Top Countries for the Most and Least Expensive Passports in 2024

Passport costs vary significantly worldwide, influenced by each nation’s fees and benefits. Here’s a detailed look at the countries with the most and least expensive passports in 2024, focusing on cost, validity, and visa-free access.

Most Expensive Passports in 2024

Some countries charge premium fees for passports, offering long-term validity and extensive visa-free travel options:

1. Mexico

Mexico holds the title of the world’s most expensive passport. It also has costly options for shorter-term passports (6-year and 3-year).

• Cost: ₹19,481.75 (approximately $230.85)
• Validity: 10 years
• Visa-Free Access: 162 countries

2. Australia

Australia’s passport ranks second in cost, offering a decade of validity and wide-ranging travel freedom.

• Cost: ₹19,041 (around $225.70)
• Validity: 10 years
• Visa-Free Access: 190 countries

3. United States

The US passport combines a high fee with extensive global travel access, making it one of the priciest options.

• Cost: ₹13,868 (about $164.85)
• Validity: 10 years
• Visa-Free Access: 189 countries

4. United Kingdom

Although expensive, the UK passport offers excellent travel privileges within Europe and beyond.

• Cost: ₹8,754.76 (approximately $103.74)
• Validity: 10 years
• Visa-Free Access: 192 countries

Cheapest Passports in 2024

Several countries provide affordable passport options, making travel more accessible to their citizens:

1. United Arab Emirates

The UAE offers the cheapest passport globally, with impressive travel benefits for its citizens. Costing just ₹1,400 for 5 years. It offers visa-free access to 183 destinations globally.

• Cost: ₹1,400 (around $17.70)
• Validity: 5 years
• Visa-Free Access: 183 countries

2. India

Indian passports are recognized for their excellent value, providing a decade of validity at a low cost. Priced at ₹1,524.95 for a 10-year validity, is known for its great value, allowing visa-free travel to 58 countries.

• Cost: ₹1,524.95 (approximately $18.07)
• Validity: 10 years
• Visa-Free Access: 58 countries

3. Hungary

Hungary’s passport is affordable at ₹1,749 for 10 years, providing robust travel freedom with visa-free access to 189 countries across the globe.

• Cost: ₹1,749 (about $20.73)
• Validity: 10 years
• Visa-Free Access: 189 countries

4. South Africa

South Africa’s passport costs ₹2,666.77 for a decade, offering entry to 106 countries without a visa, making it a budget-friendly option in Africa.

• Cost: ₹2,666.77 (approximately $31.60)
• Validity: 10 years
• Visa-Free Access: 106 countries

Best Value Passports in 2024

Affordability isn’t just about the upfront cost—it’s also about the value a passport offers over its validity:

India

• With its low annual cost and 10-year validity, the Indian passport is one of the best value options globally.
• It ranks 82nd in the Henley Passport Index 2024, offering visa-free access to 58 countries.

Spain

• A top choice for those over 30, Spain’s passport combines a moderate fee with strong global access.
• It provides visa-free entry to 194 countries, making it one of the world’s most powerful passports.

Key Takeaways: Passport Costs in 2024

The diversity in passport fees underscores the balance between cost and travel freedom:

• High-Cost Countries: Nations like Mexico and Australia have higher fees but offer broader travel benefits and longer validity periods.
• Low-Cost Countries: Countries like the UAE and India maintain affordability, with reasonable access to visa-free travel.
• Value for Money: Indian and Spanish passports stand out for providing significant travel benefits relative to their costs.

Summary of Passport Costs

Below is a comparison of key countries based on passport cost, validity, and travel access:

Conclusion

In 2024, passport costs vary widely, reflecting each country’s unique approach to travel documentation. Whether you prioritize cost, visa-free access, or validity, this guide provides a comprehensive comparison to help you understand global passport trends.