Visa and Passport Cost in India: 2026 Fee Breakdown for Travellers

Calculating your real visa and passport cost in india requires looking far beyond the official baseline numbers published on government portals. On July 1, 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) implemented the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, bringing the first overhaul of Indian passport application fees in 14 years. Combined with international consular fee hikes, service center handling charges, credit card forex markups, and regional tourist taxes, standard travel documentation often costs 30% to 60% more than headline rates suggest.

Whether you are applying for your first passport, renewing an expired booklet, or budgeting for upcoming trips to Europe, the US, or Southeast Asia, this guide provides an itemised breakdown of exact, out-of-pocket costs for Indian travellers as of August 2026.

Official Indian Passport Fees: Updated 2026 Price List

The July 1, 2026 MEA fee revision updated application charges across all Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) facilities in India. If you submitted an application prior to July 2026, old rates applied; all appointments booked or re-scheduled after July 1, 2026, carry the revised pricing structure.

Mandatory PSK Charges and Discount Rules

In addition to the baseline application fee, a mandatory ₹500 PSK facility charge applies across all passport categories to cover digital biometric capture, document verification processing, and physical handling. Understanding the different types of Indian passports—such as regular Ordinary (Blue) booklets versus official variants—helps ensure you select the correct category on the Passport Seva portal before issuing payment.

The MEA maintains specific concession rules for eligible applicants:

• 10% Fee Discount: Applies strictly to fresh passport applications for children up to 8 years of age and senior citizens above 60 years of age.
• Exclusions: The 10% discount does not apply to passport renewals, re-issues (due to page exhaustion or address change), Tatkaal applications, or lost/damaged replacements.

Optional Out-of-Pocket Counter Extras

When attending your appointment at the PSK or POPSK, staff will present several optional services. These are not legally required to process your application:

• PSK Studio Photos: ₹150 to ₹300 (Only required if your uploaded digital photo fails quality verification at Counter A).
• SMS Status Alerts: ₹50 to ₹100 (Optional; tracking updates remain accessible for free via the official mPassport Seva app and web portal).
• Passport Cover Sleeves: ₹300 to ₹500 (Pushed aggressively at counters; you can decline this purchase).

Major Destination Visa Costs for Indian Travellers in 2026

Foreign visa pricing varies significantly by destination, exchange rates, and third-party processing partners. The following breakdown lists consular baseline fees alongside mandatory handling fees for major outbound routes from India.

1. Schengen Area (29 European Countries)

Schengen visa fees are standardized across all participating European member states (including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland), but mandatory processing fees vary slightly by service provider (VFS Global or BLS International).

• Embassy Consular Fee: €90 (~₹9,500 – ₹9,800) for Adults (12+ years); €45 (~₹4,800) for Children (6–11 years); FREE (€0) for Children under 6 years.
• Mandatory VFS / BLS Handling Fee: ₹1,700 to ₹3,100 per applicant depending on the destination embassy.
• Mandatory Travel Insurance: Schengen regulations require a minimum of €30,000 in emergency medical coverage. Approved policies cost between ₹800 and ₹2,500 for a typical 1 to 2-week trip.
• Total Real Out-of-Pocket Budget: ₹12,500 to ₹16,000 per adult.

2. United States (B1/B2 Visitor Visa)

The United States non-immigrant B1/B2 visitor visa carries a flat consular application fee globally with no concessions for minors or seniors.

• MRV Application Fee: $185 USD (~₹15,500 – ₹16,000 based on the official U.S. Embassy exchange rate set at payment).
• Age Discounts: None. Infants, children, and elderly applicants pay the full $185 fee.
• Validity: Up to 10 years multiple-entry (maximum stay of 180 days per entry).
• Consular Travel Outlay: Applicants residing outside the 5 primary consular hubs (New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad) must attend two separate appointments—biometrics at a Visa Application Center (VAC) and the embassy interview. Regional travel and hotel costs add an estimated ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 per applicant.

Note on Legislative Proposals: U.S. congressional committees have discussed a proposed $250 Visa Integrity Fee. As of mid-2026, this proposed fee is not being collected. The active charge at US Travel Docs for Indian applicants remains strictly the $185 MRV fee. If you are preparing your application, consult our US B1/B2 visa document checklist to avoid delays or re-application expenses.

Securing a valid U.S. visitor visa also unlocks secondary visa-free entry benefits across several global destinations. Review our guide on visa-free destinations accessible with a valid US visa to maximize your travel options.

3. United Kingdom (Standard Visitor Visa)

The UK Home Office updated its global visa fee structure in April 2026. Visitor visas do not require the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which applies only to long-term residency and student visas.

• 6-Month Standard Visitor Visa: £135 (~₹16,300).
• 2-Year Long-Term Visitor Visa: £506 (~₹61,200).
• 5-Year Long-Term Visitor Visa: £903 (~₹109,300).
• 10-Year Long-Term Visitor Visa: £1,128 (~₹136,500).
• Priority Service Add-on (5-day decision): +£500 (~₹60,000).
• Super Priority Add-on (Next working day): +£1,000 (~₹120,000).

If you hold a long-term multi-year visa for the UK or US and your passport reaches its 10-year expiration date, read our breakdown on travelling with a valid visa on an expired passport before transferring your documents.

4. Dubai / United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Costs for UAE tourist entry depend on whether you apply for an e-Visa through an agency/airline or qualify for Visa on Arrival (VOA).

• 30-Day Pre-Arranged Tourist e-Visa: AED 350 to AED 550 (~₹8,200 – ₹12,900 all-inclusive via VFS or Emirates).
• 60-Day Pre-Arranged Tourist e-Visa: AED 580 to AED 900 (~₹13,600 – ₹21,000).
• Visa on Arrival (VOA) Eligibility: Indian passport holders who possess a valid US visa/Green Card, UK visa/residence permit, EU/Schengen visa, or Singapore/Japan/Australia visas qualify for VOA at UAE entry ports.
  • 14-Day VOA Fee: AED 100 to AED 120 (~₹2,300 – ₹2,800).
  • 60-Day VOA Fee: AED 250 (~₹5,800).

5. Thailand

Thailand maintains a visa exemption policy for Indian passport holders for leisure travel.

• Tourist Entry Fee: ₹0 (Visa-Free) for stays up to 30 or 60 days.
• Mandatory Digital Arrival Card: Travellers must complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 3 days prior to arrival.
• Proof of Funds Requirement: Thai immigration officers conduct random checks requiring visitors to present proof of cash or liquid funds amounting to 10,000 THB (~₹26,000) per person or 20,000 THB (~₹52,000) per family.
• Longer Stay Tourist e-Visa (TR): ₹3,000 for a Single-Entry visa (up to 60 days stay) or ₹13,500 for a Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV).

6. Vietnam

Vietnam operates an electronic visa system for Indian citizens entering via international airports, land crossings, or seaports.

• Single-Entry e-Visa (30 to 90 Days): $25 USD (~₹2,100 – ₹2,300) applied directly at evisa.gov.vn.
• Multiple-Entry e-Visa (30 to 90 Days): $50 USD (~₹4,200 – ₹4,500).
• Phu Quoc Island Exemption: Indian travellers flying directly into Phu Quoc Island without transiting mainland Vietnamese airports receive a 30-day visa exemption for ₹0.

7. Singapore

Singapore does not issue visas directly to individual applicants at embassies. Applications must go through authorized third-party visa agents in India.

• Government ICA Fee: SGD 30 (~₹1,900 – ₹2,100).
• Mandatory Authorized Agent Service Charge: Capped across India at ₹1,000 + 18% GST (₹1,180).
• Total Real Out-of-Pocket Cost: ~₹3,100 – ₹3,300 per applicant.
• Local Sponsor Option: If a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident submits the application on your behalf via SingPass, the fee is strictly SGD 30 (~₹2,100) with zero processing add-ons.

8. Malaysia

Malaysia’s visa exemption scheme for Indian nationals remains active through 2026.

• Tourist Entry Fee: ₹0 (Visa-Free) for stays up to 30 days.
• Mandatory Entry Requirement: All travellers must fill out the free Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within 3 days before arriving.

9. Bali (Indonesia)

Entry into Bali involves both national immigration fees and a local regional government levy.

• Visa on Arrival / e-VOA (B213 – 30 Days): IDR 500,000 (~₹2,800). Can be paid on arrival or pre-booked online via the official Indonesian EVCO portal.
• Mandatory Bali Regional Tourist Levy (“Love Bali”): IDR 150,000 (~₹840) per person, including children. Paid via the official Love Bali portal prior to entry.
• Mandatory Customs Declaration (AIAC): Free online form completed within 72 hours of travel.
• Total Entry Cost per Person: ~₹3,650.

Calculating the Total Visa and Passport Cost in India: Hidden Add-Ons

When creating a travel budget, focusing solely on baseline consular rates leads to underbudgeting. Third-party logistics providers, financial conversion fees, and document compliance fees add significant mandatory expenses to your final tally.

The primary ancillary cost drivers include:

1. Service Center Convenience Fees: Third-party processing companies (VFS Global, BLS International, TLScontact) manage front-end logistics for most major embassies. Basic service fees range from ₹1,000 to ₹3,100. Optional add-ons offered during appointment booking include:
   • Premium Lounge Access: ₹2,500 to ₹3,500 per applicant.
   • Form Filling Assistance: ₹1,000 to ₹1,500.
   • Courier Passport Return: ₹350 to ₹600.
   • SMS Tracking Services: ₹100 to ₹150.
2. Forex Markup & Consular Exchange Rates: Consular application portals do not use live interbank exchange rates. Embassies set weekly or monthly commercial internal rates that add a 3% to 5% exchange markup. Additionally, Indian credit or debit cards charged in foreign currencies (USD, EUR, GBP) incur standard bank markup charges (2% to 3.5%) plus 18% GST on the fee.
3. Mandatory Travel Insurance: While mandatory for Schengen visas, travel health insurance is strongly recommended for all international trips. Policies providing baseline coverage add ₹800 to ₹2,500 per person depending on age and trip duration.
4. Document Compliance & Legalisation:
   • Attested Bank Statements: ₹100 to ₹300 charged per statement by Indian banks.
   • CA Net Worth Certificate: ₹1,500 to ₹5,000 (frequently required for self-employed applicants applying for UK, US, or Schengen visas).
   • Notarisation & Document Translation: ₹300 to ₹1,000 per document.
   • Biometrics/Passport Photos: ₹150 to ₹400 for physical studio copies adhering to exact embassy dimensions (e.g., 35x45mm white background for Schengen, 2×2 inches for US).

Real Out-of-Pocket Expense Scenarios

To highlight the total out-of-pocket budget required for international travel preparations, consider these realistic financial breakdown scenarios for Indian travellers.

Scenario 1: Family of 4 to Schengen Europe (10-Day Trip)

A family consisting of two adults, one 8-year-old child, and one 4-year-old child applying for Schengen tourist visas via VFS Global:

• Adult 1 (Visa Fee + VFS Service Fee): ~₹12,500
• Adult 2 (Visa Fee + VFS Service Fee): ~₹12,500
• Child aged 8 (€45 Visa Fee + VFS Service Fee): ~₹7,500
• Child aged 4 (€0 Visa Fee + VFS Service Fee): ~₹2,500
• Mandatory Family Travel Insurance (€30,000 cover): ~₹4,500
• Documentation & Passport Courier Charges: ~₹1,500
• TOTAL OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENDITURE: ~₹41,000 (Compared to baseline consular fees alone of ~₹24,000)

Scenario 2: Couple Travelling to Singapore & Bali

A couple booking a multi-destination vacation across Southeast Asia:

• Singapore Authorized Agent e-Visas (2 x ₹3,280): ₹6,560
• Bali e-VOA Fees (2 x IDR 500,000 / ~₹2,800): ₹5,600
• Bali Regional Tourist Levy (2 x IDR 150,000 / ~₹840): ₹1,680
• Travel Insurance (2 Adults): ₹2,000
• TOTAL OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENDITURE: ~₹15,840

Scenario 3: Solo Traveller (New Passport + US Visitor Visa)

A solo traveller living in a Tier-2 city (e.g., Jaipur or Lucknow) applying for a fresh 10-year Indian passport and a U.S. B1/B2 tourist visa:

• Indian Passport Application (Normal 36-Page + PSK Charge): ₹3,000
• US B1/B2 MRV Application Fee ($185 USD): ~₹15,800
• Intercity Travel & Hotel (Trip to Delhi VAC/Embassy for Appointments): ~₹6,000
• TOTAL OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENDITURE: ~₹24,800

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the visa fee refundable if my visa application is rejected?

No. Government consular fees, embassy processing charges, and third-party service fees (such as VFS Global or BLS International) are strictly non-refundable once an application is submitted, regardless of whether your visa is approved, delayed, or rejected. However, select international travel insurance policies offer partial premium refunds or visa-rejection trip cancellation cover if purchased prior to filing your visa application.

Why does my final visa charge on my credit card differ from the published fee?

Discrepancies occur due to foreign exchange markup calculations. Embassies adjust their internal consular conversion rates periodically, which may differ from interbank rates on search engines. Furthermore, Indian card issuers add a foreign currency transaction fee (typically 2% to 3.5%) along with a mandatory 18% GST charge on the processing fee for overseas transactions.

Can I skip VFS/BLS service fees and apply directly at the embassy?

Generally, no. Foreign embassies in India outsource initial document handling, passport collection, and biometric data recording to commercial partners like VFS Global, BLS International, or TLScontact. Unless you hold a diplomatic or official passport, direct submission at embassy gates is not permitted for standard tourist or business visa categories.

Is a Tatkaal passport worth the extra cost for an upcoming trip?

A 36-page adult Tatkaal application costs ₹5,000 compared to ₹2,500 for normal processing (plus the baseline ₹500 PSK fee). Normal passport issuance takes between 15 and 30 business days due to prior police verification. Tatkaal processing completes within 1 to 3 working days by deferring police verification until after passport dispatch. If your visa appointment or travel date is less than 3 to 4 weeks away, paying the extra cost for Tatkaal processing is recommended to prevent missed travel deadlines.