India E-Passport Explained: Features, Benefits, How To Apply & Rollout Cities

India has officially started issuing chip-enabled e-passports as part of a major upgrade to the traditional passport system. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), these new passports aim to improve security, streamline immigration processes, and align with international standards. The rollout is part of the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0, which began on April 1, 2024.

Currently, e-passports are being issued in 13 Indian cities, with plans to expand across the country later this year.

India E-Passport Roles in 13 Cities

As of now, e-passports are available at Regional Passport Offices in the following cities:

• Delhi
• Chennai
• Hyderabad
• Nagpur
• Bhubaneswar
• Jammu
• Goa
• Shimla
• Raipur
• Amritsar
• Jaipur
• Surat
• Ranchi

The MEA has confirmed that e-passports will be extended to all Passport Seva Kendras in India later this year.

What Is an E-Passport?

An e-passport is similar to a regular passport but includes an embedded RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chip and antenna inside the back cover. This chip securely stores the passport holder’s biometric and personal information, such as:

• Photograph
• Fingerprints
• Date of birth
• Passport number

A gold-coloured e-passport symbol is printed beneath the cover to distinguish it from traditional passports.

E-Passport Features

The stored data on the chip is encrypted and protected by international security protocols to prevent tampering or unauthorised access. According to the MEA, the system uses Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to:

• Authenticate data
• Maintain the integrity of personal details
• Prevent misuse during immigration or identity fraud

This helps ensure that the passport is genuine and has not been altered, offering enhanced protection against forgery and duplication.

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Benefits of the E-Passport

• Faster Immigration: E-passports allow quicker processing at airports through automated e-gates, as they can be scanned instantly without manual checks.
• Data Security Encryption and PKI frameworks protect sensitive data, reducing the risks of identity theft and document fraud.
• Global Compatibility: E-passports comply with ICAO standards and are already in use in countries like the USA, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Brazil, and Australia.

How to Apply for an E-Passport

• Visit the [Passport Seva Portal](https://www.passportindia.gov.in/)
• Book an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra
• Submit your biometric information during the appointment

The passport issued by eligible cities will automatically be an e-passport.

The MEA has clarified that the switch to e-passports is not mandatory. All existing passports will remain valid until their expiration date

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Image Courtesy: Freepik