Posted on: Jan 23, 2026 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Tatkal Passport Guide : Process, Fees and Documents

What is a Tatkal Passport?

Have urgent travel plans but no passport? You can avail the Tatkal passport facility through the Indian government. Getting a passport is a slightly lengthy and complicated process. However, with the Tatkal application, you can expedite the process.

Provided by the Ministry of External Affairs, you can avail of this facility if you have urgent travel needs to visit abroad from India. To financially protect your travel needs, make sure to apply for travel insurance. It safeguards you against unforeseen medical and travel-related emergencies. This article explains what is Tatkal passport is, how to apply for it, and the fees.

What is a Tatkal Passport?

Tatkal passport refers to the fast-tracked passport service provided by the Indian government. It is for an urgent passport application. This is best for individuals who have urgent travel plans for work or medical reasons. Since it has shorter waiting times, it caters to travel plans. However, it is essential to submit proof of urgency.

How to Apply for a Tatkal Passport Online?

Applying for a Tatkal passport online expedites the process and ensures you receive it on time. Here's a detailed process on how to apply for a Tatkal passport online:

• Step 1:

Visit the official website of Passport Seva Kendra. Sign it to the platform. Verify your email to complete the registration process.

• Step 2:

Log in to your account and click on “Apply for Passport.” On the following pages, click on Tatkal Passport. Fill the application form with the necessary details.

• Step 3:

Pay the Tatkaal fees online. Select your preferred payment method and complete the transaction.

• Step 4:

After payment confirmation, schedule the appointment at Passport Seva Kendra. Select the date and time for the appointment.

• Step 5:

Print the Application Reference Number (ARN) form. It is essential for the appointment.

• Step 6:

On the appointment date, visit PSK with all necessary documents for the appointment. Submit your proof of urgency. Submit the documents and complete the biometric process.

After obtaining your Tatkal passport, apply for international travel insurance.. Some countries require insurance to obtain a visa.

Step-by-Step Offline Application Process

Here's how to apply for a Tatkal Passport offline:

• Step 1:

Head to the nearest Passport Seva Kendra and obtain the Tatkal Passport form. You can also download the passport from an online portal.

• Step 2:

Complete the application form with all required details. Ensure you select the Tatkal option. Attach the recent passport-sized photograph.

• Step 3:

Collect all the necessary documents and attach them. Make sure to attach the original, self- attested documents.

• Step 4:

Visit the authorised bank to make the payment offline. You should know what is Tatkal passport fees to make an accurate payment. Ensure you collect the payment receipt, as you will need to submit it with your application form.

• Step 5:

Submit the application form and payment receipt to PSK. You will receive the acknowledgement for the Application Reference Number (ARN).

• Step 6:

You will receive an appointment date. Attend your appointment for biometric capture and document verification process.

When travelling abroad, it is advisable to get international travel insurance. The insurance ensures that you travel abroad securely. It protects you financially against numerous circumstances, like baggage theft or loss, document loss, or medical emergency.

Tatkal Passport Fee Structure

Usually, an additional ₹ 2,000 is required as the Tatkal fee over the regular passport application fee. Here’s a detailed guide to the Tatkal fee:

Service Required Validity Application Fee Additional Tatkaal Fee
Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport, inclusive of an additional booklet because of exhaustion of visa pages (36 pages). 10 years ₹1,500/-* ₹2,000/-*
Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport with an additional booklet because of the exhaustion of visa pages (60 pages). 10 years ₹2,000/- ₹2,000/-
Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport for Minors (36 pages) For a period of 5 years or until the minor reaches 18 years of age (whichever is earlier) ₹1,000/- ₹2,000/-

Payment Methods for Tatkal Passport Fees

When applying for a Tatkal passport, it is essential to understand the Tatkal passport fees and how to pay them. Online payments are acceptable for the Tatkaal category. However, you will have to pay the entire applicable fee. You can use the Fee calculator link on the Passport Seva website to know what is Tatkal passport fees that you have to pay.

The accepted online methods for Tatkaal passports are as follows:

1. SBI (State Bank of India) wallet payment

2. Debit or Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard and RuPay)

3. Internet Banking (SBI and Other Banks)

4. UPI

If you're travelling abroad on an urgent basis for studies, make sure to apply for Student Suraksha Insurance. The insurance financially protects your stay abroad. Therefore, you can focus on studies. Processing Time for Tatkal Passport Issuance

After successfully applying, the application's final status should be Granted. As soon as the “Granted” is received, the passport will be dispatched on the third working day. The duration excludes the date of application submission.

The processing time for a Tatkal passport can range from 1 to 3 days. However, it is subject to verification of the documents. Police Verification for Tatkal passports is done after issuance. For faster approval, it is important to submit accurate documents.

Police verification for Tatkal passports is stricter than for regular passports. As you obtain your Tatkal passport, also make sure to apply for international travel insurance.

Who is Eligible for a Tatkal Passport?

The Passport Authority of India has specific guidelines for Tatkal passport eligibility. The eligible candidates include:

1. Minors and adults who need urgent travel documents.

2. Indian citizens with a valid identity and address proof

3. Individuals who are not on the list of ineligible candidates applying for Tatkal passport.

The Passport Authority of India conducts a background check. Based on their verification, the Tatkal passport is issued. While not mandatory, it is advisable to purchase individual travel insurance when travelling abroad. If you run into any emergency, your insurance company can secure you.

Documents Needed for Tatkal Passport Application

The following documents are required for Tatkaal passport

1. PAN Card

2. Student Photo Identity Card issued by a recognised educational institute

3. Birth Certificate

4. Latest Ration Card

5. Last issued passport (applicable only for re-issue)

6. Aadhar Card or e-Aadhar with a digital signature with a verified mark issued by UIDAI

7. Driving Licence

8. Latest transaction Post Office Passbook, updated Bank Passbook, or Kisan Passbook (the applicant’s photo is to be attested)

9. Service Photo Identity Card provided by the State/Central Government, local bodies, Public Limited Companies or Public Sector Undertakings

10. Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC)

11. SC/ST or other backward class certificate

12. Pension documents like the Pension book (ex-servicemen), or Pension payment order (issued to retired government employee, ex-servicemen’s widow or dependents) or Old Age pension order.

Older adults may apply for travel insurance for senior citizens. With additional protection, they can explore the places peacefully. For more details on the Tatkal passport documentation, read our blog, Tatkal Passport: Essential Documents for Your Tatkal Passport.

Tatkal vs. Regular Passport: Key Differences

Here are the key differences between Tatkal and a regular passport

Regular Passport Tatkal Passport
Processing Time 30-45 days 1-3 days
Cost Standard Processing Fees Higher fees due to expedited cost (usually an additional ₹2,000)
Purpose General travel Urgent travel requirements
Police Verification Done before issuance Done after issuances
Documents Standard documents Standard documents + Proof of urgency
Eligibility For all applicants For specific candidates meeting eligibility; isn't applicable for major changes

Now that you know what is Tatkal passport is, you should apply for it if required. When you're travelling abroad with your family for urgent matters that require a Tatkal passport, secure it with family travel insurance. The insurance ensures comprehensive protection for all family members. Therefore, if any emergency financial situation arises, the insurance company takes care of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply for a Tatkal Passport if my passport is damaged?

If the passport has been damaged beyond repair, you can't apply for a Tatkal passport. However, if the name and passport number are visible, you can apply for a passport re-issue.

2. What is the processing time for a Tatkal passport?

A Tatkal passport is usually issued within 1-3 working days after the application is submitted and granted.

3. Is police verification required for a Tatkal passport?

Yes, a police verification is required for Tatkal passports. However, the Tatkal passport is dispatched within 3 days without police verification.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.


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