If you’re planning to apply for a fresh passport or renew an existing one, this update is important for you. The Central Government has revised passport fees in India, increasing charges for both regular passport applications and the Tatkal service. The revised fee structure, which comes into effect from July 1, marks a significant hike. Here’s everything you need to know.
Government Raises Passport Fees In India
According to NDTV, the Central Government on Thursday announced the first increase in passport fees in India in 14 years. The revised fee structure was announced a day after the Ministry of External Affairs clarified that a passport is primarily a travel document and not proof of Indian citizenship.
Under the new rates, a fresh 36-page passport or its reissue for applicants aged 18 years and above will cost ₹2,500 under the normal scheme, up from the current ₹1,500. This is a significant hike of nearly 67%.
Meanwhile, the Tatkaal fee has been increased from ₹3,500 to ₹ 5,000. The revised charges have been introduced through an amendment to the Passports Rules, 1980.
Also Read: Is Your Indian Passport A Citizenship Proof Or Just A Travel Document?
Here’s What You’ll Pay Across Different Categories
The fee for a fresh or reissued 60-page passport has also been increased from ₹2,000 to ₹3,500 under the normal scheme. Under the Tatkaal scheme, applicants will now have to pay ₹6,000, up from ₹4,000.
Replacing a lost or damaged passport has also become more expensive. A replacement 36-page passport will now cost ₹5,000 under the normal scheme and ₹7,500 under Tatkaal. For a 60-page passport, the fee has been revised to ₹6,000 under the normal scheme and ₹8,500 under Tatkaal.
For applicants below 18 years of age, a fresh or reissued 36-page passport will now cost ₹1,750 under the normal scheme and ₹4,250 under Tatkaal. Replacing a lost or damaged passport for minors will cost ₹4,250 under the normal scheme and ₹6,750 under Tatkaal.
Also Read: How An Indian Musician Ticked 245 Countries Off His Wishlist In 6.5 Years With 16 Passports
We hope this information was useful to you all.
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FAQs
How much does it cost to apply for a fresh passport in India?
From July 1, 2026, the cost of applying for a fresh, 36-page passport will be ₹2,500.
What is the difference between the normal and Tatkaal passport fees?
Under the revised fee structure effective July 1, 2026, an adult applying for a fresh 36-page passport will pay ₹2,500 under the normal scheme and ₹5,000 under the Tatkaal scheme.
Has the cost of replacing a lost or damaged passport increased?
Yes. The government has increased the fee for replacing lost or damaged passports under both the normal and Tatkaal schemes.