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Normal and Tatkal Passport: What’s the Difference?

Normal and Tatkal Passport: What’s the Difference?

Did you know that a passport is not only necessary for travel but also serves as proof of citizenship? That's right, it's a vital document that you need to have on hand. However, the process of obtaining a passport can be quite time-consuming, which is why the government has introduced the tatkal passport scheme for your convenience.

If you're in urgent need of a passport and can't wait through the usual process, the tatkal scheme might be just what you need. It allows you to obtain a passport on an urgent basis without going through the usual wait times and tedious procedures.

So, what's the difference between a normal and tatkal passport, you may ask? This blog will cover all the essential information you need to know about these two types of passports. From the application process to the fee structure, we've got you covered. By the end of this blog, you'll have a better understanding of which type of passport suits your needs best.

Normal Passport:

A passport is a travel document, usually issued by a country's government to its citizens, that certifies the identity and nationality of its holder. As per Government regulations, the standard time to get your passport is 30 to 45 days from the date of application.

Tatkal Passport:

Tatkal Passports are issued under a special scheme for people who need them quickly, like people whose business is dependent on travel, or people who are traveling for medical reasons. They need it on urgent basis, because they can't wait for the normal time period (30-60 days).

Difference between Normal and Tatkal Passport

Normal passport: The processing time of a normal passport is 30 to 45 days from the day of application.

Tatkal passport: The processing time of a tatkal passport ranges between 1 to 3 days, depending on the requirement of police verification. Under the tatkal scheme, you are required to pay an additional amount of 1,000Rs. 

Normal PassportTatkal Passport
Processing TimeGenerally takes 30-45 days.Expedited processing, generally issued within 1-3 days.
Application FeesStandard application fees.Higher application fees than normal passport.
AppointmentRequires prior appointment at the passport office.Requires prior appointment at the passport office.
DocumentsStandard set of documents required.Same set of documents as a normal passport, with additional documents for Tatkal application.
Proof of UrgencyNo specific proof required.Applicant needs to provide proof of urgent travel or need for the passport.
AvailabilityAvailable for all eligible applicants.Available for eligible applicants who meet the criteria for Tatkal issuance.
PurposeSuitable for regular travel plans and requirements.Suitable for urgent travel needs or situations requiring quick passport issuance.
Police VerificationConducted after passport issuance.May be conducted after passport issuance, but in some cases, it is conducted before passport issuance.
AcceptanceAccepted worldwide.Accepted worldwide, similar to a normal passport.

Time Taken to issue a Tatkal Passport

Once you are done with the documentation process and receive the “granted” status, the passport is expected to reach your doorstep within 1 to 3 working days. This includes the police  verification process also.  A tatkal passport application would take less time to process because it's processed by the PSK instead of post.

If police verification is not required, you can expect to have the passport in your hands within 1 day. 

Eligibility Criteria for a Tatkal Passport

A tatkal passport is not issued to every applicant. The ministry considers the reasons and the category you fall into for issuing a tatkal passport. To get a passport under the tatkal scheme, you need to fall into the one of the following categories:

  • Applicants must be of Indian descent.
  • Citizens who were granted citizenship through registration.
  • Applicants who were deported to India from other countries.
  • Jammu and Kashmir residents.
  • Nagaland residents.
  • Minor children with single parents.
  • Adopted children, either by Indian or foreign parents.
  • Minors residents of Nagaland.
  • Change is sex or appearance.
  • Change in some particulars, such as a signature.

 

Fee Structure for Normal and Tatkal Passport

For issuance of a fresh passport

Applicant’s age

Number of pages

Fee (in Rs)

15-18 years

36

3000

15-18 years (validity till applicant attains the age of 18)

36

3000

15-18 years ( validity of 10 years)

36

3500

15-18 years (validity of 10 years)

60

4000

18 years and above 

36

3500

18 years and above

60

4000

For re-issue or renewal of passport

Applicant’s age

Number of pages

Fee ( in Rs)

Below 15 years

36

3000

15 to 18 years ( 10 years validity)

36

3500

15 to 18 years ( 10 years validity)

60

4000

18 years and above

36

3500

18 years and above

60

4000

 

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