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What is ECNR in Passport: Meaning, Documents and Eligibility

Team AckoApr 18, 2025

An Indian passport offers you the opportunity to travel to various countries—whether it's for business, education, or leisure. This passport also comes with either an ECR (Emigration Check Required) or ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) status, based on your emigration eligibility. If your passport falls under the Non ECR category, you can travel without requiring an emigration check.

Understanding whether your passport is ECR or Non-ECR is important, especially if you're planning to work or stay abroad. Read on to learn what ECNR in passport means, how to check your status, and more.

ecnr-non-ecr-passport

Contents

What is ECNR in Passport?
Eligibility for ECNR/Non-ECR Category in Passport
When to Apply for ECNR in Passport?
How to Apply for an ECNR Passport in India?
What are the Documents Required for Indian Passport?
How to Check if Passport is ECR or ECNR?
How to Remove the ECR Stamp from Your Passport?
What are the Benefits of ECNR or Non-ECR Category on Passports?
ECR vs ECNR Passport – What's the Difference?
Countries Where ECNR is Needed
Frequently Asked Questions

What is ECNR in Passport?

The ECNR full form is Emigration Check Not Required, and it's the same as having a Non ECR status in your passport. So, if someone asks, what is ECNR passport or non-ECR category in passport, it basically means you don’t need to get additional clearance from the emigration office before leaving India for work in certain countries.

A non ECR in passport or ECNR endorsement is granted to individuals who meet certain eligibility criteria (like education or income proof). This ensures a smoother immigration process when traveling abroad.

Eligibility for ECNR/Non-ECR Category in Passport

You qualify for ECNR status if you meet any of these conditions:

You have completed at least Class 10 (matriculation) education
You hold a degree or diploma from a recognised educational institution
You have paid income tax in India
You are a professional degree holder (doctor, engineer, etc.)
You are a government servant or a retired government employee
You are a spouse or dependent of a person eligible for ECNR
You are travelling for purposes other than employment (tourism, business, etc.)
You have previously travelled abroad on an Indian passport
You are over 50 years of age or under 18 years of age

When to Apply for ECNR in Passport?

You can request ECNR status while applying for a new passport or during a renewal. Just check “Yes” when asked if you qualify for Non ECR category. No extra fee is needed.

Already have a passport but not ECNR? If you now qualify, apply for a reissue and include documents proving your eligibility.

How to Apply for an ECNR Passport in India?

ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) status can be obtained when applying for a new passport or during renewal. Here's how to apply:

To apply for an ECNR passport, follow these steps:

Visit Passport Seva Portal
Fill out the form and select “Yes” for ECNR eligibility
Submit Class 10 certificate or higher, address/identity proof
Book appointment at your nearest PSK
Pay regular fee and attend with original documents
Track application using the reference number

Note: There’s no ECNR stamp on the passport. If there’s no ECR mark, it means your passport is ECNR.

What are the Documents Required for Indian Passport?

The documents you need depend on whether you're applying for a fresh passport or a renewal. Here's a breakdown:

For a Fresh Passport Application (including ECNR):

Proof of Address (any one): Bank statement, electricity bill, water bill, telephone bill, Voter ID card, rent agreement.
Proof of Date of Birth (any one): Birth certificate, school certificate, PAN card.
Identity Proof (any one): Aadhaar card, driving license, Voter ID card, Ration card, passport.
Photographs: Two passport-size photos with a white background.

For Passport Renewal (including ECNR):

Proof of Address (any one): Bank statement, electricity bill, water bill, telephone bill, Voter ID card, rent agreement.
Original Old Passport: Including the address page and photo page (self-attested).
Photographs: Passport-size photographs as per current guidelines.

Supplementary Documentation for Specific Situations:

Underage Applicants: Birth registration, parental travel documents, authorization forms with dual parental signatures.
Recently Married Women Modifying their Name: Matrimonial certificate.

How to Check if Passport is ECR or ECNR?

Wondering how to check if passport is ECR or ECNR? It’s simple:

Look at the last page of your passport.
If it says “Emigration Check Required,” then your passport is ECR.
If not, you likely have a Non ECR passport or ECNR status.

How to Remove the ECR Stamp from Your Passport?

To remove the ECR stamp and convert to ECNR:

Apply for a passport reissue
Choose to remove ECR category
Submit Class 10+ education proof, ITRs or profession-related docs
Schedule and attend your appointment
You’ll receive a new Non ECR passport

What are the Benefits of ECNR or Non-ECR Category on Passports?

Having a Non-ECR category means:

No emigration clearance is needed
Faster processing at airports
Easier visa approvals
Better job and study prospects abroad

ECR vs ECNR Passport – What's the Difference?

Here's a quick comparison between ECR and ECNR passports to help you understand their key differences at a glance:

Aspect	ECR (Emigration Check Required)	ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required)
Meaning	Must get clearance from POE	No clearance needed
Mention in Passport	“ECR” is printed	No mention = Non-ECR
Who Gets It?	Less than Class 10 or no ITR	10th pass or above, professionals
Travelling to Gulf/SEA for work	Needs emigration check	Can travel freely
Also Known As	ECR passport or ECR category in passport	ECNR passport or Non ECR category in passport

Countries Where ECNR is Needed

Here’s a list of countries where an ECNR passport is necessary:

Middle East: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen
Africa: Libya, Sudan, South Sudan
Asia: Afghanistan, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions related to ECNR.

Who is eligible for ECNR?

Anyone who has completed Class 10 or higher education, paid income tax, or holds a professional degree is eligible for ECNR. Government employees and their dependents are also eligible.

Is a 10th marksheet enough for a non-ECR passport?

Yes, a 10th marksheet is enough to apply for a non-ECR passport, provided it is from a recognised institution.

Who should apply for non-ECR?

Anyone who qualifies under the eligibility criteria for ECNR should apply for non-ECR to avoid emigration checks while travelling.

Who falls in ECNR category?

Individuals who meet certain educational, professional, or age-related criteria fall in the ECNR category. This includes Class 10 pass candidates, degree holders, professionals, and those travelling for purposes other than employment.

Can I change ECR to non-ECR in passport?

Yes, you can apply for a passport reissue and submit the necessary documents to change your ECR status to non-ECR.

What is the fee for ECNR?

There is no separate fee for ECNR. It is included in the standard passport application or reissue fee.

Can I travel with ECR passport?

Yes, you can travel with an ECR passport, but you will need to obtain emigration clearance if you are going to specific countries for employment.

What are the disadvantages of an ECR passport?

ECR passport holders must go through emigration clearance before traveling to certain countries, which can cause delays. It may also limit job opportunities abroad.

Which is better, ECR or ECNR?

ECR or ECNR passports are beneficial depending on your educational qualifications and your intended purpose of travel.

With an ECNR passport, you get fast-tracked clearance by skipping the emigration checks. This makes it easier and faster to get through the port of entry (usually an airport) when you travel for work, study, or holiday.

An ECR passport safeguards workers from being exploited in the countries mentioned in the ECNR required list. The Indian Emigration Act issues the ECR so that Indian workers can travel safely to and from their country of employment, and are assured of a healthy, safe, and comfortable passage and work.

Is ECNR the same as non-ECR?

Yes. The ECNR is now known as a non-ECR.

Can you get an emergency ECNR?

Yes, you can obtain a one-time exception to the rule for submitting the required documents in case of an urgent ECNR requirement.

How do I get an ECNR clearance?

After you apply for an ECNR clearance, your application will be processed online by your jurisdiction's emigration office. When your application is approved, you will receive an electronic emigration clearance.

Can I get a job with an ECR passport?

With an ECR passport, you must obtain an Emigration Clearance Check from the PoE office and undergo verification by a recruitment agency.

What does ECR passport mean?

The ECR passport means you are required to get emigration clearance before traveling to certain countries. The ECR full form in passport is Emigration Check Required.

What does non ECR category means in passport?

Non ECR category means you do not require emigration clearance, and your passport falls under the ECNR in passport type.

Disclaimer: The above content is sourced from secondary sources on the internet and is meant for informational purposes only. It is subject to changes. It is recommended to take the help of an expert before making any related decision.