MEA Hikes Application Fees and Revises Minor Passport Validity Up to 18 Years
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In a comprehensive regulatory overhaul that directly impacts prospective international travelers, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has notified a significant upward revision in application fees across regular, Tatkal, and duplicate categories, alongside major structural changes governing passports issued to minors. Formalized by the ministry on September 17, 2026, the updated framework directly addresses document renewal intervals, biometric refresh cycles for growing children, and elevated administrative processing charges across Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) nationwide, making it essential for families and frequent flyers to review the revised cost breakdowns before booking appointment slots.
New Validity Timeline for Minors: 5-Year Expiry or Until Attaining Age 18
Under the newly notified guidelines, any applicant aged 15 years or below obtaining a standard 36-page booklet will see their passport remain valid for either five years from the issuance date or until they reach 18 years of age, whichever milestone occurs earlier. This replaces the previous framework where documentation issued to a 15-year-old was capped strictly upon turning 15 or after 5 years, harmonizing the procedural transition toward adult status. Once five years elapse or the holder turns 18, the individual must mandatorily transition to an adult travel document with refreshed biometrics, updated facial captures, and complete documentation verification.
Sharp Hike Across Standard, Tatkal, 60-Page Jumbo, and Duplicate Booklets
Along with validity adjustments, the fee schedule has seen steep revisions across all service tiers for both minor and adult applicants. A standard 36-page passport for children now costs ₹1,750, up from ₹1,000, while a Tatkal 36-page minor booklet has risen from ₹3,000 to ₹4,250. For adult citizens above 18, applying for a standard 36-page document now incurs a fee of ₹2,500 instead of ₹1,500, with adult Tatkal service jumping to ₹5,000 from ₹3,500. Frequent travelers opting for a 60-page jumbo booklet will now pay ₹3,500 for normal processing (up from ₹2,000) and ₹6,000 under Tatkal mode (up from ₹4,000). The sharpest escalation applies to issuing duplicate booklets in cases of loss or damage, which has risen from ₹5,500 to ₹8,500.
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