Indian travellers and expatriates will soon pay substantially more for passport services. The Ministry of External Affairs has notified the Passports (Amendment) Rules 2026, raising charges for almost every category of passport and travel document—the first increase in 14 years. The higher tariffs apply to applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026, whether filed inside India or at overseas missions.
![Passport fees in India to jump up to 75 % from 1 July under new MEA rules]()
For those looking for guidance amid these changes, VisaHQ can streamline the entire passport-application process with step-by-step online forms, courier pickup of documents, and real-time tracking—services that become even more valuable as government fees rise. Indian citizens can learn more or start an application at https://www.visahq.com/india/
For adults, the fee for a standard 36-page passport rises from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500, while a 60-page ‘jumbo’ booklet will cost ₹3,500. Tatkaal (expedited) processing jumps to ₹5,000 and ₹6,000 respectively. Replacements for lost or damaged passports move to ₹5,000–₹8,500 depending on page count and urgency. Minors will see a 75 % hike in normal applications and a 42 % hike in Tatkaal charges. Police-clearance certificates climb from ₹500 to ₹750. The MEA says the revision reflects inflation since 2012 and the cost of rolling out chip-enabled e-Passports and nation-wide Passport Seva Kendras. A 10 % discount for children under eight and seniors over 60 remains. Emergency certificates issued within India stay free of charge. Cost implications are immediate for mobility budgets. Large IT and engineering firms that bulk-sponsor passports for project staff will need to adjust cost projections. Overseas Indians renewing passports at consulates will also pay steeper dollar-denominated fees—US$125 for a fresh 36-page booklet in normal mode and US$250 for Tatkaal. Travel advisers urge applicants with imminent travel to submit before the 30 June cut-off to lock in old rates. Corporations should audit active relocation cases and decide whether to fast-track filings to avoid the surcharge. After 1 July, expense policies may need to reflect the new reality: a routine family passport renewal could now cost an extra ₹4,000–₹10,000.
For those looking for guidance amid these changes, VisaHQ can streamline the entire passport-application process with step-by-step online forms, courier pickup of documents, and real-time tracking—services that become even more valuable as government fees rise. Indian citizens can learn more or start an application at https://www.visahq.com/india/
For adults, the fee for a standard 36-page passport rises from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500, while a 60-page ‘jumbo’ booklet will cost ₹3,500. Tatkaal (expedited) processing jumps to ₹5,000 and ₹6,000 respectively. Replacements for lost or damaged passports move to ₹5,000–₹8,500 depending on page count and urgency. Minors will see a 75 % hike in normal applications and a 42 % hike in Tatkaal charges. Police-clearance certificates climb from ₹500 to ₹750. The MEA says the revision reflects inflation since 2012 and the cost of rolling out chip-enabled e-Passports and nation-wide Passport Seva Kendras. A 10 % discount for children under eight and seniors over 60 remains. Emergency certificates issued within India stay free of charge. Cost implications are immediate for mobility budgets. Large IT and engineering firms that bulk-sponsor passports for project staff will need to adjust cost projections. Overseas Indians renewing passports at consulates will also pay steeper dollar-denominated fees—US$125 for a fresh 36-page booklet in normal mode and US$250 for Tatkaal. Travel advisers urge applicants with imminent travel to submit before the 30 June cut-off to lock in old rates. Corporations should audit active relocation cases and decide whether to fast-track filings to avoid the surcharge. After 1 July, expense policies may need to reflect the new reality: a routine family passport renewal could now cost an extra ₹4,000–₹10,000.
