India’s New E-Passport Explained: Features, Benefits, and How to Apply
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India has taken a big leap in modernising travel documents with the nationwide rollout of e-passports under the revamped Passport Seva Programme (PSP) 2.0. Announced by Union External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Passport Seva Divas (June 24, 2025), this move is part of the government’s ongoing Digital India mission.
Initially tested in select cities, e-passports are now being rolled out across the country to make travel faster, safer, and smarter for Indian citizens.
Sharing the update on X (formerly Twitter), Dr. Jaishankar said, “Another important milestone is the ongoing rollout of the e-Passport. The contactless reading of data stored in the chip facilitates the ease of travel for Indian citizens and their smoother interface with Immigration Authorities. The launch of mPassport Police App has substantially brought down the Police Verification time to 5-7 days in 25 States/UTs where mPassport Police App has been implemented."
He also highlighted the success of the mPassport Police App, which has significantly reduced police verification time to just 5–7 days in 25 states and union territories.
An e-passport, or electronic passport, is a modern version of the traditional passport. Though it looks the same on the outside, it contains a secure RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chip. This chip holds key details like your name, date of birth, passport number, fingerprints, and a digital photo. A small gold chip symbol on the cover marks it as an e-passport.
At immigration counters, the chip is scanned electronically for quick, contactless verification—speeding up the process and reducing airport queues.
Key Features:
How to Apply for an e-Passport
A Step Into the Future
Smart Integration: Works seamlessly with digital systems at embassies, airports, and consulates for faster, smarter services.
Initially tested in select cities, e-passports are now being rolled out across the country to make travel faster, safer, and smarter for Indian citizens.
Sharing the update on X (formerly Twitter), Dr. Jaishankar said, “Another important milestone is the ongoing rollout of the e-Passport. The contactless reading of data stored in the chip facilitates the ease of travel for Indian citizens and their smoother interface with Immigration Authorities. The launch of mPassport Police App has substantially brought down the Police Verification time to 5-7 days in 25 States/UTs where mPassport Police App has been implemented."
He also highlighted the success of the mPassport Police App, which has significantly reduced police verification time to just 5–7 days in 25 states and union territories.
What is an e-Passport?
An e-passport, or electronic passport, is a modern version of the traditional passport. Though it looks the same on the outside, it contains a secure RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chip. This chip holds key details like your name, date of birth, passport number, fingerprints, and a digital photo. A small gold chip symbol on the cover marks it as an e-passport.
How Does an e-Passport Work?
At immigration counters, the chip is scanned electronically for quick, contactless verification—speeding up the process and reducing airport queues.
Key Features:
- RFID chip and antenna built into the cover
- Encrypted biometric and personal data, tamper-proof and secure
- Fully compliant with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards, accepted globally without extra procedures
How to Apply for an e-Passport
- Go to the official Passport Seva website.
- Register or log in with your existing credentials.
- Fill out the application form and choose the e-passport option.
- Schedule an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office PSK (POPSK).
- Pay the required fees online.
- Visit the Kendra on your appointment date for biometric verification and document submission.
Top Benefits of e-Passports
- Enhanced Security: Your personal and biometric data is safely encrypted in a secure chip, making it tough to forge or misuse.
- Faster Immigration: Contactless chip reading ensures quicker identity checks at international borders.
- Global Acceptance: Compliant with international standards, making travel smoother and visa-on-arrival entry easier.
- Fraud Protection: Tamper-proof design drastically reduces the risk of duplication or fraud.
A Step Into the Future
The e-passport launch is more than just a tech upgrade-it’s a step toward smarter governance, better security, and a seamless travel experience for Indian citizens. Whether you're a frequent flyer or planning your first overseas trip, the passport in your hand just got a futuristic makeover.
Smart Integration: Works seamlessly with digital systems at embassies, airports, and consulates for faster, smarter services.
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