New Delhi, June 26: In a significant move affecting millions of Indian travellers, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday announced a comprehensive revision in passport application fees, marking the first major increase in over a decade. The revised fee structure, notified under the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, will come into effect from July 1, 2026, and apply to fresh passport applications, renewals, Tatkal services, police clearance certificates, and other passport-related services.
Under the revised rates, applicants seeking a standard 36-page passport will now pay ₹2,500, up from ₹1,500, while the fee for a 60-page passport has been increased to ₹3,500. Tatkal charges have also been revised, with expedited processing for a 36-page passport now costing ₹5,000. Revised rates have similarly been notified for minors, replacement of lost or damaged passports, and services availed by Indian citizens abroad.
The MEA said the revision is aimed at strengthening passport service delivery, supporting the expansion of digital infrastructure, and meeting the growing operational costs associated with modern passport issuance. The move comes as India continues the nationwide rollout of chip-enabled e-passports and the upgraded Passport Seva Programme, designed to improve security, transparency, and efficiency in passport services.
The announcement is expected to have a direct impact on students planning overseas education, professionals seeking employment abroad, business travellers, and tourists preparing for international travel. Those intending to apply before July 1 can still avail passport services at the existing rates, after which the revised fee structure will become mandatory.
Citizens have been advised to verify the updated fee schedule and application guidelines through the official Passport Seva portal before submitting applications to avoid confusion during the transition period.
