Passport New Rules: Big update for passport holders. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has introduced new Passport (Amendment) Rules for 2026, which will impact passport application fees and validity requirements for children. These changes, effective immediately after publication in the official gazette on September 15, have altered the rules for both urgent and regular passports. Let’s simplify the modifications and understand the updated costs for obtaining a passport.

New passport rules for children under 15 years:

– Passports for children under 15 will now be valid for five years or until the child reaches 18, whichever comes first.

Increased passport fees:

– The fee for a standard 36-page adult passport has been raised from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500.
– The cost of a 60-page adult passport has increased from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,500.
– Instant (Tatkaal) passport fees have also gone up, with a 36-page passport now costing Rs 5,000 and a 60-page passport priced at Rs 6,000.

“>September 17, 2026


– The fee for instant replacement of a lost or damaged 60-page passport has risen to Rs 8,500 from Rs 5,500.

Fees for minors:

– The fee for a 36-page passport (Normal Fresh/Reissue) has increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,750.
– For a 36-page Tatkaal passport, the fee is now Rs 3,000.

Discounts Will Be Available

A relief has been extended amid the fee hike. A 10 percent discount will continue on new passport applications for children under 8 years of age and senior citizens over 60 years of age. However, this concession will not apply to reissued passports.

The Ministry of External Affairs has notified these changes to the Passport Rules. The amendments are to the Passport Rules, 1980. The new provisions aim to adjust the validity of children’s passports based on their age and revise the fee structure. The new fees will be effective from July 1, while the revised rules will be published in the Gazette in September 2026.