A passport is a very important document for traveling abroad. It is proof of your identity and nationality. Primarily, passports are divided into two primary categories based on the fee, processing time, purpose, and various other parameters. These two types are Normal and Tatkal Passport. You should choose the right passport based on your requirements while applying for an indian passport.
Normal passports and Tatkal passports can be divided based on the following key parameters: processing time, application fees, police verification process, and urgency of travel.
| Parameter | Normal Passport | Tatkal Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | Takes from 30 to 45 days after the application submission | Issued within 1-7 days, might vary based on the verification |
| Application Fee | Lower cost, typically INR 1,500 for 36 pages or INR 2,000 for 60 pages (adults) | Costs more, typically INR 3,500 for 36 pages or INR 4,000 for 60 pages (adults) |
| Purpose | Suitable for non-urgent travel plans, such as planned vacations or business trips | Designed for urgent travel needs, such as emergency medical trips or last-minute work assignments |
| Police Verification | Usually conducted after passport issuance (post-police verification) | Often conducted before or after issuance, depending on urgency and regional rules |
| Parameter | Normal Passport | Tatkal Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Documents | Passport application form, proof of address, proof of date of birth, Non-ECR proof (if applicable) | Same as the normal passport, plus additional documents for verification |
| Additional Documents | Not required | Annexure F (Declaration of urgency), Annexure I (Standard Affidavit), and any two of: Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, or utility bills |
| Proof of Urgency | Not required | Might require a proof of urgent travel (e.g., medical certificate, job offer letter, or travel itinerary) |
| Appointment Availability | Regular slots are available, often with longer waiting period | Limited slots available |
| Parameter | Normal Passport | Tatkal Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Available to all Indian citizens applying for a new passport or renewal, with no urgency requirement | Citizens with urgent travel needs, but not for those with pending criminal cases or adverse police reports |
| Application Mode | Online via Passport Seva website or offline at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) with regular appointment | Online via Passport Seva website with Tatkal-specific appointment, limited to select PSKs |
| Appointment Booking | Flexible scheduling and can be booked days or weeks in advance | Limited Tatkal slots, requiring faster booking and often higher competition |
| Restrictions | No specific restrictions | Not issued for lost/damaged passports in some cases; may require additional scrutiny for first-time applicants |
| Parameter | Normal Passport | Tatkal Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (36 pages) | INR 1,500 | INR 3,500 (INR 1,500 normal fee + INR 2,000 Tatkal fee) |
| Adult (60 pages) | INR 2,000 | INR 3,000 (INR 1,000 normal fee + INR 2,000 Tatkal fee) |
| Minor (60 pages) | INR 1,500 | INR 3,500 (INR 1,500 normal fee + INR 2,000 Tatkal fee) |
| Senior Citizen (36 pages) | INR 1,200 (10% discount) | INR 3,200 (INR 1,200 normal fee + INR 2,000 Tatkal fee) |
You can either choose a Normal or Tatkal Passport based on your travel needs, urgency, and budget. Go for the normal passport if you do not have immediate travel plans. It is a cost-effective passport in comparison to the Tatkal Passport. You can get it for INR 1,500 (36 pages) or INR 2,000 (60 pages).
On the other hand, go for the Tatkal Passport if you have to travel immediately for medical emergencies, last-minute work assignments, or some other personal reason. It costs more than a Normal passport, but you can get it within seven days. But a Tatkal passport also requires you to provide some additional documents such as Annexure F, Annexure I, and proof of urgency (e.g., medical certificate or travel itinerary).
Click here for a detailed guide on Tatkal Passport.
Understand the difference between a Normal or Tatkal Passport before making a decision to apply for an indian passport. Both of these have their unique features, such as a Normal Passport is a cost-effective option, making it a good choice for planned travels. On the other hand, Tatkal Passport costs more, but it caters to urgency and can be availed from 1 to 7 days.