India is raising passport fees from 1 July 2026
India is raising passport fees from, with the cost of a standard 36-page fresh passport or renewal rising from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500.
The increase comes from the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, notified by the Ministry of External Affairs on 20 June 2026.
It is the first major revision to India’s passport fee schedule in years, and it affects every category — fresh passports, renewals, Tatkaal, lost or damaged replacements, and applications made at Indian missions abroad.
The official gazette notification confirms the rules come into force on 1 July 2026.
New passport fees in full
The table below lists every new fee for applications made in India, as published in the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026.
The Tatkaal figures are inclusive of the normal fee, not an add-on, and a separate Passport Seva Kendra appointment charge may still apply.
| Application type | Normal fee (₹) | Tatkaal fee (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh / reissue, 36 pages (age 18+) | 2,500 | 5,000 |
| Fresh / reissue, 60 pages (age 18+) | 3,500 | 6,000 |
| Lost or damaged, 36 pages | 5,000 | 7,500 |
| Lost or damaged, 60 pages | 6,000 | 8,500 |
| Minor (under 18), 36 pages fresh / reissue | 1,750 | 4,250 |
| Minor (under 18), lost or damaged, 36 pages | 4,250 | 6,750 |
A 10% discount on the normal fee applies to fresh applications (not reissues) for children up to age 8 and senior citizens over 60, according to the notification.
Validity stays the same: up to 10 years for adult passports, and five years (or until age 18) for minors.
What it means for Indians in the Gulf
The fee revision applies to applications made at Indian embassies and consulates abroad, not only those filed within India.
As of late June 2026, Indian missions in the Gulf had not yet published their new local-currency passport rates, with the updated amounts expected to be confirmed by each mission.
The revised schedule does, however, set fixed US-dollar fees for certain documents issued abroad:
- Emergency Certificate: $15.
- Certificate of Identity: $50.
- Police clearance, surrender and other miscellaneous certificates: $40.
The higher fees apply at Indian missions serving expats in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Jeddah.
They also cover applicants in Doha, Kuwait City, Manama and Muscat.
Confirm the exact passport fee with your local Indian mission or its application centre before applying, as the local-currency amount depends on the rate each mission sets.
What to do before the fees rise
If your passport is due for renewal, applying and paying before 1 July 2026 locks in the lower fee.
The fee charged depends on the date your application is submitted, so there is a clear saving for anyone able to file early.
Practical steps to take now:
- Check your expiry date: many countries require at least six months’ validity for entry, so renew early if you travel often.
- Apply online: book an appointment through the Passport Seva portal in India, or your nearest Indian mission if abroad.
- Use the fee calculator: confirm the exact amount for your case on the official Passport Fee Calculator.
- Keep documents ready: proof of address, date of birth and your current passport speed up verification.
Once your passport is sorted, you can compare fares for upcoming trips home to New Delhi or Mumbai on Wego.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the new Indian passport fees take effect?
The new fees apply from 1 July 2026. The rate you pay is set by the date your application is submitted and paid.
How much does a normal 36-page passport cost now?
A fresh or renewed 36-page passport costs ₹2,500 (normal) from 1 July 2026, up from ₹1,500. The Tatkaal fee is ₹5,000.
Do the higher fees apply to Indians living abroad?
Yes — the revised schedule applies worldwide, including at Indian missions in the Gulf. Passport fees abroad are charged in local currency, and missions were still finalising their new rates in late June 2026, so confirm the amount with your local mission before applying.
Is there any discount on the new fees?
A 10% discount on the normal fee applies to fresh applications for children up to age 8 and senior citizens over 60. It does not apply to reissues.
Sources
- Gazette of India — Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026
- The Federal (PTI) — Passport fees hiked from July 1: fresh 36-page passport to cost Rs 2,500
- Business Standard — Centre hikes passport fees; 36-page passport to cost ₹2,500 from July 1
- Gulf News — India hikes passport fees by up to 75% from July 1; Indian expats in UAE will pay more too
- Deccan Herald — Centre hikes passport fees, to come into effect from July 1
- Consulate General of India, Dubai — Prescribed fees for different passport services
- Passport Seva — Official Passport Fee Calculator
- Passport Seva — Online Passport Application Portal
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
