India Rolls Out E-Passports for Enhanced Security and Travel

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 23rd May: India has officially begun the implementation of e-passports, integrating advanced electronic technology with traditional passport design to bolster identification and security for international travelers. This significant shift in passport issuance and verification was introduced as part of the updated Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0, which commenced on April 1, 2024.

Currently, the e-passport pilot program is active in several cities across the nation, including Nagpur, Raipur, Bhubaneswar, Goa, Jammu, Amritsar, Shimla, Jaipur, Chennai, Surat, Hyderabad, and Ranchi. Plans are underway for a nationwide expansion of the service.

In Tamil Nadu, the Regional Passport Office in Chennai initiated the rollout on March 3, 2025, and by March 22, 2025, an impressive 20,729 e-passports had already been issued in the state.

An Indian e-passport features an integrated antenna and a tiny Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip embedded in its cover. This chip securely stores the passport holder’s biometric and personal information, ensuring enhanced security and faster verification. E-passports can be identified by a unique gold-colored symbol printed beneath the front cover.

At the core of this innovation is Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), a sophisticated encryption system that protects the sensitive data on the chip and verifies its integrity against alteration. This offers improved defense against passport fraud, identity theft, and forgery, which is crucial for international border crossings.

The government has clarified that existing passports will remain valid until their expiration date, and for now, the transition to electronic passports is voluntary.

India’s adoption of e-passports reflects a progressive approach to citizen services, aligning with the global trend towards more tech-driven and security-focused international travel. The initiative aims to protect identities in a digital world, beyond merely expediting immigration lines.

Citizens in cities like Nagpur, Chennai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, and others can now apply for an e-Passport online and collect it from designated Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) or Regional Passport Offices (RPOs).

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for E-Passports Online:

• Register on the Passport Seva Online Portal.
• Log in using your registered ID.
• Select “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport.” Choose “Fresh” if it’s a new passport type for you, or “Reissue” if you’ve previously held the same type.
• Make an appointment and pay the fee online.
• On your appointment date, bring original documentation to your chosen PSK or RPO. You can either print or save your application receipt or simply present the SMS confirmation.