The New Price of Your Travel Dream
The Ministry of External Affairs has revised the fee structure for passports, effective July 1, 2026. This increase, the first major hike in several years, positions the passport as a primary cost to consider when planning a trip abroad. For adult applicants,
getting a new 36-page passport or reissuing an existing one now costs ₹2,500, a significant jump from the previous fee of ₹1,500. If you're a frequent flyer who needs more visa pages, a 60-page booklet will set you back ₹3,500, up from ₹2,000. This change applies to both fresh applications and renewals, making it a universal cost for all adult passport holders.
Need for Speed: The Tatkaal Premium
For those in a hurry, the Tatkaal or expedited service offers a much faster processing time, but this convenience comes at a considerably higher price. The fee for a 36-page passport under the Tatkaal scheme has been raised to ₹5,000. If you need a 60-page booklet urgently, the cost is now ₹6,000. This represents a substantial increase and underscores the financial benefit of planning ahead. Applying for your passport well in advance of any intended travel can save you thousands of rupees, money that could be better spent on your actual trip. The Tatkaal fee is an additional charge on top of the base passport cost, reflecting the premium nature of the expedited service.
More Pages, More Journeys, More Cost
When applying, you have to choose between a standard 36-page booklet and a larger 60-page one. The decision depends entirely on your travel habits. For most casual tourists, a 36-page passport is perfectly adequate and will last the full 10-year validity period. However, for business travellers, avid globetrotters, or those who expect to travel to countries requiring frequent visas, the 60-page jumbo booklet is a wise investment. While it costs more upfront—₹3,500 for a normal application versus ₹2,500 for the standard size—it prevents the hassle and expense of having to apply for a new passport midway through its validity period simply because you have run out of pages for visa stamps.
Factoring in the Miscellaneous
Beyond the main application fee, there can be other costs to consider. The fee for replacing a lost or damaged passport has also seen a steep increase. A replacement for a 36-page passport now costs ₹5,000 under normal processing, while a 60-page replacement is ₹6,000. These rates are even higher under the Tatkaal scheme. Additionally, services like obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) also carry their own fees. While the government has streamlined the process through Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs), you should still account for potential travel costs to and from the appointment centre. It’s always best to handle the application process yourself through the official Passport Seva portal to avoid paying unnecessary fees to third-party agents.
Budgeting for Your First Step Abroad
With these new costs, it's clear that obtaining or renewing a passport should be the first financial checkpoint on your travel planning list. Instead of an afterthought, treat it like you would an airline ticket or a hotel booking. By incorporating this fee into your initial savings plan, you can manage the expense without it becoming a last-minute surprise. For families, the cost multiplies, so planning becomes even more crucial. The revised fee structure also includes specific rates for minors, with a fresh 36-page passport for those under 18 now costing ₹1,750. Thinking about these official costs early ensures your journey begins on a financially sound and stress-free note.
