Whether you’re planning an international trip, pursuing education at a foreign university, or planning to settle abroad, you need a passport and visa. A passport is an official government document that confirms your identity and citizenship. A visa, on the other hand, is a letter or document issued by the government of another country that allows you to enter, stay, or work there.
Sometimes, you may need to travel abroad suddenly due to an emergency or unexpected opportunity. In such cases, the Tatkaal (instant) passport service is very useful. Let’s understand the rules and process for getting an instant passport:
When Can You Apply for a Tatkaal Passport?
You can apply for a Tatkaal passport under two main situations:
- Immediate need such as a medical emergency, urgent business trip, or family emergency.
- If your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged, and you need a replacement urgently.
Who Cannot Apply for a Tatkaal Passport?
The Government of India has excluded certain categories of people from the Tatkaal passport service:
- People born abroad to Indian parents.
- Individuals who have acquired Indian citizenship through the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Residents of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Adopted children.
- Children whose parents are separated but not legally divorced.
How Many Days Does It Take?
While a normal passport takes about 30 to 40 days to be processed, the Tatkaal passport is issued within 3 to 5 days. The best part is, there’s no need for verification by a gazetted officer and no police verification is required upfront. If your form is submitted correctly and all documents are valid, the passport is issued without waiting for police clearance.
Also Read-: List of Visa Free Countries for Indian Passport Holders
Required Documents for Tatkaal Passport
To apply for a Tatkaal passport, you need:
For Date of Birth Proof (any one of these):
- Birth Certificate
- Class 10th Marksheet
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Voter ID
- Driving Licence
For Address Proof (any one of these):
- Electricity/Water Bill
- Ration Card
- Income Tax Assessment Order
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID
- Bank Passbook
You’ll also need to submit Annexure-I, an affidavit confirming Indian citizenship and absence of a criminal record.
Fees for Tatkaal Passport
The regular passport fee ranges between ₹1500 to ₹2000. However, the Tatkaal service includes additional charges:
- 36-page passport (10-year validity): ₹3500
- 60-page passport (10-year validity): ₹4000
- Re-issue due to loss or damage: ₹5000
These charges may vary slightly depending on your application type, so it’s best to check the official passport website for exact fees.
With the Tatkaal passport system, you can now get your passport issued quickly—in just 3 days—without waiting for police verification.