Individuals applying for Indian passports will have to pay higher fees starting July 1, 2026, after the Union government approved revisions to the passport fee structure. The changes, introduced through an amendment to the Passports Rules, 1980, affect both ordinary and Tatkal passport applications, including fresh issuances and reissues.
The revised fee schedule was notified by the Ministry of External Affairs and published on June 25, 2026, with the updated rates becoming effective from July 1.
Higher Charges Announced for Passport Applications
The cost of obtaining an ordinary fresh passport with 36 pages has been increased from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500. The same revised amount will apply to applicants seeking the reissue of a 36-page passport.
Applicants opting for the Tatkal service for either a fresh 36-page passport or its reissue will now be required to pay ₹5,000. The current Tatkal fee for this category stands at ₹3,500.
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Fee Increase for 60-Page Passports
The government has also raised charges for ordinary passports containing 60 pages.
Under the revised structure:
- Fresh issuance or reissue of a 60-page passport will cost ₹3,500, up from the existing ₹2,000.
- Tatkal applications for 60-page passports will attract a fee of ₹6,000, compared to the present rate of ₹4,000.
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Passports Rules, 1980 Amended
The fee revision follows an amendment to the Passports Rules, 1980, made under the authority granted by Section 24 of the Passports Act, 1967.
The official notification stated:
“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.”
New Schedule to Replace Existing Fee Structure
As part of the amendment, the government issued a revised schedule that will replace “Schedule IV to the Passports Rules, 1980.”
The updated schedule identifies two applicant categories:
- Applicants aged 18 years and above, along with minors between 15 and 18 years who apply under that category.
- Minor applicants below 18 years of age.
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What Changes from July 1?
Beginning July 1, 2026:
- Ordinary 36-page passport fee rises from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500.
- Reissue fee for a 36-page passport rises to ₹2,500.
- Tatkal fee for a fresh or reissued 36-page passport increases from ₹3,500 to ₹5,000.
- Ordinary fresh or reissued 60-page passport fee rises from ₹2,000 to ₹3,500.
- Tatkal fee for a 60-page passport increases from ₹4,000 to ₹6,000.
Conclusion
The Union government’s amendment to the Passports Rules, 1980 introduces a substantial increase in passport application charges across both ordinary and Tatkal categories. The revised fee structure, notified by the Ministry of External Affairs, will take effect from July 1, 2026, and will apply to fresh passport applications as well as passport reissues.
