New Delhi/IBNS, Sept. 26 -- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has introduced a new validity framework for passports issued to children below 15 years of age under the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, according to media reports.

The amended rules introduce different validity options based on the applicant's age, while the passport fees have also been revised.

Here's a breakdown of the new rules:

An ordinary 36-page passport issued to a child below 15 years will be valid for five years from the date of issue or until the child turns 18, whichever is earlier.

This means the passport will not necessarily have a full five-year validity if the child turns 18 before that period ends.

Applicants aged between 15 and 18 years will have ...