India rolls out e-Passport: Key benifits, how to apply online, who can apply and more

The Indian government has introduced an ePassport service, allowing travelers from various parts of the country to apply for this advanced document. This effort is a component of the broader digital initiative known as the Passport Seva Program (PSP) 2.0. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the e-Passport was officially rolled out on April 1, 2024, beginning with a pilot phase.

These contemporary passports feature a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip along with an antenna embedded in the rear cover. The chip securely retains the biometric and personal information of the passport holder, which includes facial recognition data, fingerprints, full name, date of birth, and passport number. This data is protected through the use of international encryption standards such as Basic Access Control (BAC), Passive Authentication (PA), and Extended Access Control (EAC).

Who Is Eligible to Apply for ePassports Currently?

Recent information indicates that ePassports are currently being issued at passport offices situated in Chennai, Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar, Surat, Nagpur, Goa, Jammu, Shimla, Raipur, Amritsar, Jaipur, and Ranchi.

How to Apply for an e-Passport in India: A Detailed Guide

Follow these steps to apply for an e-passport online via the official Passport Seva Portal:

1. Access the Passport Seva website.
2. Create an account or log in, then complete the e-passport application form.
3. Choose your preferred Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
4. Make the payment for the e-passport fees.
5. Book an appointment slot.
6. Attend the scheduled appointment at the PSK or POPSK for biometric data capture and document verification.

India’s e-passport benifits:

1. Integrated chip embedded in the front cover
2. Contains biometric information such as fingerprints, photo, and iris scan
3. Holds personal details including name, date of birth, and passport number
4. Features a contactless chip with encrypted access
5. Adheres to ICAO international standards
6. Minimizes the chances of counterfeit or duplicated passports