Planning an international trip? Your passport just got more expensive

From July 1, the cost of obtaining or renewing an Indian passport is set to rise across all categories for the first time in over a decade.

For the millions of Indians who view their passport as their primary ticket to the world, the upcoming month brings a sobering administrative update. The Union government has announced a comprehensive revision of passport fees—the first major hike since 2012. According to a notification from the Ministry of External Affairs issued on June 20, the new fee structure will come into effect from July 1, 2026, impacting everyone from first-time applicants to those needing urgent replacements.

The new cost breakdown

Under the revised rules, the standard fee for a fresh 36-page passport or its reissue for adults will climb to ₹2,500, up from the current ₹1,500. If you are in a rush and opt for the tatkal service, be prepared to shell out ₹5,000, a significant jump from the existing ₹3,500. Those requiring 60-page documents will see their costs rise even further: the normal category is moving from ₹2,000 to ₹3,500, while the tatkal option will now cost ₹6,000.

The adjustment isn't limited to standard applications. Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged passport—a process that often brings its own set of stresses—will now attract higher charges. A replacement 36-page booklet will now cost ₹5,000 under the normal category and ₹7,500 under tatkal. For the 60-page version, these figures rise to ₹6,000 and ₹8,500 respectively. Minors have also been brought under the new framework, with fresh 36-page applications now priced at ₹1,750 for normal service and ₹4,250 for tatkal.

Why it matters

This hike marks the end of a 14-year period of stable pricing, effectively recalibrating the service charges to match contemporary administrative costs. While a thousand-rupee increase might seem incremental in isolation, for a middle-class family applying for multiple passports, it adds a noticeable layer to the overall expense of international travel. Beyond the headline figures, the revised schedule also formalises costs for other essential services like Police Clearance Certificates (PCC) and Surrender Certificates, which will now be charged at ₹750 within India.

The timing of this change suggests a broader push toward updating the financial architecture of the Passports Act, 1967. By adjusting these fees now, the government is likely addressing the rising operational costs associated with processing, secure printing, and the digitisation of travel document verification. While the hike is substantial, it brings India’s fee structure in line with the current economic landscape, ending a long stretch of static pricing that had remained unchanged since 2012.

As of July 1, these new rates will apply to all applications submitted to the Passport Seva system. Applicants should ensure they check the latest fee schedule before initiating their payment, as the system will strictly adhere to the updated costs mandated by the Ministry of External Affairs.