Key Changes in Passport Rules

The Government of India has introduced key changes to passport rules. Under the new provisions, a regular 36 page passport issued to children below 15 years of age will remain valid for five years from the date of issue or until the child turns 18, whichever comes earlier. The earlier of the two conditions will be considered the passport’s validity period.

The revised provision means that both the child’s age and the period from the date of issue will determine the validity of a minor’s passport. Parents applying for passports for children will therefore need to take the new validity conditions into account while planning travel and future passport requirements.