The Indian government has increased passport fees for the first time in 14 years, with new rates coming into effect from July 1, 2026. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a notification on June 25, 2026, announcing the revised fee structure for both standard and Tatkaal passports.
New fee structure for standard passports
For a standard 36-page passport (valid for 10 years), the fee has been raised from the earlier ₹1,000 to ₹1,500. For a 60-page passport, the fee is now ₹2,000, up from ₹1,500. The fee for a fresh passport or re-issue for minors (below 18 years) has been set at ₹1,000, compared to the previous ₹600.
Tatkaal passport fees revised
Under the Tatkaal scheme, which offers expedited processing, the fee for a 36-page passport has been increased to ₹3,500 from ₹2,500. For a 60-page Tatkaal passport, the fee is now ₹4,000, up from ₹3,000. The Tatkaal fee for minors is now ₹2,500, compared to ₹1,500 earlier.
Other fee changes
The fee for a duplicate passport (in case of loss or damage) has been revised to ₹2,000 for a 36-page booklet and ₹2,500 for a 60-page booklet. The fee for a short-validity passport (valid for 1 year or less) is now ₹1,000. Additionally, the fee for a passport for a child below 8 years is ₹600.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the fee hike was necessitated by increased operational costs, including security features, printing, and processing. The last revision was in 2012, making this the first increase in 14 years.
Impact on applicants
The fee hike will affect all new applicants and those seeking re-issue. However, the government has clarified that applications submitted before July 1, 2026, will be processed at the old rates. The increase is expected to generate additional revenue for the government, estimated at around ₹500 crore annually.
Passport applicants have expressed mixed reactions. Some have criticized the timing, citing rising inflation, while others acknowledge the need for better infrastructure and security. The Ministry has assured that the quality of service will improve with the additional funds.
