A passport is a vital document granted by the government of a country that allows you to travel quickly to any other country. This official document guarantees easy immigration when a person enters a foreign country. In addition, the passport serves as an officially valid identity and residence document, enabling the passport holder to use various public and private services. The Passport and Visa Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has given consulates the responsibility to manage the issuance of passports to Indian citizens. This article discusses the Tatkal Passport and its related facts.
About Tatkal Passport
Regular passport applications are usually submitted when candidates are required to follow the normal application process, and there is no deadline. However, Tatkal Passport Applications process passport applications fast for those who need them. People who choose the Tatkal option are usually forced to pay more money so their applications can be processed faster. Users can apply for a new passport or renew a current or expired passport through the Tatkal process.
The passport application process remains essentially the same under the tatkal scheme. However, only those with a legitimate need to obtain a passport quickly are eligible for the service.
What is a Passport
Under the Passport Act 1967, the Government of India is permitted to issue various travel documents and passports, including ordinary visas, service passports, diplomatic passports, emergency certificates, and certificates of identity (COI). If you need a vacation, you can apply for a tatkal passport. The government has added a specific section on passports with tatkal on its official website.
These passports are hassle-free and require no lengthy process. Today, people are looking for ways that allow them to complete tasks quickly and easily. Similar formalities and methods apply to Tatkal passports. With some extra tatkal Passport payment, the same can be issued promptly.
There are many sites online that claim to offer tatkal passports, but they could be scams. It is essential to understand that no one other than the Government of India has the authority to issue passports or travel documents of any kind.
The application process, fees, and other requirements are different for regular passports and tatkal passports. Let’s see.
Types of Passport Applications
One may submit one of two types of passport applications. However, the form of application will depend on the needs of the applicant and the urgency of obtaining a passport. The many passport application categories are listed below.
- Normal Passport Application
- Tatkal Passport Application
Regular passport applications are usually submitted when candidates are required to follow the regular application process, and there is no deadline. However, Tatkal Passport Applications process passport applications fast for those who need them. People who choose the Tatkal option are usually forced to pay more money so their applications can be processed faster. Users can apply for a new passport or renew a current or expired passport through the Tatkal process.
The passport application process remains essentially the same under the tatkal scheme. However, only those with a legitimate need to obtain a passport quickly are eligible for the service.
Tatkal Passport Eligibility
The competent passport office makes the final decision on the issuance of passports under the tatkal scheme. The judge will consider the applicant’s and passport’s urgency before making a decision. It is important to emphasize that under this particular scheme, anyone falling into the following categories is not eligible to apply for or reapply for a passport.
- A person who is a citizen of India and has acquired that status by naturalization or registration.
- Citizens of Indian origin born outside India to Indian parents.
- Applicants are receiving government-sponsored repatriation from another country.
- Former expatriate applicants deported to India.
- People who have had a significant name change.
- Citizens born in Nagaland but now residing elsewhere.
- Residents of Jammu and Kashmir.
- A native of Nagaland.
- Parents with only minor children.
- Children adopted from parents in India and abroad.
- Children are living in Nagaland.
- Temporary extension of passport validity
- Passport damaged beyond recognition.
- Passport stolen or lost.
- Significant changes in appearance or gender.
- Change someone’s signature or other personal credentials.
Tatkal Passport Documents
You need the following documents to apply for a Tatkal passport.
- Verification Certificate as prescribed in Annexure F.
- Election card
- Service Photo Identity Card
- Certificate of Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes/ Other Backward Castes.
- Identity Cards of Freedom Fighters.
- Arms License
- Ration card
- Property Documents
- Pension Documents
- Railway Photo Identity Card
- PAN Card issued by the Income Tax Department
- Bank Passbook
- Student’s Identity Card from a recognized Institution.
- Driver’s License
- Birth Certificate
- Gas Connection Bill
What is the Tatkal Passport Fee Structure
The fee structure for various passport services under the tatkal scheme is as follows:
Application for Fresh Passport
The fee structure for obtaining a brand-new passport is as follows. Unless otherwise stated, new passports are valid for 10 years.
Note: For applications for new passports, minor applicants (individuals 8 and under) and senior citizens (individuals 60 and over) will receive a rebate of 10% of the base passport fee.
For individuals below the age of 15
| Pages | Fee |
|---|---|
| For a passport comprising of 36 pages | INR 3,000 |
| For a passport comprising of 60 pages | Not Available (Only passports with 36 pages will be approved) |
For individuals between the ages of 15 and 18, a passport is required for 5 years or until they turn 18.
| Pages | Fee |
|---|---|
| For a passport comprising of 36 pages | INR 3,000 |
| For a passport comprising of 60 pages | Not Available (Only passports with 36 pages will be approved) |
For individuals of the age of 15 and above.
| Pages | Fee |
|---|---|
| For a passport comprising of 36 pages | INR 3,500 |
| For a passport comprising of 60 pages | INR 4,000 |
Renewal of Passport Post Expiry
Below is the fee structure for renewing or reissuing a passport after it has expired.
For individuals below the age of 15.
Note: If an individual loses or damages a passport that has not expired, the fee for reissuing the passport is INR 5,000.
| Pages | Fee |
|---|---|
| For a passport comprising of 36 pages | INR 3,000 |
| For a passport comprising of 60 pages | Not Available (Only passports with 36 pages will be approved) |
For individuals aged 15 to 18 who require a passport valid for 5 years or until they turn 18.
Note: If an individual loses or damages a passport that has not expired, the fee for reissuing the passport is INR 5,000.
| Pages | Fee |
|---|---|
| For a passport comprising of 36 pages | INR 3,000 |
| For a passport comprising of 60 pages | Not Available (Only passports with 36 pages will be approved) |
For individuals of the age of 15 and above.
Note: If an individual loses or damages a non-expired passport, the cost of reissuing the passport is INR 5,000 and INR 5,500 for a 60-page passport, respectively.
| Pages | Fee |
|---|---|
| For a passport comprising of 36 pages | INR 3,500 |
| For a passport comprising of 60 pages | INR 4,000 |
Tatkal Passport Time
Unlike standard passport applications, tatkal passport applications usually undergo a short verification process. Passports are generally issued and sent to the applicant within 1-3 days of the application date. The date on which the applicant submits the necessary documents and supporting documents to the relevant passport Seva Kendra is considered the date of application. Any application submitted through the Tatkal program also ensures early appointment and fast processing of applications through a specific queue.
If police verification is required, the passport will be sent to the applicant on the third day, excluding the date of application. There is no need to wait for the results of the completed police verification.
If no police verification is required, tatkaled passports will be sent to those concerned within one day, not including the date of application.