Passport Fees in India 2024

In India, the Ministry of External Affairs issues Indian passports through a network of 37 passport offices across the country, along with 180 Indian embassies and consulates across the world. Individuals travelling overseas for education, tourism, pilgrimage, medical treatment, business, or family visits will need to carry passport with them.

According to the Passports Act of 1967, a passport confirms the bearers as citizens of India by birth or naturalisation. In India, the service is offered through the Central Passport Organization (CPO) and its network of passport offices and Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs). Through the 185 Indian missions or posts, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can obtain passports and other services.

It's worth noting that, according to the Indian Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) requirements, all passports issued to individuals are machine-readable. In this post, let’s talk about the passport fees in India and how the process works.

Passport Fees Structure in India

The fee of a passport is determined by the type of passport service requested and whether it is done on a regular or Tatkal Basis. Some other important parameters include the number of pages in the passport booklet and, in some situations, the purpose for obtaining a passport. All passport fees must now be paid online.

1. Regular Passport Fees

Getting a regular passport in India is one of the easiest jobs to be done online. However, before you go ahead to apply for the same, make sure you are well-versed with the fee structure. Here is what you would have to pay for different types of regular passports.

2. Tatkal Passport Fees

If you wish to travel urgently and want a passport without wasting any time, getting a tatkal passport issued should be your first step. Here is the fee structure for a tatkal passport.

How to Pay the Passport Fee?

The following channels are available for paying the online passport application fees:

• Debit/credit card - MasterCard and Visa only
• Internet Banking
• Challan from SBI Bank
• Payment with SBI Wallet

In the case of Tatkal applications, applicants are required to pay normal fees online, and the balance amount is paid at the centre once the appointment is confirmed.

Passport Fee Calculator

A passport fee calculator tool is available on the official website of the Ministry of External Affairs' CPV (Consular, Passport, and Visa) Division, which estimates the cost of various Types of Passport applications. The cost of obtaining a passport varies based on the type of passport requested and whether it is obtained through the Tatkaal Scheme.

Types of Passport in India

The Ministry of External Affairs issues three types of passports:

1. Ordinary Passport

Ordinary passports are given to regular people. These are for general travel and allow holders to visit foreign nations for work or vacation. It has 36-60 pages with a dark blue cover. It's a 'Type P' passport, with the letter 'P' standing for 'Personal'.

2. Official Passport

Also known as a service passport, it is given to individuals representing the Indian government on official business. It's a 'Type S' passport, with the letter 'S' denoting for 'Service'. The passport has a white cover.

3. Diplomatic Passport

Indian ambassadors, members of Parliament, members of the Union Council of Ministers, some high-ranking government officials, and diplomatic couriers are all issued diplomatic passports. It may also be given to high-ranking state officials travelling on official business if they request it. It's a 'Type D' passport, with the 'D' denoting 'Diplomatic' status. This passport has a maroon cover.

How to Apply for an Indian Passport?

Individuals can use the Passport Seva website or the Passport Seva App to apply for a passport online. The process for applying for a passport is covered in detail below:

• To get started, go to the Passport Seva website and fill out the registration form. You must log in to the portal if you have already registered

• Go to the ‘Apply for a New Passport/Passport Reissue' link

• Fill in the information as asked in the columns of the form. Once completed, submit the form

• To make an appointment, go to the ‘View Saved/Submitted Applications' page and click on the ‘Pay and Schedule Appointment' link

• After payment, click the 'Print Application Receipt' link to get your Application Reference Number (arn)

• The applicant must thereafter appear with the original papers at the passport seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO) on the scheduled appointment date

Key Points about Passport Charges

• If you have paid multiple times for one passport application, the RPO will reimburse any excess payments
• There will be no refund if the passport fee for an appointment has been paid, but the appointment has not been scheduled
• During the appointment, carry the online application receipt with the Application Reference Number (ARN) and the Passport application to the PSK
• Applicants who pay online must select Print Application Receipt (Par) to get their ARN and receipt
• Payments made through challan do not incur any bank fees
• Applicants can subscribe to SMS services for a one-time fee of Rs.40. You will receive appointment reminders and frequent updates through SMS
• The Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) has a standard fee of Rs.500

Conclusion

For individuals who travel outside the nation, a passport has become one of the most important documents. Passport Seva facilitates the issuance of passports and related services in a simplified, quick, and transparent manner. This initiative establishes a networked environment for government employees across the country. It combines with the State Police for physical verification of applicants' credentials and India Post for passport distribution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the tatkal passport's validity period?

A: Tatkal passports are valid for ten years from the date of issue and can be renewed for an additional ten years.

2. Is it possible to obtain a passport in India in one day?

A. No passport can be issued in one day. While a regular one takes up to 30 days to get delivered, a passport applied in tatkal takes almost a week to get delivered.

3. What is the Indian passport validity?

A. In general, Indian passports have a ten-year validity period. However, if the passport is of a child who is up to 15 years of age, the passport validity will be of 5 years.

4. What is the fee's validity?

A. From the date of payment, the payment will be valid for one year. Thus, you will have a lot of time to visit the centre and get the passport issued.

5. What is the passport renewal fee after expiry in India?

A. The cost of a passport depends on whether it is on a regular basis or Tatkal. As per the revised rules, it ranges between Rs. 1500 to Rs. 3000.

6. Is it necessary to carry the application reference receipt when visiting the Passport Seva Kendra?

A. No, it is not necessary to carry an ANR receipt. An SMS with the appointment details can work as well.

7. If the appointment is not scheduled, will the fee be refunded?

A. No, once the payment is made, it cannot be refunded.

8. Is there an additional cost while using the e-mode option for payment?

A. Yes, payments made with debit and credit cards incur an additional cost of 1.5 % plus tax. When you use the internet banking services of the State Bank of India and its associate banks, there are no fees.

9. When can the passport fee be deposited at any SBI branch through challan?

A. Within 3 hours of challan issuance, the passport fee must be paid in cash.