Key Points:
- Government of India rolls out e-passport facility across selected centers, to expand pan-India soon.
- Pilot program started on April 1, 2024; wider rollout underway in phases.
- e-Passport has RFID chip & biometrics for higher safety and faster verification.
- Fully compliant with ICAO global standards, ensuring global acceptance.
- Citizens can apply via Passport Seva portal and complete biometric enrollment at PSKs/POPSKs.
- Special gold chip emblem on front cover will help distinguish e-passports from regular ones.
New Delhi: The Government of India has officially launched the e-passport facility, introducing a new generation of secure, digital passports for Indian citizens. The program began as a pilot rollout on April 1, 2024, at select Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs), and is now gradually expanding to more centers across the country.
Officials at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that within the next 12–18 months, the e-passport system will be available in all passport issuing offices nationwide, making it easier for more citizens to access the upgraded travel document.
What Makes India’s e-Passport Different?
The e-passport is an advanced version of the regular passport that integrates physical and digital features. It includes a:
- Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip embedded in the front cover.
- Biometric data: fingerprints, iris scan, and facial recognition details.
- Encrypted storage containing personal details such as the holder’s name, DOB, and passport number.
- Gold-colored e-passport emblem just beneath the title on the front cover.
Unlike the traditional passport, this technology enables contactless verification at immigration counters, making the process faster and more secure.
Why e-Passports Are Significant?
- Enhanced Security: Virtually impossible to counterfeit or duplicate.
- Faster Immigration Checks: Automated systems at international airports can instantly read encrypted biometric data.
- Global Recognition: Fully compliant with ICAO guidelines, making it valid worldwide.
- Transparency & Trust: Strengthens India’s travel documentation system at par with countries like the US, UK, and Germany that already issue biometric passports.
How to Apply for an e-Passport in India?
Indian citizens can apply for an e-passport through the official Passport Seva (PSP) portal. The steps are:
- Visit the Passport Seva portal (passportindia.gov.in).
- Register for a new account or log in with existing credentials.
- Fill out the e-passport application form under “Apply New Passport.”
- Select your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or POPSK (Post Office Passport Seva Kendra).
- Pay the applicable e-passport fee online.
- Book an appointment for biometric enrollment and document verification.
- Visit the PSK/POPSK with required documents (Aadhaar, address proof, old passport if applicable).
After successful verification, the e-passport will be issued in the same way as a standard passport but with enhanced features.
Current Status and Expansion Timeline
At present, only a limited number of PSKs have the infrastructure to print e-passports. However, the MEA has stated that:
- By early 2026, most Indian passport offices will be upgraded.
- Efforts are underway to modernize smaller POPSKs in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
- The government is also in talks with airlines and international airports to install e-gates for faster immigration processing of Indian travelers.
Looking Ahead: Transforming International Travel for Indians
The launch of e-passports marks a historic step in India’s digital governance journey, improving security, transparency, and convenience for international travelers. Within a few years, India is expected to completely transition to biometric passports for all new issuances, bringing Indian passports on par with global best practices.
Standard Passport vs. e-Passport in India
| Feature | Standard Passport | e-Passport (Next-Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Cover Design | Standard navy-blue cover with India’s emblem and “Passport” title | Same navy-blue cover with a gold RFID chip emblem printed beneath the title |
| Data Storage | Details printed on the personal information pages only | Contains RFID chip & antenna embedded inside the front cover for digital storage |
| Biometric Details | Not stored | Stores holder’s fingerprints, iris scan, and digital photo |
| Personal Details | Name, date of birth, passport number, address, etc. printed | Same details digitally encrypted on RFID chip plus biometric data |
| Security Features | Basic lamination, barcode, watermarks | Advanced encryption, chip-based verification, near-impossible to forge |
| Verification at Immigration | Manual verification by officers, slower queues | Contactless verification at e-gates, faster immigration process |
| Global Standard Compliance | Accepted worldwide but lacks biometric integration | Fully ICAO-compliant biometric passport – already in use in US, UK, EU |
| Risk of Forgery | Higher risk of duplication/counterfeit | Very low, chip is encrypted and machine-readable |
| Availability in India | Widely available via all Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs/POPSKs) | Currently only at limited PSKs (nationwide expansion by 2026) |
| Application Process | Applied through Passport Seva Portal → Document verification → Issued | Same as standard but requires biometric enrollment at PSK/POPSK |
| Processing Time | Regular processing | Similar timeline, but new system may reduce delays once fully integrated |
| User Benefit | Valid travel document, globally accepted | Safer, faster, and tamper-proof travel document with global biometric security |
