New Delhi: The Central Government has announced a significant revision in passport application fees, with the updated rates set to come into force from July 1, 2026. The revised fee structure, notified under the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, will apply to fresh passport applications, renewals, Tatkal services, and replacement of lost or damaged passports.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the increase is aimed at meeting rising operational costs and supporting the modernization of passport issuance services across the country. The revision marks the first major change in passport fees in several years.

Under the new rates, applicants seeking a 36-page ordinary passport will have to pay ₹2,500, up from the existing ₹1,500. The fee for a 60-page ordinary passport has been increased from ₹2,000 to ₹3,500.

Tatkal passport services have also become more expensive. A 36-page Tatkal passport will now cost ₹5,000, compared to the earlier fee of ₹3,500, while applicants opting for a 60-page Tatkal passport will have to pay ₹6,000, an increase from ₹4,000.

The revised schedule also increases charges for replacing lost, stolen, or damaged passports. Applicants seeking a replacement for a 36-page passport will be required to pay ₹5,000, while the replacement fee for a 60-page passport has been fixed at ₹6,000.

The MEA has clarified that the new fee structure will apply to all passport applications submitted on or after July 1, 2026. Passports issued before this date will remain valid until their expiry and will not be affected by the revision.

The updated rules also include revised charges for passport services offered through Indian missions abroad and other specialized categories. However, eligible applicants, including certain minors and senior citizens, may continue to receive fee concessions under existing government provisions.

Officials said the revision is intended to strengthen passport services by supporting technological upgrades, improving infrastructure, and ensuring faster and more efficient processing of applications. Citizens planning to apply for a new passport or renew an existing one have been advised to check the revised fee schedule before submitting their applications after July 1.

The government expects the updated fee structure to help sustain and enhance passport services while maintaining timely delivery and improved customer experience for applicants across India.

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