India Announces Passport Fee Hikes & Travel Rule Changes (July 2026)

India has recently announced several significant updates regarding passports, international travel rules, and immigration regulations. With a large number of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) residing globally, especially in the Gulf, and many international visitors travelling to India, these updates are crucial.

Here is everything you need to know about the latest passport fees, the Air Suvidha portal, and the revised immigration rules.

1. Massive Hike in Passport Fees

For the first time in 14 years, the Indian government has increased the fees for issuing and renewing passports. The new rates will come into effect from July 1, 2026.

Here are the revised passport fees:

• Normal 36-page passport: Increased from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500.
• Tatkal 36-page passport: Increased from ₹3,500 to ₹5,000.
• Normal 60-page passport: Increased from ₹2,000 to ₹3,500.
• Tatkal 60-page passport: Increased from ₹4,000 to ₹6,000.
• Re-issuing lost or damaged (36-page): ₹5,000 (Normal) / ₹7,500 (Tatkal).
• Re-issuing lost or damaged (60-page): ₹6,000 (Normal) / ₹8,500 (Tatkal).
• Minor’s passport: Increased from ₹1,000 to ₹1,750 (Normal) / ₹3,000 to ₹4,250 (Tatkal).

2. Passport is a Travel Document, Not Citizenship Proof

The Ministry of External Affairs has explicitly clarified that an Indian passport is strictly a travel document and does not serve as guaranteed proof of Indian citizenship.

Additionally, the rollout of e-passports continues successfully. Introduced last year, over 14.7 million e-passports have been issued. These passports feature an embedded antenna and an RFID chip containing the holder’s biometric data and personal details for enhanced security.

3. Mandatory Air Suvidha 2.0 Portal

In response to global health concerns (such as the Ebola outbreak), India’s civil aviation authority has launched the Air Suvidha 2.0 portal.

• All international travellers arriving in India must fill out a mandatory health self-declaration form.
• The form requires details about the traveller’s 21-day travel history, exposure history, and related symptoms.
• This must be completed within 24 hours before the start of the journey. The downloaded form must be shown at the International Travel Health Desk or Immigration counter upon arrival.

4. Relaxed Immigration Registration for Foreigners

There is good news for foreign nationals planning long stays in India:

• Old Rule: Registration required within 14 days after the expiry of 180 days.
• New Rule: Foreigners wishing to stay longer than 180 days can now complete their registration any time before the expiry of the 180 days from their arrival.

Exceptions & Conditions: * The registration requirement does not apply if either parent is an Indian citizen and wishes to retain the child’s Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Act, 1955. * If a child acquires foreign citizenship while residing in India, either parent must inform the Registration Officer within 30 days of such acquisition.

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