Passport Slot Booking Cost: A Comprehensive Guide for Indian Citizens
In India, booking a passport slot (i.e., selecting a specific time and date for biometric passport application) is part of the online passport issuance process. The cost structure varies based on the type of passport, urgency, and additional services. Below is a detailed breakdown of the associated fees and guidelines:
1. Base Passport Application Fee
Regular Passport: ₹2,000 for adults (₹1,000 for children aged 15 years and below).
Children (5–14 years): ₹1,000 (no fee for children under 5).
Minor Passports (under 15 years): Parent/guardian must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
2. Slot Booking Fee
Free Slot Booking: The online slot booking itself is free through the Indian Passport Portal.
Third-Party Apps/Portals: Some private platforms charge a nominal fee (₹50–₹200) for convenience, but these are not government-approved.
3. Additional Services & Fees
Express/Normal Service:
Normal service: 30–60 days processing time (no extra fee).
Express service: 15–20 days processing time (₹1,000 extra for adults, ₹500 for children).
Bio-Metric Appointment: Free, but requires booking a slot via the official portal.
Passport Photos: ₹50–₹100 for professional拍摄 (not accepted without proper formatting).
4. Payment Methods
Online payment via Net Banking, Credit/Debit Cards, or UPI during slot booking.
Cash payment is not allowed for express services.
5. Important Notes
Slot Availability: Slots fill quickly, especially in metro cities. Book well in advance.
Free Re-Scheduling: Users can reschedule slots 2–3 days before the appointment without extra cost.
Cancelation Policy: Partial refunds (₹500) are issued for cancellations 24–48 hours before the slot.
6. Avoid Scams
Only use the official portal or Appendix 1/2/3/5 centers.
Be wary of third-party apps promising "guaranteed slots" for a fee.
7. Steps to Book a Slot
Log in to the Passport Portal.
Select "Book a Slot" and choose your preferred date, time, and center.
Fill in personal details and submit the application.
Pay the application fee via the portal.
For the latest fee updates, visit the Indian Passport Fee Calculator. Always verify details directly with the government to avoid discrepancies.
Let me know if you need further clarification! 😊
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