India will increase passport issuance and renewal fees by as much as 75% from 1 July, according to amendments to the Passport Rules notified by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The revision, announced through a gazette notification issued on 20 June, marks the first major increase in passport fees since 2012. The move comes a day after the Indian government clarified that a passport is primarily a travel document and should not be treated as proof of citizenship.

How much will a new passport cost?

Under the revised rates, a standard 36-page passport will cost Rs2,500 under the normal scheme, up from Rs1,500. Applications under the Tatkaal (expedited) scheme will rise from Rs3,500 to Rs5,000.

A 60-page passport will now cost Rs3,500 under the normal process and Rs6,000 under Tatkaal, compared with the current Rs2,000 and Rs4,000 respectively.

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), fees will also increase significantly, with a standard 36-page passport rising from $75 to $125 and a 60-page passport from $100 to $175.

Higher charges for lost or damaged passports

Applicants seeking a replacement for a lost or damaged 36-page passport will have to pay Rs5,000 under the normal scheme and Rs7,500 under Tatkaal, up from Rs3,000 and Rs5,000 respectively.

For a 60-page passport, the fee will rise to Rs6,000 under the normal process and Rs8,500 under Tatkaal.

What about children’s passports?

Passport fees for minors have also been revised upward.

For applicants below 18 years of age, a fresh 36-page passport will now cost Rs1,750 under the normal scheme and Rs4,250 under Tatkaal, compared with the current rates of Rs1,000 and Rs3,000.

The cost of replacing a lost or damaged passport for minors has also increased, with fees now set at Rs4,250 under the normal scheme and Rs6,750 under Tatkaal.

Changes to other passport-related services

The government has also increased charges for services such as Police Clearance Certificates (PCCs), Surrender Certificates, Global Entry Programme verification and other passport-related certificates.

The fee for these services will now be Rs750 under the normal scheme. For NRIs, the charge will be $40.

Any relief for applicants?

The revised framework introduces a 10% discount on fresh passport applications for children up to eight years of age and senior citizens aged above 60.

However, the concession will apply only to new passport applications and not to passport reissues.

Why does it matter?

The increase represents the first passport fee revision in 14 years and will affect millions of applicants in India and abroad. With fees rising across nearly all categories, the cost of obtaining or renewing a passport is set to become significantly higher from July 1.

The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has issued updated travel guidance for residents amid ongoing international monitoring of an Ebola outbreak, while reaffirming that no confirmed cases have been recorded in the country.

The ministry said the UAE’s public health situation remains stable and that authorities continue to maintain high levels of preparedness through enhanced surveillance, risk assessment and preventive measures.

What travellers need to know

MoHAP is urging residents travelling abroad to check the latest travel advisories before departure, follow health guidelines in their destination country and maintain good personal hygiene throughout their journey.

Travellers have also been advised to avoid contact with anyone showing symptoms of illness and to seek medical attention immediately if they develop symptoms after travel, while informing healthcare providers about their recent travel history.

The guidance comes after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised against non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.

Ebola symptoms to watch for

According to the ministry, Ebola symptoms can appear between two and 21 days after exposure and may initially include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Weakness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Sore throat
• Abdominal pain

In severe cases, the disease can lead to bleeding, organ failure and shock.

No vaccine for current strain

Health authorities noted that there is currently no licensed vaccine specifically approved for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola linked to the current outbreak.

The outbreak is primarily concentrated in parts of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

How Ebola spreads

MoHAP stressed that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person, contaminated surfaces, infected animals or contaminated animal products.

The ministry also clarified that Ebola is not an airborne disease and does not spread like Covid-19 or influenza. Individuals are generally not contagious before symptoms develop.

UAE ready for emergencies

Reassuring residents, the ministry said the UAE continues to work closely with national and international health partners to monitor developments and implement precautionary measures aimed at protecting public health.

Officials reiterated that no Ebola cases have been detected in the UAE and encouraged residents to rely on official sources for health updates and travel advice.

Tourists visiting the UAE can now open a bank account within minutes, thanks to a new digital initiative led by the Central Bank of the UAE in partnership with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank.

The service, called ‘Tourist Identity’, allows visitors to set up a fully digital bank account upon arrival, using a secure identity issued at entry and powered by biometric and facial recognition technology.

By linking the system to ADCB’s mobile app, travellers can open an account instantly, receive a digital debit card, and start making payments without paperwork or traditional documents.

For many visitors, especially business travellers, long-stay tourists, and frequent visitors, the move removes a key hurdle: access to local banking. Instead of relying on cash, users can pay digitally, manage expenses easily, and connect directly to the UAE’s financial system from day one.

Officials say the system is designed to deliver a secure and seamless experience, using advanced biometrics and AI to enable access to services without the need for physical documents.

What it means for visitors

For tourists, the new service means faster, safer, and more convenient access to money, making everyday transactions, from shopping to transport, simpler during their stay in the UAE.

The rollout also strengthens the country’s position as a tech-driven global destination, where travel and financial services are increasingly integrated into a seamless digital experience.