The Indian passport is a gateway to the world, embodying the aspirations and identity of millions of Indian citizens. With its deep blue cover adorned with the national emblem, it symbolises opportunity, and the spirit of global citizenship.
The study was done by Compare the Market AU, which is an Australian firm. It studied the cost of acquisition of passports of different countries and the cost-effectiveness per year of validity and also their value in terms of the number of nations that it provides visa-free access to.
The study found Mexico the most expensive passport, costing USD 231.05 for 10 years. Australia was a little cheaper at USD 225.78 for a 10-year passport.
As per a press statement by the firm, India had the second cheapest passport on the list overall, costing USD 18.07 for a validity of 10 years while the UAE has USD 17.70 for a 5-year passport.
In terms of cost per year of validity, India had the cheapest passport with a cost of USD 1.81 per year. South Africa and Kenya were in second and third place, at about USD 3.05 and USD 3.09 respectively.
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The statement further mentioned that the travel insurance comparison experts compiled a list of passport fees around the world and compared them based on price, years validity and power, finding some nations’ passport power can come with a high price tag.
While Indian passports offer economic advantages, their visa-free access is limited, contrasting with countries like Australia, the USA, and Canada, which, despite their passport power, incur relatively higher fees.
Considering the importance of passports, many opt for travel insurance to mitigate expenses incurred from loss, theft, or damage abroad. Adrian Taylor, Executive General Manager of General Insurance at Compare the Market, emphasises the value of travel insurance in alleviating stress during unforeseen circumstances, ensuring peace of mind while traveling.
He said, “Nobody wants to be stressed out on their holidays. Damage, loss or theft of your important documents is an unfortunate risk many people face while overseas. Depending on your policy, travel insurance may be able to help cover the cost of a replacement if you need to apply for one,’’ says Taylor.
