Title: Understanding the India Passport Cost: A Comprehensive Guide
In today’s interconnected world, traveling has become an integral part of our lives. Whether it’s for business or leisure, having a passport is essential for crossing international borders. For Indian citizens looking to obtain or renew their passports, it is important to understand the various costs associated with the process. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the India passport cost, including the fees for different types of passports and services.
Passport Services Offered by the Government of India
The passport services offered by the Government of India can be broadly classified into two categories: fresh passport issuance and passport re-issue. Fresh passport issuance refers to the process of obtaining a passport for the first time, while passport re-issue is for renewing an existing passport. Additionally, there are various other services such as Tatkaal (expedited processing), Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), and changes or corrections in the passport.
India Passport Cost for Fresh Passport Issuance
The India passport cost for fresh passport issuance varies depending on the applicant’s age and the number of pages in the passport. As of January 2022, the following are the fees for different types of passports:
1. 36-Page Passport (valid for 10 years):
– For applicants below 15 years of age: INR 1,000
– For applicants above 15 years of age: INR 1,500
2. 60-Page Passport (valid for 10 years):
– For applicants below 15 years of age: INR 1,500
– For applicants above 15 years of age: INR 2,000
In addition to the basic passport fee, applicants are also required to pay a service charge of INR 150 when applying through Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Passport Seva Laghu Kendra (PSLK). For applicants applying through the Embassy/Consulate, the service charge is USD 20.
India Passport Cost for Passport Re-Issue
The India passport cost for passport re-issue is the same as that for fresh passport issuance. However, in the case of re-issue, applicants may also have to pay additional fees for reasons such as lost or damaged passport, exhaustion of pages, or change in personal particulars.
Additional Fees and Charges
Apart from the basic passport fee, there are certain additional fees and charges that applicants may have to pay for availing specific passport services. Some of the common additional fees and charges include:
1. Tatkaal Fee: Applicants applying for expedited processing under the Tatkaal scheme are required to pay an additional fee of INR 2,000.
2. Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) Fee: The fee for obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate is INR 500.
3. Change or Correction Fee: Applicants seeking changes or corrections in their passport details may have to pay a fee of INR 1,500.
4. SMS and Courier Charges: Applicants can opt for SMS and passport delivery services at an additional cost of INR 36 and INR 630, respectively.
Payment Methods
Applicants can pay the India passport cost through various payment methods, including online payment using credit/debit cards, internet banking, or challan. Payments can also be made in cash at the Passport Seva Kendra or Passport Seva Laghu Kendra.
Conclusion
Obtaining a passport is a crucial step for Indian citizens looking to travel abroad. By understanding the India passport cost and the fees associated with different passport services, applicants can plan and budget accordingly. It is important to note that the passport fees mentioned in this article are subject to change and applicants are advised to check the official website of the Passport Seva Kendra for the latest updates. With the right information and preparation, the passport application process can be smooth and hassle-free, allowing individuals to embark on their travel adventures with ease.
