The online platform for passport applications will be closed for the next four days for a maintenance activity, the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

As a result, no fresh appointments can be scheduled during the period, the statement added. However, the already booked appointments can be rescheduled.

"Passport Seva portal will be down for technical maintenance from 29th August 2024, Thursday 20:00 hrs IST to 2nd September, Monday 06:00 hrs IST. System will not be available during this period for citizens and for all MEA/RPO/BOI/ISP/DoP/Police Authorities. The already booked appointments for 30th August 2024 will be suitably rescheduled and informed to applicants," the External Affairs Ministry's statement read.

Contingency plans have reportedly been set in place to keep any public inconvenience at bay.

The Passport Seva portal is used for booking appointments at centres across India, whether for new passport applications or renewals. On the day of their scheduled appointments, applicants are required to appear at the office in person. They are also required to provide necessary documents for verification and undergo a police verification process.

Then, the passport is delivered to the applicant's registered address - either in regular or tatkaal mode - depending on the option chosen at the time of submitting details. If the regular mode is chosen, the applicant gets the passport within 30-45 working days. Meanwhile, if the tatkaal mode is opted for, the passport is delivered within days.

Source: India Today