In a major update for international travelers, students, job seekers, and frequent flyers, the Government of India has officially revised passport application fees for the first time in several years. The new fee structure, notified under the Passport (Amendment) Rules, 2026, will come into effect from July 1, 2026.
Under the revised rates, an ordinary passport will now cost ₹2,500 instead of ₹1,500, while Tatkal passport services have become significantly more expensive. The move comes as India continues expanding digital passport services and modernizing passport issuance infrastructure.
Major Passport Fee Changes Effective July 1, 2026
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has revised fees across multiple passport categories, including fresh applications, renewals, Tatkal services, and replacement of lost or damaged passports.
New Passport Fee Structure (Adults)
| Service | Old Fee | New Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 36-Page Passport (Normal) | ₹1,500 | ₹2,500 |
| 36-Page Passport (Tatkal) | ₹3,500 | ₹5,000 |
| 60-Page Passport (Normal) | ₹2,000 | ₹3,500 |
| 60-Page Passport (Tatkal) | ₹4,000 | ₹6,000 |
The revised rates apply to both fresh passports and passport re-issues for adults.
Tatkal Passport Now Costs More
Travelers requiring urgent passport services will face the biggest increase.
New Tatkal Charges
36-page passport: ₹5,000
60-page passport: ₹6,000
The Tatkal scheme remains the fastest route for obtaining an Indian passport, typically involving expedited processing and post-issuance police verification in eligible cases.
Passport Fees for Children
The government has also revised charges for minors.
Passport Fee for Applicants Below 18 Years
| Service | New Fee |
|---|---|
| Fresh/Reissue Passport | ₹1,750 |
| Tatkal Passport | ₹4,250 |
Passports issued to minors remain valid for five years or until they turn 18, whichever comes earlier.
Lost or Damaged Passport Replacement Charges
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged passport has become significantly costlier.
Revised Replacement Fees
| Service | Normal | Tatkal |
|---|---|---|
| 36-Page Passport | ₹5,000 | ₹7,500 |
| 60-Page Passport | ₹6,000 | ₹8,500 |
These charges apply when applicants request a replacement due to loss, theft, damage, or mutilation of the passport.
Other Passport-Related Services
The government has also revised charges for several related services.
New Service Charges
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): ₹750
Surrender Certificate: ₹750
Global Entry Program Verification: ₹750
Miscellaneous Passport Certificates: ₹750
Certificate of Identity: ₹1,000
Emergency Certificates issued within India will continue to be provided without additional charges.
Why Has the Government Increased Passport Fees?
Officials indicate that the revision is intended to:
Cover rising operational costs
Upgrade passport infrastructure
Enhance digital passport services
Improve service quality
Strengthen passport security systems
This marks the first major fee revision in more than a decade, with the previous comprehensive revision taking place in 2012.
Good News for Senior Citizens and Children
The government has retained a special concession.
10% Discount Continues For
Senior citizens aged above 60 years
Children up to 8 years of age
The discount applies to fresh passport applications and continues under the revised fee structure.
Passport Validity Rules Remain Unchanged
Despite the fee revision, passport validity periods remain the same.
Adults
Validity: 10 years
Minors
Validity: 5 years or until age 18
No changes have been announced regarding validity periods.
Impact on Travelers, Students, and Professionals
The revised fees will affect:
International Travelers
Those planning overseas vacations after July 1 will need to budget higher passport costs.
Students
Students applying for higher education abroad may face increased documentation expenses.
Job Seekers
Professionals seeking overseas employment will also be impacted by higher passport and PCC fees.
Frequent Travelers
Those opting for 60-page booklets and Tatkal processing will see the biggest increase.
How to Apply for a Passport
Applicants can continue using the official passport portal for appointments and applications.
Application Process
Register on the Passport Seva portal.
Fill out the online application.
Pay the revised fee.
Schedule an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra.
Complete biometric verification.
Undergo police verification if required.
Receive passport delivery.
Conclusion
The new passport fee structure represents a significant increase for Indian citizens planning international travel. While a standard passport will now cost ₹2,500 and Tatkal processing ₹5,000 for a 36-page booklet, the government says the revision will support improved services, security enhancements, and modernization of passport operations.
Travelers planning to apply for a passport soon may consider submitting applications before June 30, 2026, if appointments are still available under the existing fee structure.
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