Applying for a passport in India is set to become more expensive from July 1, 2026. The Central Government has revised the passport fee structure by amending the Passports Rules, 1980, resulting in higher charges for both fresh passport applications and reissue services.
The revised fee structure was notified by the Ministry of External Affairs on June 20 and will come into effect from July 1, 2026.
Higher Fees For Fresh And Reissued Passports
Under the new rules, the application fee for a 36-page ordinary passport has been increased from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500. The revised fee applies to both fresh passport applications and the reissue of existing passports.
Applicants opting for the Tatkal service will now have to pay ₹5,000, up from the current ₹3,500.
Similarly, the fee for a 60-page ordinary passport has been raised from ₹2,000 to ₹3,500. Those applying under the Tatkal scheme for a 60-page passport will now be charged ₹6,000, compared to the earlier fee of ₹4,000.
Revised Passport Fee Structure
| Passport Type | Current Fee | Revised Fee (From July 1) |
|---|---|---|
| 36-page Passport | ₹1,500 | ₹2,500 |
| 36-page Passport (Tatkal) | ₹3,500 | ₹5,000 |
| 60-page Passport | ₹2,000 | ₹3,500 |
| 60-page Passport (Tatkal) | ₹4,000 | ₹6,000 |
Government Amends Passport Rules
The fee revision comes after the Centre notified the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, under the powers granted by the Passports Act, 1967.
According to the official notification, the amended rules will replace the existing Schedule IV of the Passports Rules, 1980, introducing a revised schedule of passport application fees.
The notification states that the new rules will officially take effect from July 1, 2026.
Different Categories Of Applicants
The revised fee schedule also classifies applicants into different categories, including:
- Adults aged 18 years and above.
- Minors aged 15 to 18 years applying under the adult passport category.
- Children below 18 years applying as minors.
The applicable fees may vary depending on the applicant’s category and the type of passport service selected.
What Applicants Should Know
Anyone planning to apply for a fresh passport or renew an existing one after July 1 should keep the revised charges in mind while submitting their application. Those who wish to avoid the higher fees may consider completing their application before the new rates come into effect.
The government says the revised fee structure is part of the updated Passport Rules, which govern passport-related services across the country.
With international travel steadily increasing, applicants are advised to check the latest fee structure and required documents before applying to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process.
