MEA Overhauls Passport Fee Structure: Standard 36-Page Booklet Increased to ₹2,500 Effective July 1, 2026

Overview of the 2026 Passport Fee Structure Overhaul

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, has officially revised the application and processing fee structure for all categories of Indian passports and consular services, effective from July 1, 2026. This landmark adjustment represents the first comprehensive revision of passport fees in over 14 years, reflecting the rising costs of secure electronic components, biometric integration, and the expansion of the nationwide network of Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSK).

Revised Passport Fees Table (Effective July 1, 2026)

The updated fee structure applies to fresh issues, re-issues, Tatkaal services, and jumbo booklet options. The table below lists the comparison of fees for standard and Tatkaal categories:

Key Surcharges for Consular Services

In addition to standard applications, the MEA has adjusted fees for cases involving loss, damage, or theft of passports. These changes are aimed at encouraging citizens to exercise care in handling official travel documents:

• Lost/Damaged Passport Replacement (36 Pages): The base fee has been revised to ₹5,000 for standard processing and ₹7,500 for Tatkaal processing.
• Lost/Damaged Passport Replacement (60 Pages): The base fee is now ₹7,000 for standard processing and ₹9,500 under the Tatkaal scheme.
• All fees paid to the Passport Seva system are non-refundable once the application has been processed or submitted.

Why Revisions Were Required After 14 Years

The MEA's decision to revise the fees is backed by structural upgrades to the passport issuance mechanism. Since the last revision, the government has:

1. Transitioned to e-Passports: The rollout of chip-enabled e-passports containing advanced biometric data storage chips has increased material and manufacturing overheads.
2. Expansion of POPSKs: Over 400 Post Office Passport Seva Kendras have been established globally and locally to make passport services accessible in remote districts.
3. Data Security Systems: Substantial investments in secure network lines, cloud hosting, and integrated verification systems linked with regional police databases to expedite police verification cycles.

Step-by-Step Passport Application Process

Applicants must register and submit their applications online. The offline fee payment at bank counters has been fully integrated into digital platforms. Follow these steps to apply:

1. Visit the official Portal at passportindia.gov.in or download the mPassport Seva mobile app.
2. Register as a new user and create login credentials. Select your nearest Passport Office or Seva Kendra (PSK/POPSK).
3. Fill in the online form details (personal information, family details, address, and reference contacts).
4. Go to the "Pay and Schedule Appointment" screen. Select your payment gateway (Net Banking, UPI, Credit Card, or Debit Card) and complete the transaction according to the revised fee structure.
5. Save the appointment confirmation SMS or slip. Attend the PSK/POPSK on the scheduled date with original documents (Aadhaar, birth certificate, school leaving certificate, etc.) for verification and biometric capture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Will existing passports remain valid under the new fee guidelines?

Yes, all active passports will remain fully valid until their specified date of expiry. The revised fees only apply to new applications, renewals, or re-issue requests submitted on or after July 1, 2026.

Q2: Is the fee for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) also revised?

Yes. The fee for applying for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) has been revised from ₹500 to ₹750 starting July 1, 2026.

Q3: Can minor applicants apply for a 60-page jumbo booklet?

Standard minor applications are issued with a 36-page booklet valid for 5 years or until the minor reaches 18 years of age. A 60-page booklet option is generally reserved for adults or specialized business travelers.