Getting passport made will be very expensive from July 1, government suddenly increased fees

If you are also thinking of getting a new passport in the coming days or are planning to renew your old passport, then this news is very important for you. From July 1, 2026, you will have to spend much more money than before to get a passport. In a major amendment to the Passport Rules, 1980, the Central Government has drastically increased the fees for both ordinary passport and Tatkal service. These new rates decided by the government will be implemented simultaneously in the entire country from July 1.

Passports of both normal and Tatkaal categories become expensive, see new rate list

According to the new notification issued by the government, now the general public will have to shell out more for both general and urgent services. Till now the fee for a 36 page normal passport which was Rs 1,500, has now been directly increased to Rs 2,500. At the same time, if you want to get this 36 page passport made under emergency i.e. Tatkal service, then now you will have to pay full Rs 5,000 instead of Rs 3,500.

Along with this, difficulties have also increased for those who travel a lot and get a heavy passport of 60 pages. The fee for a 60 page ordinary passport has now been increased from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,500. Whereas to get this 60 page Tatkal passport made, now applicants will have to pay full Rs 6,000 instead of Rs 4,000.

No change has been made in the validity of the passport

Even though the government has made a big increase in the fees for making a passport, the validity period of the passport has been maintained as before. According to the rules, the passport issued to all adult applicants who are 18 years of age or above will remain valid for 10 years. On the other hand, for children below 18 years of age, the validity of the passport will remain valid for 5 years as before or till they complete 18 years of age, whichever period is completed first, will be considered as the basis.

Government gave big relief to children and senior citizens

Amidst this tough decision, the government has also tried to provide some relief to some special categories of applicants. Under the new rules, children up to 8 years of age and senior citizens above 60 years of age will be given a special discount of 10 percent in the total fee for applying for a new passport. However, applicants should take special care that this 10% discount will be applicable only for making a fresh passport. If someone re-issues or renews his old passport, he will not be able to avail the benefit of this exemption.

Foreign Ministry’s advice: Check the new fees before applying

In view of the changing rules, the Ministry of External Affairs has given a very important advice to all the citizens applying for passport. The Ministry has said that those who are going to fill their forms after July 1, they must visit the portal and check the new fee rates thoroughly. Those who have not yet completed their application or have payment pending, will now have to make online payment as per this revised and increased fee. In such a situation, if you are also planning to travel abroad as soon as possible or want to get a passport made, then proceed with your planning keeping this increased budget in mind.