Centre amends passport rules for children below 15: five-year validity or till age 18

New Delhi, Sep 17 (UNI) The Centre has amended the Passport Rules to provide that an ordinary 36-page passport for a child below 15 years will remain valid for five years from the date of issue or until the child turns 18, whichever is earlier. The Ministry of External Affairs notified the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026 on September 15, exercising powers under Section 24 of the Passports Act, 1967. The rules come into force from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. The amendment substitutes Rule 12(1A) of the Passports Rules, 1980 with the provision specifying the validity…