The Global "FNU" Dilemma for Single-Name Holders
In many Indian states, individuals are traditionally given only a single name at birth (e.g., "Rajesh" or "Sunita"). However, international civil aviation standards (ICAO Document 9303) and foreign visa systems in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates require both a Given Name and a Surname. Without a surname, your Indian passport lists only a Given Name, leaving Surname blank — triggering an automatic "FNU" (First Name Unknown) on visas and causing severe airport clearance issues.
The Gazette Solution for Surname Addition
Adding a surname requires an official name change procedure: executing an affidavit specifying the transition from single name to full name, publishing in two daily newspapers, and obtaining a Part IV notification in the Gazette of India. With the Gazette in hand, the Regional Passport Office will reissue your passport with both Given Name and Surname properly separated.