Passport fees increase on July 1

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has revised passport fees in India, effective July 1, 2026, impacting various services, including fresh applications, renewals, and special services for domestic and overseas applicants.

Adult applicants will see significant increases, with a 36-page normal passport now costing ₹2,500 and a 60-page option costing ₹3,500.

Tatkaal services will also become more expensive, with charges rising to ₹5,000 for a 36-page passport and ₹6,000 for a 60-page passport.

The higher pricing applies to both standard page formats, raising the overall cost burden for applicants who opt for urgent processing or quicker passport delivery timelines.

Replacement charges for lost or damaged passports will also increase, with adults paying up to ₹8,500 depending on the category.

Passport services for children below 18 years have been revised, with fresh and reissue applications costing ₹1,750 under normal service and ₹4,250 under Tatkaal.

Replacement of lost or damaged passports for minors will cost ₹4,250 under normal service and ₹6,750 under Tatkaal.

Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) fees have increased from ₹500 to ₹750, impacting applicants requiring verification documents for travel or employment purposes.

Indian citizens applying from abroad will follow a separate fee structure, with fresh 36-page passport applications costing $125 under normal service and $250 under Tatkaal processing categories.

Despite the hike, a 10% discount remains available for children below eight years and senior citizens above 60 for fresh applications.

This discount does not apply to reissue requests or renewal services.

In comparison to previous fee structures, the revised charges represent a significant increase, which may impact the affordability of passport services for some applicants.

Reporters on the scene note that the MEA has not provided a specific reason for the fee hike, but it is likely that the increased costs will be used to improve passport services and processing times.

The revised fee structure will be effective from July 1, 2026, and applicants are advised to check the official website for more information on the new charges.

For more information on passport services and fees, applicants can visit the official passport website to learn about the economic tour and its potential impact on passport services.

The increased fees for passport services are expected to affect a large number of applicants, as millions of Indians apply for passports every year.

The MEA’s decision to revise the fee structure may be seen as a move to generate additional revenue, which could be used to upgrade the infrastructure and technology used in passport services.

The higher fees for Tatkaal services, in particular, may deter some applicants from opting for urgent processing, as the cost difference between normal and Tatkaal services has increased significantly.

However, the 10% discount for children below eight years and senior citizens above 60 may provide some relief to these categories of applicants, making passport services slightly more affordable for them.

The separate fee structure for Indian citizens applying from abroad may also affect the number of applications received from overseas, as the fees for fresh passport applications have increased substantially.

The increased PCC fees may also impact applicants who require verification documents for travel or employment purposes, as they will now have to pay a higher fee for these services.

The MEA’s revised fee structure is likely to have a significant impact on the demand for passport services, and applicants are advised to plan accordingly and factor in the increased costs when applying for a passport.

The official passport website will provide more information on the revised fee structure and the services offered, and applicants can visit the website to learn more about the changes and how they may affect their applications.

Additionally, the revised fee structure may also lead to an increase in the number of applicants opting for normal services, as the cost difference between normal and Tatkaal services has increased, making normal services a more attractive option for those who do not require urgent processing.

The MEA’s decision to revise the fee structure is a significant development, and applicants are advised to stay informed about the changes and plan their applications accordingly to avoid any delays or additional costs.