01/01/2026
Passport fees double; new and lost documents now $500 and $2,000, respectively, as Government rolls out major immigration cost hike
Citizens will now pay significantly more for passports and immigration services from January 1, 2026, as the Ministry of Homeland Security implements a sweeping revision of fees under new Immigration (Amendment) Regulations.
Under the revised structure, the cost of a standard adult passport (ages 16–59) has doubled from $250 to $500, while business passports (48 pages) have been increased to $700.
Applicants seeking priority processing will also be required to pay an additional $600 for expedited service.
The most hefty increase applies to lost or misplaced valid passports, which will now cost $2,000 to replace for both adults and children — a sharp jump the Ministry says reflects the high administrative and security costs involved in cancelling and reissuing active travel documents.
The Ministry explained that many immigration-related fees had remained unchanged for nearly two decades, with the last major revision taking place in 2007.
Since then, officials say the operational landscape has shifted significantly, driven by rising production costs, enhanced security features in modern passports, and the need for advanced digital systems.
In a statement accompanying the announcement, the Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander said the decision was not taken lightly but was necessary to ensure the Immigration Division can continue delivering secure, efficient, and modern services.
The Minister stressed that the increases are not simply about generating revenue, but about reinvesting in technology, security infrastructure, and systems that protect national borders while simplifying services for the public.
According to the Ministry, the revised fees will support the country’s transition toward a fully digital and cashless immigration system, including expanded online portals for e-Visas and e-Student Permits, real-time application tracking, cloud-based systems, and integrated platforms linking public agencies to improve processing times and data security.
Despite the increases, the Government says it has taken steps to protect vulnerable groups. Passports remain free of charge for senior citizens aged 60 and over, as well as first-issue passports for infants under two years old.
Replacements for lost, misplaced, or stolen passports for children under two will also continue at no cost.
The Ministry maintains that the revised fee structure reflects the true cost of delivering secure, world-class immigration services and is a key part of its broader effort to modernise border management and strengthen national security.
Members of the public are being encouraged to consult the Ministry of Homeland Security or the Immigration Division for a full breakdown of the revised fees now in effect.
