Ahmedabad: The Regional Passport Office (RPO), Ahmedabad, has issued an important advisory for passport holders and tour/travel operators, warning against affixing promotional stickers, labels, or identity markings on Indian passports.

In a statement, the RPO said, “It has come to the notice that some travel/tour operators are affixing promotional and identity documents, etc., on Indian passports, covering the National Emblem and other important security features.”

The advisory noted that such practices create difficulties during immigration checks. “Affixing of stickers on passports hampers document examination during immigration checks. It may be noted that use of an Indian passport for any commercial usage is a violation of the Passport Act, 1967.”

The passport authority further cautioned both travellers and travel agencies to strictly avoid such actions, stating, “Accordingly, the passport holders as well as the travel/tour operators are advised to desist from such practices, as this act amounts to disrespect of National Symbols and also leads to diminution in the dignity and stature of the Indian passport at the international level.”

Officials have urged all passport holders to ensure that the passport remains in its original condition without any external markings, stickers, or covers that conceal official features, as such alterations may lead to inconvenience during international travel and could also attract legal action under the provisions of the Passport Act. DeshGujarat