Passport validity for children below 15 years extended to five years

The Ministry of External Affairs notified the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026 on 15 September, effective from 17 September 2026. The amendment revises provisions on passport fees and validity for children below 15 years.

Under the amended Rule 12(1A), ordinary 36-page passports issued to children below 15 years will now remain valid for five years from the date of issue or until the child turns 18, whichever occurs earlier. The amendment applies specifically to ordinary passports issued to minors in this age group.

The rules have been issued under Section 24 of the Passports Act, 1967, and amend the Passports Rules, 1980. Rule 8 was also amended to align passport fee rates with Schedule IV of the existing rules.