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Passport Fees Hiked From July 1: A 36-Page Booklet Will Now Cost Rs 2,500
Getting an Indian passport is about to cost more. The government has raised passport fees by up to 75%, and the new rates start from July 1, 2026. A fresh 36-page passport, the most common type, will now cost Rs 2,500 instead of Rs 1,500. If you plan to apply, doing it before July 1 could save you money.
The change comes from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the part of the government that issues passports. It was done through a change to the old Passports Rules. The notification was published on June 20, 2026.
The new fee table
The hike covers both booklet sizes and both speeds of service. A passport comes with either 36 pages or 60 pages. The 60-page version suits people who travel a lot and need more visa pages. Tatkal is the faster service that gets you a passport in a hurry for an extra charge.
Key facts
| Passport type | Old fee | New fee | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36-page, normal | Rs 1,500 | Rs 2,500 | 67% |
| 36-page, Tatkal | Rs 3,500 | Rs 5,000 | 43% |
| 60-page, normal | Rs 2,000 | Rs 3,500 | 75% |
| 60-page, Tatkal | Rs 4,000 | Rs 6,000 | 50% |
So the steepest jump, 75%, hits the normal 60-page passport. The most common 36-page passport rises by about two-thirds.
When the new rates kick in
The new fees take effect on July 1, 2026. Anyone who applies on or after that date pays the higher amount. The rules were changed under the Passports Act, through the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026.
The government’s notification did not give a clear reason for the hike. Fees for passport services had stayed the same for several years, so this is the first big revision in a long while.
What the hike means in plain numbers
Look at the table and the pattern is clear. Every passport type costs more now. The normal services rose the most in percentage terms. The Tatkal services, already pricey, rose a bit less in percentage but still cost more in rupees.
For most first-time applicants, the 36-page normal passport is the one they pick. That fee jumped from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500, a rise of Rs 1,000. Frequent travellers who need the 60-page book will feel the sharpest sting, with a 75% jump to Rs 3,500.
How the change was made official
The fees were raised through the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026. These rules update the older Passports Rules, 1980. The change was made under the Passports Act, 1967, the main law that governs passports in India.
The notification was dated June 20, 2026, and the new rates begin on July 1, 2026. Because the rules were already notified, there is no waiting period. From day one of July, the higher fees apply to fresh applications.
Why it matters (especially for India)
Millions of Indians apply for a passport every year. For students, job seekers and families planning travel, this is a direct rise in cost. A family of four getting fresh 36-page passports will now pay Rs 4,000 more than before.
The smart move is timing. If your passport renewal is near, applying before July 1 locks in the old, lower fee. After that date, the new rates apply to everyone. This is one of several recent government fee and policy changes, alongside moves like the big maritime infrastructure push in Odisha, that affect everyday citizens and the wider economy.
FAQ
When do the new passport fees start?
From July 1, 2026. Apply before that date to pay the old fee.
How much will a normal 36-page passport cost now?
Rs 2,500, up from Rs 1,500. That is an increase of about 67%.
Which passport saw the biggest hike?
The normal 60-page passport. It rose 75%, from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,500.
Who announced the change?
The Ministry of External Affairs, through an amendment to the Passports Rules notified on June 20, 2026.
Should I apply before July 1?
If your passport is up for renewal soon, yes. Applying before July 1 lets you pay the old, lower fee. After that date, there is no way to avoid the new rates.
Tips before you apply
A few simple steps can save money and stress. First, check your old passport’s expiry date. If it ends within the next year, it may be worth renewing now under the old fee. Second, decide if you really need the 60-page book or if the cheaper 36-page one is enough.
Third, only choose Tatkal if you are in a real hurry, since it costs roughly double the normal fee. And finally, keep your documents ready so your application is not delayed past the deadline. A slow application could mean paying the higher rate after July 1.
The bottom line: passports are getting costlier from July 1, with hikes of up to 75%. If you need a new or renewed passport soon, applying before the deadline can save you a fair bit of money.
Source: Financial Express and The Federal.
