Passport services have become costlier from July 1, 2026, after the Ministry of External Affairs revised the fee structure. Charges for fresh applications, renewals, Tatkaal services, replacements of lost or damaged passports, Police Clearance Certificates, and other related services have been significantly increased for both domestic and overseas applicants.
The High Court, while hearing a writ petition filed by Minister Adluri Laxman, clarified that a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from trial courts is mandatory for passport issuance in cases involving pending criminal trials. The Court emphasised that an NOC only enables the grant of a passport and does not automatically allow foreign travel.
India’s passport has climbed five places to rank 80th in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, offering access to 55 destinations. The report highlights widening global mobility gaps, with Singapore retaining the top spot and Europe dominating the top 10.
Telugu actress Karate Kalyani has lodged a complaint with the Punjagutta police against YouTuber Anvesh, alleging that his remarks on the Indian passport were offensive and hurt national sentiment. Police said the complaint is under examination.
The Instagram user, who goes by the handle ‘vintage.passport.collector’, collects old passports and narrates their history. He recently posted about a passport that belonged to Bombay-based Dr Balabhai Nanavati.
Hyderabad: One of India’s most ambitious governance projects, one that aims at making Indian passports tamper-proof by issuing e-passports, is likely to be rolled out within a few months. Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (Consular, Passport, Visa & Overseas Indian Affairs) Ausaf Saeed told a press conference here on Wednesday that e-passports were ‘close to […]
