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India announces passport fee, travel rule changes; full list of updates
Here's what you need to know whether you are an Indian, or a visitor looking to travel soon to India
- PUBLISHED: Fri 26 Jun 2026, 7:04 PM
India has recently announced several updates to its laws, along with important clarifications surrounding essential documents. With a large number of Non-Resident Indians residing in the UAE and Gulf, these changes affect everyday life for many in the region.
In addition, some updates are also centred around international travellers. Here's what you need to know whether you are an Indian, or a visitor looking to travel soon to India.
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Passport is just a travel document
India's Ministry of External Affairs officials caused a stir when they said that the passport is just a travel document, clarifying that it is not a proof of citizenship.
India introduced e-passports last year, with around 14.7 million having been issued since the launch last year. The e-passports feature an embedded antenna and radio frequency identification (RFID) chip, containing personal details and biometric data
If passport does not, can other documents guarantee Indian citizenship? Read the Khaleej Times report to find out.
Passport issuance, renewal rates
India recently hiked passport prices, 14 years after the previous rate change, with the new fees set to come into effect from July 1.
Issuing/re-issuing 36-page passport: Changed from Rs1,500 to Rs2,500 (normal). Increased from Rs3,500 to Rs5,000 (Tatkaal)
Issuing/re-issuing 60-page passport: Changed from Rs2,000 to Rs3,500 (normal). Increased from Rs4,000 to Rs6,000 (Tatkaal)
Re-issuing lost or damaged 36-page passport: Hiked from Rs3,000 to Rs5,000 (normal). Currently Rs7,500 — up from Rs5,000 (Tatkaal)
Re-issuing lost or damaged 60-page passport: Hiked from Rs3,500 to Rs6,000 (normal). Currently Rs8,500 — up from Rs5,500 (Tatkaal)
Issuing minors' passports: Now Rs1,750, increased from Rs1,000 (normal). Now Rs,4250, increased from Rs3,000 (Tatkaal)
For more information on discounts, and other documents with increased fees in India, read the Khaleej Times report.
New health self-declaration portal
India's civil aviation authority launched a portal with a mandatory health self-declaration form for international travellers arriving into the country. The Air Suvidha 2.0 — which covers visitors' 21-day travel history, exposure history and related symptoms — comes in response to the Ebola disease outbreak.
The Airsuvidha Self Declaration Form (SDF) can be completed within 24 hours of the start of the journey to India, and the downloaded form should be shown at the International Travel Health Desk or Immigration counter.
Immigration rules changed
Foreign individuals who wish to stay longer in India must now complete their registration "any time before the expiry of 180 days" from their arrival in the country. Announced in early June, this replaces the earlier provision, which required registration within 14 days only after the expiry of the 180 days.
The registration requirement will not apply in cases where either parent is an Indian citizen and wishes to retain the child's Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Act, 1955.
If a child acquires foreign citizenship while residing in India, the amended rules mandate that either parent must inform the Registration Officer within 30 days of such acquisition.
For more information on the amended immigration rules in India, read the Khaleej Times report.
Poojaraj Maniyeri is a Digital Journalist who loves turning everyday conversations into news stories. She is also a typical bookworm, and brings a novel with her everywhere she goes.