India Announces Significant Passport Fee Hikes Effective July 2026
Starting July 1, 2026, the Indian government is set to increase passport issuance and renewal fees for the first time in 14 years. Under the new pricing structure, a standard 36-page passport will cost Rs 2,500 for normal processing and Rs 5,000 for Tatkaal, up from the previous rates of Rs 1,500 and Rs 3,500, respectively. Similar hikes apply to 60-page booklets and services for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), who will now face higher costs ranging from $125 for standard applications to $300 for premium, high-page reissues.
The revised fee schedule also impacts those requiring replacements for lost or damaged documents, as well as minors, with costs rising significantly across all categories. For instance, fresh passport applications for minors under 18 will now be priced at Rs 1,750 for normal service and Rs 4,250 for Tatkaal. However, the government has introduced a 10 percent discount for fresh passport applications filed by senior citizens over 60 and children under 8 years of age. Additionally, miscellaneous services like Police Clearance Certificates have been adjusted to a flat fee of Rs 750. This update follows a government clarification noting that the passport serves strictly as a travel document rather than proof of citizenship.