A new study by Compare the Market AU has placed the Indian passport as the second cheapest in the world, only behind the UAE. The analysis considered the acquisition cost and cost per year of validity, along the number of countries accessible without a visa.
Comparison of Passport Fees
The Indian passport costs just USD 18.07 for 10 years, making it highly affordable. In contrast, the UAE's passport, slightly cheaper at USD 17.70, offers a five-year validity. The study also noted that passports from countries like Mexico and Australia are among the most expensive, with fees exceeding USD 225 for a decade.
Cost Per Year Breakdown
India leads with the lowest annual cost at USD 1.81. South Africa and Kenya follow, with their passports costing around USD 3.05 and USD 3.09 per year, respectively.
Visa-Free Access and Passport Power
Despite its low cost, the Indian passport allows visa-free travel to only 62 countries. This contrasts with nations like the UAE, which not only offers a cheaper passport but also greater visa-free access, highlighting the varying 'passport power' across different countries.
The Role of Travel Insurance
The report underscores the importance of travel insurance, especially in cases of passport loss or theft abroad. Adrian Taylor from Compare the Market highlights how travel insurance can relieve the financial burden of replacing important documents, ensuring travellers can enjoy their trips without added stress.
Taylor advises travellers to consider travel insurance as a safeguard against the unexpected, helping cover costs and offering peace of mind during international travel.
