Obtaining a passport in India will become more expensive from July 1, following a revision in passport application fees announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The revised rates, notified through an amendment to the Passport Rules, 1980, apply to regular, Tatkal, and replacement passport services across different booklet categories. While the government has increased processing charges significantly, it has clarified that the validity period of passports for adults and minors will remain unchanged.

The fee revision is expected to affect first-time applicants, frequent international travelers, and individuals seeking replacement passports due to loss or damage. The new rates will come into effect nationwide from July 1.

Higher Charges for Passport Services

Under the revised structure, the fee for a 36-page passport under the normal category has been increased from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500, while applicants opting for the Tatkal service will now pay ₹5,000, compared to the earlier ₹3,500.

Applicants requiring a 60-page passport booklet, commonly preferred by frequent international travelers, will also see higher charges. The normal application fee has been revised from ₹2,000 to ₹3,500, while the Tatkal fee has increased from ₹4,000 to ₹6,000.

Replacement Passports Become Costlier

The sharpest increase has been introduced for passports that need replacement because they are lost or damaged.

Under the revised rates, replacing a 36-page passport will cost ₹5,000 through the regular process and ₹7,500 under the Tatkal scheme. For a 60-page replacement passport, applicants will now have to pay ₹6,000 under the standard category and ₹8,500 through Tatkal processing.

The government has also revised fees for replacement passports issued to minors. Parents applying for a replacement of a lost or damaged 36-page passport for a child will pay ₹4,250 under the regular category and ₹6,750 if they opt for Tatkal processing.

Validity Rules Remain Unchanged

Despite the increase in application fees, the Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that passport validity rules will remain the same.

Passports issued to adults will continue to remain valid for 10 years, while passports issued to minors will remain valid for five years or until the holder reaches 18 years of age, whichever comes earlier.

Why the Revision Matters

The revised fee structure is expected to increase the cost of obtaining travel documents for millions of applicants across the country. Frequent travelers, business professionals, students planning overseas education, and individuals applying for emergency passport services under the Tatkal scheme are likely to experience the greatest financial impact.

Officials have stated that the revised charges have been notified following amendments to the Passport Rules, 1980, and will be implemented uniformly across all Passport Seva Kendras and Regional Passport Offices from July 1.

Revised Passport Fee Chart