NRIs: Your Indian Passport Just Got 67% Costlier

5 Aug 2026 · 1 min

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In this brief video, the presenter informs non‑resident Indians (NRIs) that Indian passport renewal fees have risen sharply for the first time in 14 years. Effective July 1, 2026, the cost of a new 36‑page passport has increased by 67%, from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500. The government attributes the hike to rising operational costs, the rollout of the Passport Saver 2.0 service, and the introduction of a new e‑passport equipped with an embedded security chip. The speaker explains that NRIs must pay the fee at their local Indian embassy or consulate, usually in the host‑country’s currency, and that many missions add an additional consular surcharge, making the actual out‑of‑pocket expense higher than the Indian‑quoted amount. While the higher price is a burden, the upgraded e‑passport offers faster processing and enhanced security. Viewers are advised to budget for the increased renewal cost and to follow the channel for further NRI‑focused updates.

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If you are an NRI, renewing your Indian passport just got a lot more expensive. For the first time in 14 years, passport fees have jumped 67%. A fresh 36-page passport now costs ₹2,500, up from ₹1,500, effective July 1st, 2026. The government says it's down to rising costs over the years, plus the upgrade to Passport Saver 2.0 and the new e-passport with an inbuilt security chip. But here's what matters for you abroad. You pay at your Indian embassy or consulate, usually in local currency and often with an extra consulate fee. A surcharge on top. So your real renewal cost is higher than the Indian figure. You pay more, but you get more— a chip-secured e-passport that clears faster. Just budget for it before you apply. Follow us for the NRI updates like this.