving certificate / Secondary School leaving certificate/ Certificate of Recognized Boards from the school last attended by the applicant or any other recognized educational institution OR Passport copy of the government servant
If you have a matriculation certificate	Certificate to show your educational qualifications (matriculation passed or higher)
If you are above 50 years of age	Birth Certificate issued by the Municipal Authority or any office authorized to issue Birth and Death Certificate by the Registrar of Births & Deaths OR School leaving certificate / Secondary School leaving certificate/ Certificate of Recognized Boards from the school last attended by the applicant or any other recognized educational institution
Children (under 18 years of age)	Birth Certificate
If you pay income tax	Proof of assessment of income tax and actual payment of income tax for the past year OR Income Tax return statement (with income tax being paid by the applicant) for past year that is stamped by income tax authorities and a copy of the PAN card.Advance tax proof of payment will need to be supported by additional documents. NIL income tax return statement will not be eligible.
If your spouse pays income tax	An attested copy of the marriage certificate issued by the Marriage Registrar needs to be submitted. Name of the spouse needs to be endorsed in the applicant's passport for verification.

  These are some of the key categories under which you could apply for ECNR passports. The passport will allow you across borders into most countries, even for employment, without having to undergo emigration checks as a norm. Several more categories can be found on the official Passport India website. When travelling abroad, ensure that you prepare well in advance. Getting travel insurance may be mandatory for some countries. Even if this is not the case, having international travel insurance can help you navigate some difficulties you may face when abroad.*   *Standard T&C Apply Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.