e-Passports Launched in India: Features, Benefits, and Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online
e-Passports Launched in India: Features, Benefits, and Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online
India introduces e-Passports with embedded RFID chips to enhance travel security and speed up immigration. Learn about key features, benefits, eligible cities, and how to apply online.
The Government of India has officially begun rolling out biometric e-Passports, aiming to streamline international travel and strengthen document security. Unlike traditional passports, the e-Passport stores personal and biometric data both in print and digitally within a secure chip.
Launched under the Passport Seva Program (PSP) 2.0, the pilot phase of this digital initiative began on April 1, 2024, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. So far, passport offices in 12 Indian cities have been equipped to issue these smart passports.
Cities Currently Issuing e-Passports
e-Passports are currently being issued at Regional Passport Offices (RPOs) and Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) in the following cities:
- Nagpur
- Bhubaneswar
- Jammu
- Goa
- Shimla
- Raipur
- Amritsar
- Jaipur
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Surat
- Ranchi
In Tamil Nadu, e-Passport issuance began on March 3, 2025, through the RPO in Chennai. As of March 22, over 20,700 e-Passports had already been distributed in the state.
What Is an e-Passport?
An e-Passport is a standard passport enhanced with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and a secure antenna embedded inside the cover. The chip holds personal information and biometric data such as fingerprints and facial recognition details.
A small gold e-passport symbol on the cover differentiates it from a regular passport.
How e-Passports Improve Security
The chip in e-Passports uses Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to ensure that the data is encrypted and cannot be tampered with. Immigration officers worldwide can instantly verify a traveler’s identity by scanning the chip, reducing the chances of fraud or identity theft.
Benefits of e-Passports
- Faster immigration checks through automated scanning
- Enhanced security against counterfeiting and duplication
- Tamper-proof data stored securely within the chip
- Increased efficiency in global travel for Indian citizens
How to Apply for an e-Passport in India
You can apply for an e-Passport online via the official Passport Seva Online Portal. Here’s how:
- Register on the Passport Seva Portal.
- Log in using your credentials.
- Click “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport”.
- Choose “Fresh” for a new application.
- Choose “Reissue” if you already have a passport of the same type.
- Fill in the application form, submit it, and pay the fee online.
- Book an appointment at your preferred PSK or RPO.
- Visit the center with original documents on the appointment date.
- After processing, the e-Passport will be delivered to your registered address.
Do Existing Passport Holders Need to Switch?
No. If your current passport is valid, you do not need to upgrade to an e-Passport immediately. Existing passports will remain valid until their expiry.
The Indian e-Passport marks a significant step in modernizing the country’s passport services. With enhanced data protection and faster immigration processing, the initiative promises safer and more convenient international travel for millions of Indian citizens.
