The Ministry of External Affairs in India has amended the passport rules for minors of NRI families. This amendment was issued last month, in September.
Under this new rule, the validity of the standard 36-page passport for a minor has been extended. This passport, when issued to a child under the age of 15, will remain valid for five years, or until the child turns 18, whichever comes first.
Earlier, minor passports were only valid for a child until they attained the age of 15. This new amendment covers the teenage years of a child, and reduced passport renewal frequency for NRI parents.
Passport fees has also been amended, with an ordinary passport now costing ₹1,750 for standard issue, or ₹4,250 for Tatkaal service. Overseas NRI parents must also pay for the VFS, BLS, or ICWF fees, as well as shipping, alongside the base fees.
Annexure D requires the consent of both parents when applying for a minor passport. Otherise, Annexure C can be used if one parent is unable to give consent.
NRI parents also have to have consular attestations attached when applying for a minor passport.
