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.
Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan urged the West Bengal government to intervene in senior journalist Rajagopal Ramadas' delayed passport renewal, allegedly stalled over an adverse police verification report linked to electoral roll deletion. Opposition leaders criticised the move as politically motivated
The Ministry of External Affairs has revised passport service charges effective July 1, 2026, increasing fees for fresh passports, renewals, Tatkaal applications, replacements, PCCs and overseas services. A 10 per cent discount for young children and senior citizens will continue
The opposition has targeted the Centre after former The Telegraph editor R. Rajagopal revealed his passport renewal was blocked due to his name being purged from West Bengal's voter list during a controversial Special Intensive Revision exercise
Indian passports can be renewed one year ahead of the due expiry or until three years after expiry, failing which a new application will have to be made. In case of urgency, you can choose the 'Tatkal' passport renewal option to receive a renewed passport quicker than the stipulated duration
