Understanding the New Passport Fees
Effective July 1, 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs has revised the fee structure for Indian passports. The cost for a new or re-issued 36-page passport for an adult is now ₹2,500, up from the previous ₹1,500. If you opt for a larger 60-page booklet,
the fee has increased from ₹2,000 to ₹3,500. These changes, part of the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, affect all categories, including fresh applications, renewals, and replacements for lost or damaged documents. For those needing urgent processing, the Tatkaal service fee for a 36-page passport is now ₹5,000, while a 60-page Tatkaal passport will set you back ₹6,000. This is the first major fee revision in several years and applies to applications made both within India and at Indian missions abroad.
Go Visa-Free to Save Big
One of the most effective ways to counteract rising administrative costs is to cut them elsewhere. Your destination choice is paramount. Indian passport holders can travel to numerous countries without the need for a pre-approved visa, saving both time and money on application fees. Destinations like Thailand, Malaysia, Nepal, Bhutan, and Mauritius offer visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival for Indians. This not only eliminates visa processing charges but also the associated hassle of gathering documents and attending appointments. For example, a trip to scenic Nepal is completely visa-free for Indians, and the Indian Rupee is widely accepted. Choosing one of these destinations means the money saved on visas can be reallocated to your daily travel budget.
Embrace Budget-Friendly Regions
Your money goes further in certain parts of the world. Southeast Asia is a classic choice for Indian travellers for a reason. Countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Cambodia are renowned for being incredibly affordable. Daily expenses on food, internal transport, and accommodation are significantly lower than in Europe or North America. In Vietnam, for instance, you can enjoy delicious street food for very little, and cross-country buses and trains are highly economical. Similarly, Indonesia offers stunning landscapes beyond Bali, where guesthouses and local eateries keep costs down. Even within Europe, destinations like Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Portugal offer a rich cultural experience at a fraction of the cost of their Western European counterparts.
Master the Art of Smart Booking
When you book can be just as important as where you go. For flights, the sweet spot is typically booking two to three months in advance to secure lower fares. Last-minute bookings are almost always more expensive. Use flight comparison websites and set up price alerts for your desired route. Traveling during the 'shoulder season'—the months just before or after the peak tourist season—can also lead to significant savings. You'll often find cheaper flights and accommodation with the added benefit of fewer crowds at popular attractions. Being flexible with your travel dates by even a day or two can sometimes unlock much lower prices.
Rethink Your Accommodation
Where you sleep can be one of your biggest expenses, but it doesn't have to be. While hotels offer comfort, they come at a premium. Exploring alternatives can drastically reduce your budget. Hostels are no longer just for students; many now offer private rooms and a social atmosphere perfect for all ages. Guesthouses and homestays provide a more authentic cultural experience, often including a home-cooked breakfast. These options are typically much more affordable than conventional hotels. Renting a scooter or using public transport instead of relying on taxis from a central, expensive hotel can also cut down daily costs significantly.
