The Passport Service Portal across India will undergo a temporary closure due to essential technical maintenance. This scheduled downtime will affect all passport-related services, including the processing of new applications and appointments. Understanding the impact of this closure and the steps to reschedule appointments is crucial for all applicants and stakeholders.
Service Closure Details
The Passport Service Portal will be closed from 8 PM on August 29, 2024, to 6 AM on September 2, 2024. During this period, the portal will be completely unavailable, which means that citizens, as well as various officials and agencies involved in passport services, will not have access to the system.
Impact on Passport Services
Affected Entities
The closure affects a broad range of entities and services:
- Citizens seeking new passports or tracking existing applications
- Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
- Regional Passport Offices (RPOs)
- Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs)
- Bureau of Immigration (BOI)
- Indian Security Press (ISP)
- Department of Posts (DOP)
- Police Officials involved in verification processes
During this downtime, the system will be inaccessible for any passport-related activities, including appointment scheduling, application submissions, and status checks.
Pre-Booked Appointments
Appointments that were originally scheduled between August 30, 2024, and September 2, 2024, will be automatically rescheduled. Applicants with bookings during this period will receive notifications regarding their new appointment dates. This proactive measure aims to minimize disruptions and ensure that all appointments are honored.
Rescheduling Process
Automatic Rescheduling
The Passport Service Portal will handle the rescheduling of appointments. Applicants do not need to take any action regarding their appointments during the closure period. Notifications will be sent out to inform individuals of their new appointment slots. It is advisable to regularly check your email or the Passport Service Portal for updates.
Impact on Passport Seva Kendras and RPOs
Passport Seva Kendras and Regional Passport Offices will also be closed during the mentioned period. No walk-in services will be available, and all ongoing passport application processes will be paused. It is recommended to plan accordingly and await the rescheduled appointment dates.
Ministry of External Affairs and Other Stakeholders
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which oversees the passport issuance process, will also experience disruptions. Stakeholders involved in passport verification and processing, including the Bureau of Immigration (BOI) and Indian Security Press (ISP), will be affected by the closure. This may result in a temporary backlog once services resume.
Planning Ahead
Adjustment of Travel Plans
Applicants with upcoming travel plans should be aware of this closure and adjust their schedules accordingly. If you have urgent passport requirements, consider reaching out to the relevant authorities before the closure to seek possible expedited services.
Monitoring Updates
We encourage all applicants to monitor the official Passport Service Portal and related communication channels for updates on their rescheduled appointments. Keeping abreast of any new information will help mitigate any potential inconvenience caused by this temporary closure.
The temporary closure of the Passport Service Portal from 8 PM on August 29 to 6 AM on September 2, 2024, is a crucial step for necessary technical maintenance. This closure impacts various stakeholders, including citizens, passport offices, and associated agencies. By understanding the implications and following the outlined rescheduling process, applicants can navigate this period with minimal disruption.
For the most accurate and updated information, please refer to the official communications from the Passport Service Portal and related authorities.
