Indian Passport Fees Hiked from July 1, 2026: Check New Rates
The Indian government has significantly increased passport application fees across all categories, effective from July 1, 2026. This marks the first major revision in passport charges in nearly 14 years, impacting fresh applications, reissues, Tatkaal services, and replacements for lost or damaged passports.
Key Highlights
- Passport fees increased across all categories from July 1, 2026.
- Normal 36-page passport now costs ₹2,500, up from ₹1,500.
- Tatkaal 36-page passport revised to ₹5,000 from ₹3,500.
- Fees also hiked for 60-page, minor, and lost/damaged passports.
- MEA cited rising administrative costs for the revision.
- 10% discount for children up to 8 years and senior citizens.
The Indian government has implemented a significant hike in passport application fees across various categories, with the new rates coming into effect from July 1, 2026. This revision, notified by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) through the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, marks the first major increase in passport charges in nearly 14 years, with the last revision occurring in 2012.
Under the revised fee structure, the cost of a fresh or reissued ordinary 36-page passport for adult applicants (18 years and above) has increased from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500, representing a 67% hike. Similarly, for a 60-page ordinary passport, the fee has been raised from ₹2,000 to ₹3,500, an increase of 75%.
Applicants opting for the Tatkaal (expedited) service will also face higher charges. The fee for a 36-page Tatkaal passport has gone up from ₹3,500 to ₹5,000. For a 60-page Tatkaal passport, the new cost is ₹6,000, revised from the previous ₹4,000.
The fee revision is particularly sharp for replacing lost or damaged passports. An ordinary 36-page replacement passport now costs ₹5,000, up from ₹3,000, while a 60-page ordinary replacement costs ₹6,000, an increase from ₹3,500. For Tatkaal replacement of lost or damaged passports, a 36-page booklet will now cost ₹7,500 (previously ₹5,000), and a 60-page booklet will be ₹8,500 (previously ₹5,500).
Minors (below 18 years of age) are also affected by the new fee structure. A fresh or reissued 36-page ordinary passport for a minor will now cost ₹1,750, up from ₹1,000. For Tatkaal applications for minors, the fee has been set at ₹4,250. If a minor's passport is lost or damaged, an ordinary replacement will cost ₹4,250, and a Tatkaal replacement will be ₹6,750.
In addition to passport issuance and reissue, charges for several other passport-related services have also been revised. The fee for issuing a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), Surrender Certificate, Global Entry Program verification, or any other miscellaneous certificate based on the passport has been increased to ₹750.
However, the government has retained some concessions, offering a 10% discount on fresh passport applications submitted by children up to eight years of age and senior citizens above 60 years. This concession was previously applicable, reducing the cost of a 36-page passport from ₹1,500 to ₹1,350 for eligible applicants.
News reports from various credible sources like The Hindu, News18, Gulf News, The Economic Times, Hindustan Times, India Today, The Indian Express, Akashvani News, NDTV, Mint, and Moneycontrol.com extensively corroborate these changes and the effective date. The Ministry of External Affairs cited rising administrative costs of processing, printing, and securing passports as the primary reason for this hike. This revision follows the near completion of the nationwide rollout of the Passport Seva Project, which has significantly expanded passport facilities across the country. The news is highly relevant for Indian citizens, both domestically and abroad, as it directly impacts their travel plans and finances.
The original article's claims are accurate and well-supported by real-time information, indicating a legitimate and significant policy change by the Indian government. The hike is substantial, with increases ranging from 67% to 75% for regular passports and even higher for Tatkaal and lost/damaged categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the new passport fees come into effect in India?
The revised passport fees in India became effective from July 1, 2026.
What is the new cost for a normal 36-page Indian passport?
A fresh or reissued ordinary 36-page passport for adults now costs ₹2,500, increased from the previous ₹1,500.
How much does a Tatkaal (expedited) passport cost under the new rules?
For a Tatkaal 36-page passport, the fee is now ₹5,000 (up from ₹3,500), and for a 60-page Tatkaal passport, it is ₹6,000 (up from ₹4,000).
Are there any discounts available on the new passport fees?
Yes, a 10% discount is available for fresh passport applications submitted by children up to eight years of age and senior citizens above 60 years.
Why has the Indian government increased passport fees?
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) cited rising administrative costs associated with processing, printing, and securing passports as the reason for the fee hike.