International travel can become so much easier when long queues are cut. Thanks to e-Passports India introduced by the Indian government, you can now use automated ID checking and speed up processing at the airport.
The e-Passport was launched on April 1, 2024, through the Passport Seva Program (PSP) 2.0 and is currently in its pilot phase, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs. At this time, travelers in Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Jammu, Goa, Shimla, Raipur, Amritsar, Jaipur, Chennai, Hyderabad, Surat and Ranchi can get the new kinds of passports at passport offices. Passport applicants in Tamil Nadu can now use e-Passports because the Chennai Regional Passport Office launched them on March 3, 2025. According to the Ministry on March 22, over 20,700 people had been given e-Passports in the state.
Exactly what is an e-Passport?
An e-Passport is basically a regular passport, but with new technology. Also included inside the cover is a small chip called an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and its corresponding antenna. This chip keeps your personal and biometric details, for example your fingerprints and face image, securely. The gold symbol in the center of the first page is the easiest way to tell that it’s an e-Passport. The e-Passport was brought in by the Government of India to enhance your data security and stop the issue of duplicate passports.
How Are e-Passports Different from Regular Trackable Passports?
The difference is mainly because of the technology used. Traditionally, passport information is just printed; the e-Passport has your data stored on paper and on a chip. International immigration officers have the ability to quickly check your information stored in the chip. Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is used in the chip as a safe way to prevent any tampering or theft of your sensitive and biometric data.
Why Should People Pay Attention to e-Passports?
The major aim of e-Passports India is to make it difficult for criminals to commit passport fraud. Because of the RFID chip inside, it is almost impossible to make a fake or counterfeit passport. Luggage used as identification at borders also allows travelers to get past customs efficiently, so there is less waiting overall. That results in less stress and smoother travel for you.
What Process Do You Need to Go Through to Get an e-Passport?
For now, you are able to get an e-Passport at Passport Offices in Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Jammu, Goa, Shimla, Raipur, Amritsar, Jaipur, Chennai, Hyderabad, Surat and Ranchi. Officials intend to broaden the service area of Metro quickly throughout India.
Are Current Passport Holders Required to Get the New Document Right Away?
Good news! It isn’t necessary to get an e-Passport as long as you currently have a valid passport. Your passport will stay valid until its expiration date which is printed inside. It promises better and safer travels for all Indian passengers.
A Step-by-Step Process to Apply for an e-Passport in India Online ?
You can use the website to easily apply for your e-Passport. Completing the application online will let you pick up your new passport at regional Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) or Regional Passport Offices (RPOs) in cities like Chennai, Nagpur, Hyderabad and Jaipur and others. This is how you can get your e-Passport through the online portal:
- You need to first create a user account on the Passport Seva Online Portal.
- Following registration, log in with the ID given to you.
- Then, go to the “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport” choice
- Click on “Fresh” to apply for a passport for the first time or click on “Reissue” if you have received a similar type of passport before.
- Make the online payment after that and next, book the date and time of your appointment.
- You should save or print your Application Receipt for your records.
- You may also just present the SMS message on the day you have the appointment.
- On the planned date, go to the Postoffice Seva Kendra or Regional Passport Office with all the documents you need.
- After the work on your e-Passport is done, it will be sent to you at the registered address.
- e-Passport India Apply Online : Click Here
Because the RFID chip is shielded by PKI, it is challenging for anyone to forge or duplicate.
Absolutely! When IDs are instantly checked with the chip, wait times will be much shorter.