India has officially rolled out its new generation e-passports under the Passport Seva Programme 2.0, marking a major upgrade in how Indians travel. With enhanced security features, global compliance, and a faster application process, e-passports aim to simplify international travel for millions.
What is an E-Passport?
An e-passport is a regular passport with an embedded electronic chip that stores the passport holder’s biometric and personal data. This RFID chip, embedded in the cover, makes it easier and safer to process immigration checks worldwide. A gold-coloured symbol on the front cover helps distinguish it from traditional passports.
Highlights of the E-Passport
- Equipped with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and antenna
- Stores data such as passport number, name, date of birth, and biometric details
- Compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards
- Issued under Passport Seva 2.0, India’s tech-forward passport initiative
How Does an E-Passport Work?
The RFID chip stores all the necessary personal and biometric details digitally. During immigration, officers use contactless scanners to read this chip without opening the passport. This results in quicker verification, reduced wait times, and enhanced security.
Advantages of the E-Passport
1. Enhanced Security
The chip securely contains sensitive information, making it difficult to tamper with or forge.
2. Contactless Verification
Immigration processes become faster as officials can scan the passport without flipping through pages.
3. Global Acceptance
Being ICAO-compliant, e-passports are valid and accepted worldwide.
4. Tamper-Proof
Encrypted chip technology ensures that the data remains intact and unalterable.
5. Faster Police Clearance
Under Passport Seva 2.0, the process promises clearance within 5 to 7 working days.
How to Apply for an E-Passport
- Visit the official Passport Seva website.
- Register or log in to your account.
- Choose “Apply for New Passport” or “Reissue of Passport.”
- Fill out the online application form and submit the required documents.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Schedule an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
- Complete the biometric verification and police verification process.
Once verified, the e-passport is printed and delivered to your address.
Where Has It Been Launched?
The e-passport pilot began in April 2024 in selected cities including Nagpur, Bengaluru, Jaipur, and Chennai. By June 2025, it expanded to various cities with full-scale rollout in progress across the country.
India’s e-passport initiative is a leap toward a secure, efficient, and globally accepted travel document. With digital-first processes, biometric security, and faster clearance times, it empowers Indian travellers to move across borders with confidence. Whether for business, education, or tourism, the e-passport marks the dawn of a smarter, safer journey for Indian citizens.
