e-Passport launched in India: An e-passport looks similar to a regular passport but contains an electronic chip (RFID). This chip stores your identity and biometric (e.g., fingerprint, photo) data with high security.
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e-Passport launched: The Indian government recently launched the e-Passport. This new chip-based passport is a modern version of the traditional passport. It utilizes digital technology, making the passport more secure and facilitating travel. The new passport contains a small electronic chip that securely stores a person’s encrypted personal and biometric information. This new system is part of India’s efforts to align travel documents with global standards.
What is an e-Passport?
An e-Passport looks similar to a regular Indian passport, but it has an electronic chip embedded inside its back cover. This chip securely stores your photo, fingerprint, facial recognition data, and other personal information. This chip complies with international standards, making it extremely difficult for unauthorized persons to copy or tamper with the data.
The primary objective of this upgrade is to reduce identity theft and passport fraud, and to streamline and speed up the screening process at immigration counters worldwide.
Who can apply for an e-passport?
Any Indian citizen eligible for a regular passport can now apply for an e-passport. This includes both applicants for a new passport and those seeking passport renewal. Currently, this service is available at select Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) across India. Therefore, before applying, you should check whether the e-passport facility is available at your nearest center.
How to apply for an e-passport?
- The process for applying for an e-passport is the same as for a regular passport.
- First, register or log in to the official Passport Seva portal.
- Then, fill out the online form for a new or renewed passport.
- Now, pay the prescribed fee and book an appointment at a PSK/POPSK.
- Then, on the date of your appointment, go to the appointment sensor with the required documents. Your biometric data, such as fingerprints and photos, will be recorded there.
- After the process is complete and verified, the chip-enabled e-passport will be sent to your address.
Application Fees
The fees for a regular e-passport are the same as for a regular passport:
- ₹1,500 for a 36-page booklet
- ₹2,000 for a 60-page booklet
Please note that passport application fees may increase if you use instant or other services.
What are the key benefits of an e-passport?
Indian travelers enjoy several significant advantages with an e-passport:
Increased security: Chip and encryption technology make it extremely difficult to counterfeit or misuse a passport.
Faster immigration checks: Automated systems quickly read biometric data, expediting entry and exit processes.
Compliant with global standards: It meets international standards, making the Indian passport more acceptable worldwide.
The introduction of e-passports represents a major transformation in travel document management in India and further improves the security and convenience of international travel.
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