Difference Between Normal and Tatkal Passport

A passport is an important document that demonstrates you are a legal citizen of your nation, especially while traveling abroad. It is proof of your nationality and identity, so the Indian government takes numerous precautions before granting it. As a result, a lengthy procedure that takes a long time to finish is conducted. Normally, it lasts two months. But, in many circumstances, people confront an emergency and must travel overseas immediately. They only have a little free time because of employment or educational obligations.

Passports are required for traveling to another country from one's home country and are used by other governments to verify tourists' identities and citizenship. They are also used for recognizing purposes, including opening a bank account or obtaining a driver's license. To receive a passport, an individual must meet the eligibility standards established by their country's passport issuing authority and should apply along with supporting papers and costs. Passport validity lengths vary depending on the country of issuance but commonly range from five to ten years.

Importance of Passport

A passport is an important document that proves an individual's identification and citizenship. Here are some of the primary benefits of having a passport:

• International Travel.

A passport is a primary document recognized as proof of individuality and nationality for traveling to foreign nations. A passport must be required for international travel.

A passport is an identifying document issued by the government that includes personal data such as the person's date of birth, photograph, and nationality.

• Application for a Visa

A passport is frequently necessary when applying for a visa to travel to another nation. The visa is usually linked to a blank page in the passport.

• Banking and Financial Transactions

For banking as well as financial transactions in other nations, such as opening a bank account or applying for a loan, a passport can be required.

• Opportunities for Employment

Some employers may demand a passport as identification during the hiring process, particularly if the position requires international travel or relocation.

• Personal Safety

A passport can be used as identification and evidence of citizenship when requesting assistance from the government or personnel embassy in an emergency.

• Emergency Travel

A passport is required for speedy and hassle-free travel in an emergency, such as a medical or family situation.

Eligibility for Passport

The eligibility conditions for a standard passport may differ slightly based on the nation of issuance, but the following are some common requirements

• Citizenship

The applicant must be a resident of the country issuing the passport.

• Age

The applicant must be at least 18 years old to apply for an adult passport. Children under 18 can apply for a child passport with constraints.

• Identity Proof

A valid form of identities such as a birth certificate, driver's license, or national ID card must be provided by the applicant.

• Proof of Permanent Address

The applicant must show verification of their permanent address, like a power bill, rental agreement, or bank account.

• Criminal Record

There must be no pending criminal proceedings or a criminal record for the candidate.

• Previous Passport

If the applicant has previously held a passport, it must be shown as proof of identification and canceled before a new passport can be issued.

It is crucial to note that eligibility conditions may differ according to the nation of issuance, and additional requirements may apply in specific circumstances, such as lost or stolen passports, name changes, or dual citizenship. It's always a good idea to verify with your country's passport issuing office for precise eligibility requirements.

Process of Passport

The process for obtaining a passport varies based on your location and circumstances, but it often includes the following steps:

• Choose the Type you Require

The first step in getting a passport is deciding which type you need. This may be determined by your age, the urgency with which you seek the passport, and whether you are applying for your first passport or renewing one.

• Gather Required Documents

Once you've determined which type of passport you require, you'll need to gather the necessary documents. Typically, proof of citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization certificate) and proof of identity (government-issued photo ID) are required.

• Passport Photo

You must provide a recent passport-sized photo with your application. Many pharmacies and photo centers approach passport pictures.

• Complete the Application

A paper application form can be obtained from a passport acceptance center, or you can download the passport application form online. Make certain that you fill out and sign the form.

• Fee Payment

The process of obtaining a passport differs based on the type of passport anticipated and the urgency with which it is required. The application fee must be paid when the application is submitted. Depending on the nation and the particular system in place, paying a passport fee can be done either online or offline. The cost of a passport is often decided by the kind of passport, how long it will be valid, and how quickly it will be processed.

• Send in your application

At a passport acceptance facility such as a post office or courthouse, you can submit your completed passport application, supporting documents, and fee. You may also need to make an appointment ahead of time.

• Wait for Processing

According to several variables, including the volume of applications, the complexity of the application, and the processing time preference of the applicant, the waiting period can generally range from a few days to several weeks or even months. If you require your passport sooner, expedited services are free. Your passport will be mailed to you once the application has been reviewed and accepted.

Normal Passport

A normal passport is given to Indian nationals who want to go abroad for several purposes, including business, tourism, medical care, education, and more. It is given by both the 1980 Passport Rules and the 1967 Passports Act. To apply for a normal passport in India an individual should approach Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or the Passport Office and submit the necessary documents, which include proof of identity and address, proof of date of birth, and other supporting documents. The candidate must also submit two passport-sized pictures.

A normal passport application can take ranging from 10 to 30 days to process, based on the Passport Office's location and workload. After processing the application, the passport is sent through Fast Post to the applicant's registered address. A normal passport is valid for ten years for adults and five years for youngsters and it can be renewed by submitting a new application together with the necessary documentation.

Advantages of Normal Passport

A normal passport (sometimes known as a standard passport) is a conventional passport issued to citizens for international travel. Following are some of the benefits of a normal passport

• Normal passports are usually recognized as an acceptable form of identification for international travel.
• Normal Passports are often less expensive than advanced or Tatkal passports.
• Compared to temporary passports, normal passports have a longer validity period.

Disadvantages of Normal Passport

• Normal passports can take weeks or even months to process which might be inconvenient if you need to travel quickly.
• Normal passports often contain limited pages, which can be inconvenient if you travel frequently and need additional visa pages.

Tatkal Passport

Tatkal passports are advanced passports issued by the Indian government for urgent travel needs or emergencies. It is granted by the Passports Act of 1967 and the Passports Regulations of 1980. To apply for a tatkal passport, a person must go to the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or the Passport Office and submit the necessary documents. Furthermore, the applicant must offer documentation to demonstrate the situation's urgency, such as evidence of travel, medical emergency, or any other justifiable reason. The processing time for a tatkal passport application is shorter than for a normal passport which takes 1-3 days depending on the location and workload of the Passport Office.

The fees for getting a Tatkal passport are more than for getting a normal passport. It should be claimed that the Tatkal passport program is designed to advance the processing of emergency or urgent travel documents. It is not intended to be a routine means of obtaining a passport. Furthermore, the Tatkal passport must be verified and approved by the Passport Office. Tatkal passports are expedited passports granted for last-minute travel. The following are some of the benefits and disadvantages of a Tatkal passport.

Advantages of Tatkal Passport

• Tatkal passports are processed on a priority basis, which means you will obtain your passport within a few days.
• Booking appointments and submitting applications are both flexible with the Tatkal passport service.
• The service is designed for persons who need to travel conveniently and must begin the usual processing period right away.

Disadvantages of Tatkal Passport

• Tatkal passports are more costly than normal passports due to the priority processing service.
• The Tatkal passport services are only available to certain candidates and cannot be utilized by everyone.
• To guarantee their application is accepted, Tatkal passport applicants must meet severe documentation standards and relevant documents.

Similarities Between the Normal and Tatkal Passport

Both normal and tatkal passports are authorized government-issued travel credentials that serve as evidence of citizenship and identification.

The two are comparable in the following ways:

• Eligibility criteria

The eligibility requirements, which include evidence of citizenship and identity, are identical for both Normal and Tatkal passports.

• Validity

The ten-year adult and five-year minor validity periods for normal and tatkal passports are similar.

• Application Process

Normal and Tatkal passport applications entail completing an application form, submitting the necessary paperwork and payments, and appearing in person for an interview (sometimes).

• Supporting Documents

The required supporting documents for both Normal and Tatkal passports are identification, citizenship, and address evidence.

• Security features

To stop fraud, forgery, and tampering, both normal and tatkal passports contain the same security characteristics.

Though, the processing time is the primary distinction between the two. Tatkal passports are issued more swiftly in emergencies, while normal passports take longer to process. Moreover, a charge must be paid for the advanced processing of Tatkal passports.

Differences Between Normal and Tatkal Passport

Conclusion

Finally, the primary distinction between normal and tatkal passports is the speed with which they are handled. Normal passports often take longer to process, including an average processing time of 10-15 days, whereas tatkal passports are completed expeditiously in 1-3 days. Also, application fees for Tatkal passports are greater than for normal passports, reflecting the faster processing time and the higher level of service given. Applicants for Tatkal passports must present additional paperwork to support their application, such as proof of urgency or travel arrangements. An individual's circumstances such as travel intentions and timeline will determine whether to apply for a normal or tatkal passport. Individuals needing their passport quickly can apply for a tatkal passport, while those with more time can apply for a normal one.