In an effort to streamline and expedite passport issuance, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India introduced the Tatkaal Passport, a specialised application scheme. Designed for those with imminent international travel plans, this system offers a rapid alternative to the conventional, time-consuming application process.
Unexpected international trips can often arise, causing significant stress when a passport is not readily available.
The standard passport application process in India can be complex and lengthy, adding to the anxieties of last-minute travel. Thankfully, the Tatkaal Passport system provides a welcomed solution, simplifying and expediting the issuance process for individuals in urgent need.
Tatkaal Passport Application: Documents Required
To begin with Tatkaal Passport application, you will need the following documents:
- Verification Certificate, detailed in Annexure F.
Choose any three documents from the options provided below:
- Election card
- Service Photo ID Card
- Certificate of SC/ST/OBC
- Identity cards of Freedom Fighters
- Arms Licence
- Ration card
- Property documents
- Pension documents
- Railway Photo Identity card
- Permanent Account Number (PAN) card
- Department
- Bank passbook
- Student's ID card from a recognized institution
- Driving licence
- Birth certificate
- Gas connection bill
Tatkaal Passport Eligibility Criteria
Under the Tatkal scheme, the passport office within your jurisdiction will determine whether to issue a passport based on the urgency of your need and any other compelling reasons. However, certain categories of applicants are ineligible to apply or reapply for a passport under the Tatkal scheme. These categories include:
- People born to Indian parents residing outside India (with Indian heritage).
- Indian citizens who have obtained citizenship through naturalisation.
- Applicants who have been repatriated to India from other countries at the government's expense.
- People who have been brought back to India at the government's cost from another nation.
- Those undergoing a significant name change.
- Residents of Jammu & Kashmir and Nagaland.
- Citizens of Naga origin residing outside Nagaland.
- Kids who have been adopted by parents from both India and other countries.
- Minor children with only one parent.
- Minors residing in Nagaland.
- Applicants seeking passport renewal with a short validity period.
- People who are applying again because their passport was lost or stolen.
- Applicants whose passports are so damaged that they cannot be recognized anymore.
- Those undergoing a change in gender or appearance.
- Individuals updating personal details such as their signature.
Tatkaal Passport Application: Steps to Apply for Tatkaal Passport
Here are the revised steps:
- Sign up on the official Passport Seva website.
- Log in with your credentials (user ID and password).
- Select the suitable option based on your circumstance – Fresh or Reissue.
- Choose the 'Tatkal' scheme.
- Download the application form and fill it out accurately.
- Submit the completed form online.
- Make the necessary payments through the online payment portal.
- Print the receipt confirming your online payment.
- Schedule a meeting at the closest Passport Service Kendra.
Tatkaal Passport Fees
The fee for Tatkaal passport application is explained below:
Tatkal Passport Fees For a Fresh Passport
| Applicant's age | Number of pages in the passport | Tatkal Passport validity | Tatkal Passport fees |
| Below the age of 15 years | 36 pages | 10 years | Rs 3,000 |
| Aged between 15 to 18 years | 36 pages | 10 years | Rs 3,500 |
| Aged between 15 to 18 years | 60 pages | 10 years | Rs 4,000 |
| 18 years or older | 36 pages | 10 years | Rs 3,500 |
| 18 years or older | 60 pages | 10 years | Rs 4,000 |
Tatkaal Passport Processing Time
The Tatkaal Passport application procedure is tailored for speediness in contrast to the standard process. Generally, once all essential documents are submitted at the Passport Seva Kendra, anticipate receiving your passport within a week. This expedited process ensures a prompt appointment and accelerated processing via a dedicated queue. If police verification is necessary, it may occur after passport issuance, with dispatch taking place within one working day for applications not requiring police verification.
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