New Passport Fee: Now, you'll have to loosen your purse strings even more to obtain a passport in the country. The fees for obtaining and renewing passports have nearly doubled since July 1st. Find out the new rates.

Passport Fee Rise: Amidst the ongoing debate about passports in the country, the Ministry of External Affairs has increased passport fees. The new rates will be effective from July 1, 2026, meaning that from July onwards, obtaining a new passport or reissuing an old one will be more expensive than before.

How much has the passport fee increased?

Until now, it cost ₹1,500 to issue or renew a 36-page general passport. The new rate has increased this fee to ₹2,500. Previously, a 60-page passport cost ₹2,000, but now costs ₹3,500.

If a passport is lost or damaged and a new one needs to be made, the cost has increased further. The fee for a 36-page passport has increased from ₹3,000 to ₹5,000. For a 60-page passport, it has increased from ₹3,500 to ₹6,000.

Your pocket will be more loose in the near future

If you need a passport quickly, the cost of an urgent passport has also increased. The tatkal fee for a 36-page passport was previously ₹3,500, but now it will be ₹5,000. For a 60-page passport, it has increased from ₹4,000 to ₹6,000. Please note that this tatkal fee is inclusive of the standard fee.

Children's passports also affected

The fee for a 36-page passport for children under 18 has been increased from ₹1,000 to ₹1,750. The cost of obtaining a new passport for a child who loses or is damaged has increased from ₹2,000 to ₹4,250.

Police clearance certificate is also expensive

The fees for services like police clearance certificate, surrender certificate or Global Entry Programme have now been increased from Rs 500 to Rs 750.

Who will get the exemption?

The government has also provided some relief to some individuals. Children under 8 years of age and senior citizens over 60 will receive a 10% discount on new passport fees. This discount applies only to new passports, not reissued ones.

No change in validity

While the fees have increased, passport validity remains the same. Adult passports will be valid for ten years. Children's passports will be valid for five years or until they turn 18, whichever comes first. The dollar-denominated fees for expatriates have also been increased accordingly.

PC: ABPNews