Government hikes passport application fees across categories from July 1

The Centre on Thursday increased the fee for a fresh ordinary 36-page passport or its reissue to Rs 2,500 from Rs 1,500, while the Tatkal charge has been raised to Rs 5,000 from Rs 3,500, under amendments to the Passports Rules, 1980, that will come into effect from July 1, 2026.

The changes were notified through the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, issued by the Ministry of External Affairs and published on Thursday. The notification states that the amended rules will take effect from July 1.

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The government has also increased charges for a fresh ordinary passport or reissue of a 60-page passport. The fee under the normal category has been revised to Rs 3,500 from Rs 2,000, while the Tatkal fee has been raised to Rs 6,000 from Rs 4,000.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 24 of the Passports Act, 1967, the Central Government hereby makes the following rules further to amend the Passports Rules, 1980," the notification said, adding that the new rules would come into force from July 1, 2026.

As part of the amendment, the government has substituted Schedule IV of the Passports Rules, 1980, with a revised schedule detailing the updated fee structure.

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The revised schedule covers two applicant categories: individuals aged 18 years and above, including minors aged 15-18 years applying under the adult category, and minor applicants below the age of 18 years, according to the notification.

(With inputs from PTI)