Indian E-Passport Launch: In a major step towards modernising travel documentation, India has officially launched e-passports in select cities. These high-tech passports are equipped with electronic features to enhance security and simplify identity verification during international travel.
The rollout is part of the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0, which became operational on April 1, 2024, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Key Features of Indian E-Passport
The new Indian e-passport includes:
- An embedded RFID chip and antenna within the cover.
- Secure storage of personal and biometric information.
- A gold-colored international e-passport symbol on the front cover.
At the core of this advanced technology lies the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), which ensures:
- Authenticity of the chip’s data.
- Protection against unauthorized access.
- Strong data integrity and fraud prevention.
Benefits of Indian E-Passport
- Enhanced Security
The chip makes it harder to forge, tamper, or steal identities. - Efficient Identity Verification
Faster and more reliable identity checks during international travel. - Biometric Data Protection
Personal details are stored in a way that’s difficult to alter or duplicate.
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How to apply for e-Passport online: Step-by-Step guide
- Register on the Passport Seva Portal
Visit the Passport Seva Online Portal and create an account. - Login to your account
Use your registered ID and password to log in. - Choose the application type
Click on “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport.”- Select “Fresh” if you’ve never held that type of passport.
- Select “Reissue” if you’re renewing an existing one.
- Pay the application fee
Complete the payment online and schedule an appointment at your preferred Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO). - Save your appointment confirmation
Print the Application Receipt or keep the SMS confirmation handy for your appointment. - Visit the PSK or RPO
Arrive at the selected center on your appointment date with all original documents. - Receive your e-passport
Once verified and processed, your e-passport will be delivered to your registered address.
Cities Where Indian E-Passports Are Issued
As of now, e-passports are available in the following cities:
- Nagpur
- Bhubaneswar
- Jammu
- Goa
- Shimla
- Raipur
- Amritsar
- Jaipur
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Surat
- Ranchi
- Delhi
The government plans to expand this to all Passport Seva Kendras by mid-2025.
In Tamil Nadu, the Regional Passport Office in Chennai started issuing e-passports on March 3, 2025. By March 22, 2025, over 20,700 e-passports had already been issued, reflecting strong public adoption.
What About Existing Passports?
Traditional passports will remain valid until their expiry dates. There’s no immediate need to switch to e-passports. The transition is voluntary and gradual, allowing citizens to adopt the new system over time.
India’s move to implement e-passports signals a significant technological advancement in public services, ensuring secure, faster, and more efficient international travel for Indian citizens.