Ministry of External Affairs Updates Passport Validity Rules for Minors

Exam-focused facts from the 19 September 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) notified the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, which amends the Passports Rules, 1980.
Ordinary passports issued to children under 15 years of age are now valid for five years or until the child attains 18 years of age, whichever is earlier.
The amendment to Rule 12 of the Passport Rules, 1980, specifies that the new validity applies to ordinary passports containing 36 pages.
The application fee for a fresh or re-issue of a 36-page passport for children below 18 years is ₹1,750.