Major Changes Ahead: Passport Fees Set to Rise in 2026

New Passport Fee Structure Announced

New Delhi: The government has announced a significant increase in passport application fees through an amendment to the Passports Rules of 1980. The fee for a standard fresh passport, which includes 36 pages, will rise from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500.

These changes will take effect starting July 1, 2026.

As per a notification released on June 20 by the Ministry of External Affairs, the standard fee for a fresh passport or its reissue with 36 pages will now be Rs 2,500, while the Tatkal service will cost Rs 5,000 for the same category.

Currently, the fee for an ordinary fresh passport or reissue stands at Rs 1,500, with the Tatkal option priced at Rs 3,500.

In addition, the fee for an ordinary fresh passport or reissue containing 60 pages will increase from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,500, with the Tatkal fee rising to Rs 6,000 from Rs 4,000.

The notification states, "In exercise of the powers conferred by section 24 of the Passports Act, 1967 (15 of 1967), the Central Government hereby makes the following rules further to amend the Passports Rules, 1980, namely: 1. (1) These rules may be called the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026. (2) They shall come into force with effect from the 1st day of July, 2026."

Additionally, the government has provided a Schedule that will replace the existing "Schedule IV to the Passports Rules, 1980."

The updated schedule outlines two sub-categories for applicants: those aged 18 and above or minors aged between 15 and 18 years, and applicants who are minors under 18.