The Indian government has established an e-Passport option in a few Indian towns, which combines paper and electronic passports (e-passport). This is part of the more expansive digital initiative known as the Passport Seva Program (PSP) 2.0. The e-Passport was introduced in a test phase on April 1, 2024, and is presently only available at certain passport offices in India. The facility is intended to expand into more centres in the near future. Travellers in several parts of the nation can apply for the e-Passport. Here’s our guide for submitting your e-passport application using the Passport Seva Online Portal:
In This Article
What is an e-passport?
For those who are unfamiliar, an ePassport is a hybrid of paper and electronic passports with an RFID chip and antenna built in the insert. It holds personal and biometric information and is visibly recognised by a little gold logo beneath the front cover.
E-passport benefits and usefulness
Due to the fact that it is both printed and encrypted, its primary benefit is improved data integrity.
The e-Passport intends to enhance Indian residents’ travel experiences by automating identity verification processes and streamlining interactions with immigration officials.
The ePassport is supposed to protect the holder’s data by printing data on the booklet and digitally signing the electronic chip. This enables immigration officers to securely validate the passport, keeping it safe from forgeries and illicit activity. The ePassport’s security is built around the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) solution, which protects sensitive information and verifies the provenance of personal and biometric data stored on the chip.
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Biometric passports are manufactured locally at the India Security Press in Nashik, assuring data security and helping the government’s Make in India policy, which strengthens national sovereignty over sensitive citizen information.
Is it mandatory for existing valid passport holders to replace their passports with an ePassport?
All Indian passports are valid till their expiry date. Citizens who apply at a Passport Office that has been enabled for ePassport issuance will obtain the ePassport. The phased distribution of ePassports across India may take many months.
Where to apply for an E-Passport in India?
Indian nationals can apply for new e-passports through the Passport Seva Portal or local centres. But before applying for an e-passport, confirm that the new e-Passport is already accessible in your location.
E-Passport Application Process in India:
Using the Passport Seva Online Portal, you can apply for an e-passport by creating an account, logging in, choosing “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport,” selecting “Fresh” for new applicants or “Reissue” for existing holders, paying online, and scheduling an appointment at your preferred Passport Seva Kendra or Regional Passport Organisation.
The application receipt can then be printed or kept close at hand for verification, saving confirmation. Bring all necessary original documents to the office for verification on the scheduled appointment day.
