Passport fees to rise from July 1: 36-page passport now ₹2,500
The Union government has revised the fee structure for passport applications, increasing the cost of a 36-page ordinary fresh passport from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500. The change, effective from July 1, 2026, was announced through an amendment to the Passports Rules, 1980, published by the Ministry of External Affairs on June 25.
According to the notification dated June 20, the reissue of a 36-page passport will also cost ₹2,500. For those opting for the tatkal service, the fee for a fresh or reissued 36-page passport has been raised from ₹3,500 to ₹5,000.
Similarly, the fee for a 60-page ordinary fresh passport or reissue has increased from ₹2,000 to ₹3,500. The tatkal fee for a 60-page passport now stands at ₹6,000, up from the previous ₹4,000.
The amendment, titled the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, was made under section 24 of the Passports Act, 1967. It replaces the existing Schedule IV of the Passports Rules, 1980, with a revised schedule that distinguishes between applicants aged 18 years and above, minors aged 15 to 18 years (if opting for this category), and minors below 18 years of age.
The government has not provided a detailed explanation for the fee hike in the notification. However, such revisions are typically undertaken to cover operational costs, enhance security features, or improve service delivery. The Ministry of External Affairs has not issued a separate statement clarifying the rationale behind the increase.
The new fees apply to all passport applications submitted on or after July 1, 2026. Applicants who have already paid the old fees but have not yet submitted their applications may need to pay the difference, although the government has not yet issued specific guidance on this matter.
The fee revision comes amid rising demand for passport services, with the ministry processing over 1.5 crore passports annually. The government has been working to digitize and streamline the application process, including the introduction of online appointments and doorstep services in some regions.
Citizens have expressed mixed reactions to the hike. Some argue that the increase is necessary to maintain quality and security, while others feel it places an additional burden on middle-class families. The government has assured that the fees remain competitive compared to global standards.
