How to apply for an e-Passport: The Indian government recently introduced the e-Passport to make the passport system more secure and high-tech. This advanced e-Passport contains an embedded electronic chip. This chip securely stores personal and biometric information.
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How to apply for an e-Passport: India has launched a new e-Passport to make international travel more secure and convenient for its citizens. This advanced, high-tech e-Passport contains an embedded electronic chip that securely stores personal and biometric information, making it impossible for anyone to tamper with the passport. The Government of India recently launched the e-Passport system under the Passport Seva Programme (Passport Seva Programme) V2.0.
Now, if you apply for a new passport or renew your old one, you will receive an e-Passport. However, travelers holding regular passports will not be affected. They need not worry for now.
“The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is pleased to announce the successful rollout of upgraded versions of its flagship Passport Seva Programme (PSP). This rollout includes the Passport Seva Programme (PSP V2.0) for citizens in India and those residing abroad, the Global Passport Seva Programme (GPSP V2.0) and e-passports,” the government had said in a press release on November 12.
What is e-passport?
According to the official website of Passport Seva, the e-passport is a hybrid passport that combines both paper and electronic passports. It has a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and an antenna embedded as an inlay in the passport. It contains the passport holder’s personal information and biometric details. The e-passport will look similar to the old passport, but an advanced electronic chip will be found on its cover below the Ashoka Pillar. This chip makes the e-passport more secure. The e-passport can be seen as a small golden symbol printed at the bottom of the passport’s front cover.
What are the advantages of an e-passport?
The biggest advantage of an e-passport is its ability to better maintain the integrity of the passport holder’s data. The e-passport contains the data in printed form on a booklet. Furthermore, the electronic chip is digitally signed, which can be securely authenticated by immigration officials worldwide. This protects passports from potential fraudulent activities, such as counterfeiting and counterfeiting. The chip makes it virtually impossible to tamper with or create a fake passport. Immigration checks are also significantly faster than before.
What will happen to your existing passport?
The Passport Service states on its website that all passports issued by the government will remain valid until their expiration date. This means that they are not damaged, run out of pages, or are due for renewal. Currently, passport holders do not need to replace their passports. As soon as the relevant passport office is technically ready to issue e-passports. Citizens applying under that passport office will get the chip-enabled version by default.
Every new or renewed passport issued under the PSP V2.0 and the Global Passport Seva Program for missions abroad will be issued as an e-passport by default. Applicants do not need to complete a separate form or select an upgraded document. This change is automatic at all passport centers and embassies. The updated Passport Seva Program V2.0 includes a redesigned website and mobile app.
How to apply online?
The online application process for a new e-passport is similar to the previous passport process. The technological upgrades are internal. There are no changes to the user-facing application steps. To apply for an e-passport online, follow the simple steps below:
Step 1: To obtain an e-passport, first visit the Passport Seva portal at https://passportindia.gov.in.
Step 2: Register as a new user by creating a User ID. You’ll need to select the nearest Regional Passport Office (RPO) based on your current address.
Step 3: After registration, log in. Select Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport.
Step 4: If you’re applying for a passport for the first time, select Fresh Passport and Re-issue for renewal.
Step 5: Carefully read and fill in all the details requested in the application form.
Step 6: After submitting the form, go to the View Saved/Submitted Applications section. Then click on Pay and Schedule Appointment.
Step 7: Then, pay the fees online. This will provide you with an appointment at the PSK or post office.
Step 8: After the payment is finalized, the applicant will receive a receipt containing the ARN number and appointment details. This information will be sent via SMS.
