Urgent Travel Plans? Here’s Why You Should Consider a Tatkal passport
Planning an international trip can be exciting, but it can also be stressful when it comes to managing the necessary documentation. One of the most crucial documents required for international travel is a passport. But what if you have urgent travel plans and you don’t have a passport? This is where a passport in Tatkal can be a lifesaver. In this blog, we will explore why you should consider a passport in Tatkal for your urgent travel needs and delve into the details of the Tatkal passport fees in India.
What is a Tatkal passport?
A passport in Tatkal is a fast-track passport service offered by the Indian government to cater to individuals who need a passport urgently. The term “Tatkal” means immediate or urgent in Hindi. This service ensures that your passport is processed and delivered in a significantly shorter time frame compared to the regular passport application process. The passport in Tatkal service is designed to help individuals who have sudden travel plans or emergencies that require them to travel abroad on short notice.
Benefits of a Tatkal passport
Opting for a passport in Tatkal can offer several significant advantages, especially when time is of the essence.
1. Quick Processing Time
One of the primary reasons for opting for a passport in Tatkal is the quick processing time. While a regular passport application can take several weeks, a passport in Tatkal is usually processed within 1-3 days. This expedited service can be a game-changer for individuals with urgent travel plans, ensuring they don’t miss their flights or important engagements.
2. Easy Application Process
The application process for a passport in Tatkal is straightforward and similar to the regular passport application process. You can apply online through the official passport website or visit a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) in person. The key difference lies in the documents required and the fees, which we will discuss later.
3. Priority Appointments
When you apply for a passport in Tatkal, you are given priority appointments at the Passport Seva Kendra. This means you don’t have to wait in long queues, and your application is processed on a priority basis. This feature is particularly beneficial for those with tight schedules.
4. Emergency Travel Situations
A passport in Tatkal is ideal for emergency travel situations, such as medical emergencies, business trips, or urgent family matters. It ensures that you have the necessary travel documents in hand, allowing you to focus on the situation at hand without worrying about passport delays.
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How to Apply for a Tatkal Passport
To apply for a passport in Tatkal, follow these streamlined steps to ensure a smooth and expedited process:
Step 1: Online Application
The first step in applying for a passport in Tatkal is to fill out the application form online on the official Passport Seva website. Ensure you select the “Tatkal” option when choosing the type of passport service.
Step 2: Document Submission
For a passport in Tatkal, you will need to submit specific documents that prove the urgency of your travel. These may include:
- Proof of urgency (such as a confirmed travel ticket, medical certificate, or a letter from your employer)
- Proof of identity (Aadhaar card, voter ID, etc.)
- Proof of address (utility bills, rental agreement, etc.)
- Proof of date of birth (birth certificate, school leaving certificate, etc.)
Step 3: Payment of Tatkal Passport Fees in India
The passport in Tatkal fees in India are higher than the regular passport fees due to the expedited processing. As of now, the fees for a passport in Tatkal are as follows:
- For a 36-page passport booklet: ₹ 3,000 (Tatkal fee) + ₹ 1,500 (passport fee) = ₹ 4,500
- For a 60-page passport booklet: ₹ 3,000 (Tatkal fee) + ₹ 2,000 (passport fee) = ₹ 5,000
It’s important to note that these fees are subject to change, so it’s advisable to check the latest fee structure on the official passport website.
Step 4: Appointment and Verification
Once you have submitted your application and paid the Tatkal passport fees in India, you will be given a priority appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra. During your appointment, your documents will be verified, and you may be required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photographs).
Step 5: Police Verification
In most cases, the police verification for a passport in Tatkal is done on a post-issuance basis. This means that your passport will be issued first, and the police verification will be conducted afterward. This helps expedite the process and ensures you receive your passport quickly.
Step 6: Passport Delivery
After the successful completion of the verification process, your passport in Tatkal will be printed and dispatched to your address. You can track the status of your application online using the reference number provided during the application process.
Tatkal Passport Fees in India
Understanding the passport in tatkal fees in India is crucial for budgeting your expenses. As mentioned earlier, the passport in Tatkal has higher fees than the regular passport fees due to the expedited processing. Here’s a breakdown of the fees:
- 36-page passport booklet:
- Tatkal fee: ₹ 3,000
- Passport fee: ₹ 1,500
- Total: ₹ 4,500
- 60-page passport booklet:
- Tatkal fee: ₹ 3,000
- Passport fee: ₹ 2,000
- Total: ₹ 5,000
It’s important to keep in mind that the Tatkal fee is the same regardless of the number of pages in the passport booklet. The difference in total fees is due to the variation in the regular passport fee for different booklet sizes.
Tips for a Smooth Tatkal Passport Application
1. Ensure All Documents are in Order
To avoid any delays or complications, ensure that all the required documents are complete and accurate. Double-check the list of documents needed for a passport in tatkal and make sure you have them ready before starting the application process.
2. Pay the Fees Online
To save time, it’s advisable to pay the passport in tatkal fees in India online during the application process. This will ensure that your payment is processed immediately and you can schedule your appointment without any delays.
3. Book an Early Appointment
Since the Tatkal service is meant for urgent cases, it’s recommended to book an early appointment slot at the Passport Seva Kendra. This will help you get your application processed quickly and avoid any last-minute rush.
4. Follow Up on Police Verification
Although police verification is usually done post-issuance for a passport in Tatkal, it’s a good idea to follow up with your local police station to ensure that the verification is completed promptly. This will help prevent any issues in the future.
5. Keep Track of Application Status
Use the reference number provided during the application process to track the status of your passport in the Tatkal application online. This will help you stay informed about the progress and any additional steps you may need to take.
Final Words
In conclusion, a passport in Tatkal is an excellent option for individuals with urgent travel plans. The quick processing time, easy application process, priority appointments, and suitability for emergency travel situations make it a valuable service. While the passport in tatkal fees in India are higher than the regular passport fees, the benefits of having a passport in hand quickly far outweigh the cost.
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