Travel plans often come unexpectedly. In such cases, having a passport is essential. But what if you don’t have one or your passport is nearing its expiration? That’s where the Tatkal Passport scheme comes to the rescue. The Tatkal passport process ensures you can get your passport in a much shorter time frame, saving you from potential delays in your travel plans.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Tatkal passport online, detailing the benefits, eligibility, and additional documentation required. Along with that, we’ll also touch on how travel insurance, especially travel insurance online, is a critical aspect you shouldn’t overlook while planning your domestic or international trips.
What is a Tatkal Passport?
A Tatkal passport is part of a fast-track application process introduced by the Ministry of External Affairs of India. It’s designed to facilitate quicker issuance of passports compared to the regular process. The Tatkal scheme is especially beneficial for those who need a passport urgently, either for a sudden foreign trip or due to an emergency.
One major advantage is that this process removes some previous requirements—like the need for a verification certificate from a Gazetted Officer, making it more convenient. Once the application is successfully submitted and documents are verified, the passport can often be dispatched within a day.
But before you start your application, consider your travel plans carefully. If you’re heading abroad, don’t forget about international travel insurance. That can save you from unexpected expenses and mishaps during your journey. Similarly, domestic travel insurance India offers coverage for trips within the country, ensuring that your travel plans are safe and secure.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Tatkal Passport Online
Whether you’re applying for a passport for the first time or renewing an existing one, the process is straightforward under the Tatkal scheme. Let’s understand the process stepwise.
Step 1: Sign up on the official Passport Seva Portal
- Head to the official Passport Seva Portal.
- Click on the ‘New User Registration’ option to register using your email ID and other basic details.
- After registration, log in using your credentials.
Step 2: Download or Fill the Application Form
You can choose between two modes to apply for the passport.
Option 1: Download and upload the e-form Later
- Download the e-Form for ‘Fresh Passport’ or ‘Reissue Passport.’
- Select the mode as Tatkal.
- Fill in the details offline in the downloaded form.
- Once done, validate and save the form as an XML file.
- Log in to the portal and upload the saved XML file.
Option 2: Fill the Form Online
- Log in to the Passport Seva Portal and directly fill in the application form online.
- Choose Tatkal mode and ensure all the required details are accurate.
Step 3: Pay and Schedule an Appointment
Once you’ve filled out the form, the next step is to pay the Tatkal passport fees and schedule your appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
- Select your PSK location and choose a convenient time slot.
- Payment can be made using a Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking (State Bank of India and associated banks), or via SBI Bank Challan.
- You can use the online fee calculator available on the Passport Seva Portal to calculate the exact charges.
Step 4: Attend the PSK Appointment
On the day of your appointment, head to the selected Passport Seva Kendra with the following documents:
- Identity Proof with Photograph (Aadhar, Voter ID, PAN card, etc.)
- Proof of Birth Date(Birth or school leaving certificate)
- Proof of Residence (Aadhar, bank passbook, or utility bill)
- Verification Certificate as per Annexure F (if applicable)
Once at the PSK, you’ll undergo a quick verification process. If all documents are correct, your passport will be ‘Granted,’ and you can expect it to be dispatched within a day.
Eligibility for Tatkal Passport
Not everyone is eligible for the Tatkal scheme. Here’s a list of categories not eligible for Tatkal:
- Indian citizens born outside India.
- Citizens who gained Indian citizenship via naturalisation.
- Applicants who have been deported or repatriated.
- Residents of Jammu & Kashmir and Nagaland.
- Applicants whose passports are damaged beyond recognition or have had a major name change.
If you don’t fall under any of these categories, you are eligible to apply under the Tatkal scheme.
Time Frame for Tatkal Passport Issuance
Tatkal passports are processed much faster than regular applications. In most cases, the passport will be dispatched within one working day once all documents are verified, assuming no police verification is required.
If police verification is necessary, the passport may be issued first, and the verification will follow. In any case, you can expect the entire process to take no more than a week.
Why You Should Also Consider Travel Insurance?
Now that your passport application process is clear let’s focus on an equally important aspect: travel insurance. Whether travelling abroad or within India, securing travel insurance online is necessary. It offers coverage for trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost baggage, and much more.
International Travel Insurance protects you from unforeseen expenses such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or even theft abroad. Domestic Travel Insurance India provides coverage for accidents, trip delays, and medical emergencies during your travels within the country.
Most major insurance companies offer convenient options to purchase travel insurance online, ensuring you’re covered before your journey begins.
Conclusion: Be Prepared, Not Panicked
Applying for a Tatkal passport online is easy and fast and can save you a lot of stress in urgent situations. Just remember to have all the required documents ready and ensure that your details are filled in correctly. Once your passport is processed, don’t forget to invest in travel insurance—whether it’s for international travel or a domestic trip within India.
