Passport Fees Hiked to Rs. 2,500 from July 1
New Delhi: Applying for an Indian passport will cost more from next month, with the government notifying a fee hike to ₹2,500 for a standard 36-page passport with 10-year validity, effective July 1, 2026.
The current fee for normal applications is ₹1,500. The ₹1,000 increase comes after more than a decade, with the last major revision in 2012.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs officials, the hike accounts for increased costs of printing, security features, and the ongoing rollout of e-passports with biometric chips. The revision is also aimed at making the Passport Seva system more self-sustaining and reducing reliance on budgetary support.
The tatkaal scheme fees will also be revised upward proportionately. For minors under 18 years, applying for a 5-year validity passport, and for 60-page jumbo booklets, revised slabs will be issued separately. Re-issue cases due to loss or damage will attract higher charges as well.
Applicants who complete payment and book appointments before June 30 will pay the existing rates. From July 1, all new appointments on the Passport Seva portal will reflect the new ₹2,500 fee.
Officials have urged citizens to apply early and avoid last-minute tatkaal applications, as processing demand is expected to rise ahead of the fee change.
