Passport Fees Hike for Fresh and Re-Issued Documents, New Rates Effective from July 1 The Indian government has announced significant increases in passport fees across various categories, with the revised rates set to take effect on July 1, 2026. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a notification detailing the changes, which apply to both fresh and reissued passports, as well as related services such as Police Clearance Certificates (PCC). The adjustments aim to align costs with inflation and operational expenses, though they have sparked discussions about the financial burden on applicants. For adults, the cost of a fresh or reissued 36-page passport will rise from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500, while the fee for a 60-page passport will increase from ₹2,000 to ₹3,500. Applicants aged 18 and above, as well as those between 15 and 18 years applying under the adult category, will face these higher charges. The Tatkaal scheme, which provides expedited passport processing, will also see fee hikes. A 36-page Tatkaal passport will now cost ₹5,000 instead of ₹3,500, and a 60-page version will be priced at ₹6,000, up from ₹4,000. The government has also raised fees for replacing lost, damaged, or stolen passports. The cost to replace a 36-page passport will increase from ₹3,000 to ₹5,000, while a 60-page replacement will rise from ₹3,500 to ₹6,000. Under the Tatkaal category, the fee for a lost or damaged 3,6-page passport will jump to ₹7,500 from ₹5,000, and a 60-page replacement will cost ₹8,500 instead of ₹5,500. Minors aged under 18 will also see adjustments. A fresh or reissued 36-page passport for minors, valid for five years or until the applicant turns 18, will now cost ₹1,750 instead of ₹1,000.#indian_government #ministry_of_externa_affairs #passport_fees #tatkaal_scheme #police_clearance_certificate
