Whether it is a foreign vacation, studying abroad, or trying your luck at employment in a foreign land, the passport is the key for cross-border travel. In India, applying for a passport is a multistep affair, and clarity about the costs associated will save many hassles. In this post, we will look in detail at passport fees in India regarding Tatkal passport fees, normal versus Tatkal passport fee differences, new passport fees, and other important information.
Types of Passports in India: 36 Pages versus 60 Pages
First, let us understand that there are mainly two types of passports in India depending on the number of pages in it:
Passport of 36 Pages: This is a normally issued passport to individuals who have been on quite a number of international travels. It is lighter and cheaper.
In most of the frequent travelers, this passport is issued, especially in the business profession, as it gives more room for visa stamps.
Difference between 36 Vs 60 Page Passport
The basic difference is the number of pages available for visa stamps. While a 36-page passport is good enough for an occasional traveler, a 60-page passport is meant for frequent travelers. Quite naturally, the cost of a passport in India varies between the two.
Passport Fees in India: A Break-up
The cost of applying for a passport in India depends on the number of pages, whether it is a fresh issue or re-issue, and whether one goes for the normal or Tatkal process.
1. Normal Passport Fees in India
The passport fees for the normal category include regular processing times. Therefore, the fees that will be levied will not be as high as the expedited option called Tatkal. Following are the fees levied for both 36 and 60 pages passports:
| Passport Type | Price |
|---|---|
| 36 Pages Passport (Normal) | ₹ 1,500 |
| 60 Pages Passport (Normal) | ₹ 2,000 |
In case one is below the age of 15 years, the charges are ₹1,000 for a 36-page passport.
2. Tatkal Passport Fees in India
If you are in a hurry and want to speed up the process, then you can apply for the Tatkal passport service. This service guarantees faster disposal, often within days at some extra cost.
| Passport Type | Price |
|---|---|
| 36 Pages Passport (Tatkal) | ₹ 3,500 |
| 60 Pages Passport (Tatkal) | ₹ 4,000 |
This includes fees related to the passport and the additional amount charged for speedy processing. Since Tatkal passports are given priority processing, the amount charged is considerably higher.
3. Tatkal Passport Reissue Fee
Applicants who already have a passport but need to get it reissued under the Tatkal scheme also pay the same amount as that of a new Tatkal passport application:
| Passport Type | Price |
|---|---|
| 36 Pages Passport (Tatkal Reissue) | ₹ 3,500 |
| 60 Pages Passport (Tatkal Reissue) | ₹ 4,000 |
4. Online Application Fee Through Passport Seva
The online application facility through the Passport Seva Portal is thus making an application for a passport a whole lot easier. The fee, however, remains the same as prescribed when making an application using a physical form at a PSK. Online applications no doubt offer added comfort of filling out forms, making payments and scheduling appointments from the convenience of one’s home.
5. Additional Charges: Lost or Damaged Passport
If the passport has been lost or damaged, the charges towards replacement are slightly higher. In the case of a lost passport, the following charges apply:
| Pages | Normal Price | Tatkal Price |
|---|---|---|
| 36 Pages | ₹ 2,500 | ₹ 4,500 |
| 60 Pages | ₹ 3,000 | ₹ 5,000 |
This table lists the prices for both Normal and Tatkal services for 36 and 60 pages.
In case of damage, the charges will be the same as that for issuing a brand-new passport.
Tatkal vs Normal Passport Fees: What’s the Difference?
This is in regard to the processing time for both the Tatkal and normal passport fees. The normal passport application takes about 3-6 weeks to process. Contrasting this, a Tatkal passport is issued within 1-7 working days. If one is not in such a rush, then the normal route will also be reasonably much cheaper. Let us say, in the same breath, in case one urgently needs a passport, it would be worth paying that extra amount of money as a Tatkal fee.
Step-Wise Explanation of How to Apply for a Passport in India
1. Passport Application
- Applications for passports in India can be submitted online or via the PSK. For that, follow the following steps:
- Log onto the official Passport Seva Portal at passportindia.gov.in.
- If you don’t have one, create a user account.
- Fill up the online application form.
- Upload the required documents along with passport-sized photographs.
- Pay the prescribed passport fees available in India for normal and Tatkal schemes .
- Book an appointment at the nearest PSK using the book appointment module.
- Appear in person with original documents at the appointment.
2. Documents Required for Application of Passport
The documents needed in different situations to get a passport are different. One has first-time application document requirements, passport renewal, and Tatkal application. These usually range between:
- Proof of Date of Birth: Birth Certificate, School Leaving Certificate
- Address Proof: Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Utility Bills
- Proof of Citizenship: Aadhar, PAN Card
- Proof of Identity: PAN Card, Driving License
- In the case of minors, proof of passport of a parent
Annexure “F” or verification certificate from a Gazetted Officer is also required for Tatkal scheme along with above.
Passport Fees to be Paid – Special Cases
To be included in Special Cases, an additional amount is to be paid. For example:
Passports for Senior Citizens: For senior citizens above 60 years of age, concession in passport fees is provided.
Concessional Rates: While applying for the issuance of a passport for the first time, student concessions are granted.
These concessions are allowed only in the normal service and not in the Tatkal service.
How to check online passport fees in India?
The fees chargeable regarding passports in India are clearly elaborated upon on the Passport Seva Portal. You may deduce what you will have to pay based on your needs through the Passport Seva Online Application Fees calculator on the portal.
Passport Office Coimbatore and Other Regional Centers
For applicants living in Coimbatore, Passport Office Coimbatore is one of the regionally important centers where an applicant can apply for a passport. Like other Passport Seva Kendras, this passport office also provides normal and Tatkal services.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Passport Fees in India
1. How much is a 60 page passport in India?
Application fee for a 60-page passport in India: ₹2,000 under a normal processing fee and ₹4,000 under Tatkal.
2. How many documents does one need to get a passport?
Identity, address, and date of birth are the required documents for a passport. If it’s a Tatkal application, you need some more documents.
3. Can net banking be used for passport online application fees?
You can pay passport fees through net banking, credit cards, and debit cards.
4. What is a passport book number in India?
The passport book number refers to the unique number from the first page of your passport. It identifies you, and it’s so important when traveling or even during application for a visa.
Conclusion
Knowing passport fees in India is very important for an efficient application process. Be it applying for a normal or Tatkal passport, a proper idea about the fee difference, the application process, and the required documents will save lots of valuable time and effort. Remember to apply well in advance, lest one is availing the Tatkal service. The Passport Seva Portal is one of the very good resources to stay updated about the latest fees and offers, besides keeping track of application statuses.