Key facts
- New passport fee: Rs 2,500 (from July 1)
- Tatkaal passport fee: Rs 5,000 (from July 1)
- Applies to both fresh issuance and re-issue
- Government has revised fee structure for the first time in years
Passport fees in India are set to rise from July 1, with the government revising the fee structure for the first time in years. A new passport will cost Rs 2,500, while applicants opting for the Tatkaal — expedited — scheme will need to pay Rs 5,000. The revised rates apply to both fresh applications and re-issuances of passports.
The hike comes at a time when passport applications have surged in India, driven by rising international travel, overseas employment, and student mobility. The Ministry of External Affairs, which oversees the Passport Seva Programme, has not detailed exactly when the previous rates were last revised, but the current fees have been in place for an extended period, making some adjustment expected.
For ordinary applicants, the revised standard fee represents a significant percentage increase. Tatkaal applicants — who often include those with urgent travel needs such as medical emergencies or last-minute job postings — will feel the higher Rs 5,000 rate more acutely. The hike coincides with ongoing discussions around passport-citizenship rules that have stirred controversy separately.
Applicants are advised to check the official Passport Seva portal for the complete revised fee schedule covering different age categories, booklet sizes, and re-issue scenarios before submitting applications post July 1.