Getting a passport has become costlier; here are the charges applicable from July 1—find out how much the fees have increased..
The Government of India has increased the fees for obtaining a passport. These new fees will come into effect on July 1, 2026. The Ministry of External Affairs has issued an official notification regarding this. The government has set these new fees by amending the Passport Rules, 1980. According to the government notification, applicants will now have to spend an additional ₹1,000; specifically, the fee for a standard 36-page passport has risen from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500. The fee for the 'Tatkaal' (expedited) service has increased from ₹3,500 to ₹5,000.
**Passport Costs Rise**
The government has implemented these changes under Section 24 of the Passports Act, 1967. Under the new system, fees for various categories of passport applications have been determined to simplify and clarify the fee structure. The new rules also clarify that minors aged 15 to 18 who apply under the adult category will be required to pay the same fees applicable to adults. The government states that this amendment will help improve passport services and streamline the process. However, the fee hike means the general public will have to spend more than before to obtain a passport. Anyone planning to apply for a passport will have to pay according to the new fee structure after July 1, 2026.
**Increased Passport Fees**
36-page standard passport: Increased from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500.
36-page Tatkaal passport: Increased from ₹3,500 to ₹5,000.
60-page standard passport: Increased from ₹2,000 to ₹3,500.
60-page Tatkaal passport: Increased from ₹4,000 to ₹6,000.
Relief for Senior Citizens and Children
The government has introduced a provision for a 10% discount on new passport applications for children up to the age of 8 and senior citizens over the age of 60. This concession does not apply to passport re-issuance. However, for detailed information and to apply online, you can visit the official Passport Seva Kendra website.
