📌 Passport issuance fee increase to be pushed 20 years later (scheduled for March 2026)

To resolve the deficit structure caused by rising manufacturing costs from the introduction of the next-generation electronic passport and by fees that have been frozen for 20 years, the government is pushing forward a plan to raise all passport issuance fees by 2,000 won. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has pre-announced legislation for a proposed amendment to the enforcement decree of the Passport Act containing these details.

📅 Implementation Schedule 📅 📍Legislative Notice Period: ~December 22, 2025 📍To take effect after deliberation and resolution by the State Council: Expected March 2026 2025 existing passport issuance fee

2026 Changes to Passport Issuance Fees 🛂 Regular / Multiple-Entry Passports 📍10-Year Multiple-Entry Passport (Adult) ▪︎58 pages: 38,000 KRW → 40,000 KRW ▪︎26 pages: 35,000 KRW → 37,000 KRW 📍5-Year Multiple-Entry Passport ▪︎58 pages: 33,000 KRW → 35,000 KRW ▪︎26 pages: 30,000 KRW → 32,000 KRW 🚨 Single-Entry / Special Passports 📍Single passport (valid within 1 year) 15,000 won → 17,000 won 📍Emergency passport 48,000 won → 50,000 won 📍Travel certificate 23,000 won → 25,000 won ※ Emergency passports and travel certificates are issued on a case-by-case basis, so actual costs may vary depending on the local government and reason for issuance 🌍 Total cost includes the International Exchange Contribution An international exchange contribution fee is charged together when issuing a passport. 📍10-Year Multiple-Entry Passport ▪︎International Exchange Contribution Fee: 12,000 KRW ▪︎Total Cost: → 58 pages 52,000 KRW → 26 pages 49,000 KRW 📍5-Year Multiple-Entry Passport ▪︎International Exchange Contribution Fee: 9,000 KRW (age 8 and older) ▪︎Total Cost: → 58 pages 44,000 KRW → 26 pages 41,000 KRW ※ Contributions are used to fund the Korea Foundation's international exchange and public diplomacy programs. Starting March 2026, passport issuance fees will be raised across the board. If your passport is about to expire, it may be a bit more advantageous to renew before the fee increase — just something to keep in mind~