Passport Validity Rules Changed for Children Under 15
The Ministry of External Affairs has notified the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, revising the Passports Rules, 1980. Under the amended Rule 12(1A), an ordinary 36-page passport issued to a child below 15 years of age will be valid for five years from the date of issue or until the child turns 18, whichever comes first.
The amended rules took effect on 17 September 2026.
