India launches e-passports with enhanced security features: All you need to know about their benefits, security and how to apply online
India has formally joined the list of more than 120 nations, such as the United States, Canada, France, Japan, and Australia, in issuing biometric e-passports to its citizens. The move is a historic shift in enhancing national security, streamlining international travel, and keeping pace with ICAO international standards. As global travel recovers and border security assumes worldwide priority, India's move to biometric e-passports puts it at the leading edge of the technological transformation of identity management.
What is an e-passport
A biometric e-passport, or an electronic passport or e-passport, is an advanced form of the conventional passport. It combines sophisticated digital technology to embed the passport holder's personal and biometric details safely. The heart of an e-passport is an embedded Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip in the back cover of the booklet. It holds:
A small gold rectangle symbol on the cover indicates that the passport is equipped with electronic functionality.
How to apply for e-passports online
Indian nationals can apply for a biometric e-passport either through the Passport Seva Online Portal or in person at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
E-passports security features
To protect data and conform to international standards, biometric e-passports employ various digital encryption and authentication techniques, such as:
These standards are regulated by the ICAO Document 9303, which requires interoperability between nations and provides a seamless international verification.
E-passports advantages
Improved security
Biometric e-passports offer a greater degree of security than conventional passports. The use of biometric information such as fingerprints and facial recognition ensures that the passport can be used by the owner alone, limiting the possibility of fraud and identity theft.
Streamlined immigration process
E-passports simplify the immigration process by facilitating automated and contactless identity verification at checkpoints for immigration. This considerably minimizes waiting times at border control points, enhancing the efficiency and minimizing the stress of international travel for commuters.
Global recognition and compatibility
Biometric e-passports adhere to international specifications laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), so they can be used at airports and border checkpoints across the globe. This makes international travel easier, as a large number of countries accept these passports.
Prevention of identity fraud
The sophisticated security mechanisms in biometric e-passports render it challenging for individuals to make changes or replicate passports. This aids in thwarting identity fraud and maintains the passport holder's individual information secure from abuse.
Convenience for travelers
E-passports make traveling easier by enabling the user to travel through automated e-gates at airports, without the need for manual inspection. This reduces travel time and makes travel more convenient, particularly at busy travel times.
Enhances national security
By including biometric information, e-passports promote national security. They enable improved tracking of people crossing borders, and the secure information prevents activities such as illegal immigration and identity theft, improving overall border control mechanisms.
Simple data management and updating
With e-passports, it is easier and more convenient to update or renew personal data. The electronically stored data can be readily accessed and updated, such that the renewal process is faster and more streamlined.
Fosters digital transformation
Biometric e-passports are a major development toward a completely digital system for travel. Their application facilitates the worldwide shift toward paperless travel and digital identities, leading to innovation in international mobility in the future.
Why India adopted biometric e-passports
India's initiative to implement biometric e-passports is a response to the increasing requirement to:
The government intends to empower Indian citizens with a travel document that is recognized worldwide for its security, authenticity, and digital features.
Indian cities that adopted e-passports with embedded chip
India rolled out its biometric e-passport project under the Passport Seva Programme 2.0, a technology-driven update of the national passport issuing system. The pilot operation commenced in April 2024, with an intention to focus on selected cities such as:
In Tamil Nadu, the issuance of e-passports started at the Regional Passport Office in Chennai on March 3, 2025. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported that more than 20,700 e-passports were issued in the state in three weeks of launch. A nationwide rollout is scheduled by mid-2025, with biometric passports to become the default standard for all new and renewed Indian passports.
How e-passports simplify international immigration
One of the most concrete advantages of biometric e-passports is their capacity to streamline immigration processes. Biometric e-passports enable passengers to travel through e-gates located at global airports, where their identity is confirmed using a contactless biometric chip scan.
These kinds of systems are already in place in Singapore, the UAE, and the UK—and India's move to biometric credentials will enable Indian citizens to take advantage of such international infrastructures.
Where are e-passports manufactured
All biometric e-passports are manufactured at Nashik's India Security Press, a government-owned industry under the Ministry of Finance. Centralized manufacturing ensures:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNBC
29 minutes ago
- CNBC
Plane crashes near major Indian airport
An Air India plane crashed Thursday near an airport in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad, according to local media, which did not say whether there were any fatalities Air India, the country's flagship carrier, said in a post on X that Flight 171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick had been "involved in an incident." The airline said it was "ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest." It was scheduled to depart at 1:10 p.m. local time (3:40 a.m. ET). The plane crashed in a civilian area outside the airport, Reuters reported, citing police. The aircraft involved is a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, according to flight tracking site Flightradar24, which said it received the last signal from the aircraft just seconds after takeoff. It was not immediately clear how many people were on board.
Time Business News
5 hours ago
- Time Business News
India's National Logistics Policy & the Digital Push: Why WMS Adoption is Now a Necessity?
India's logistics industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the launch of the National Logistics Policy (NLP) in 2022. This policy sets the stage for modernising the sector, streamlining operations, reducing costs, and improving the overall efficiency of the supply chain. At the heart of this shift is digital technology, and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) are playing an essential role in reshaping the future of logistics. WMS is a digital solution that helps businesses manage their inventory, optimise warehouse operations, and improve visibility throughout the supply chain. It simplifies complex tasks like order picking, stock tracking, reporting, and analytics that were previously done manually. There are various types of Warehouse Management Systems—cloud-based WMS, on-premise WMS, and hybrid WMS—each offering unique advantages depending on the needs and size of the business. Cloud-based WMS, in particular, is gaining traction due to its scalability, lower upfront costs, and real-time access to data. On-premise solutions, on the other hand, are preferred for their control, security, and high customisation potential, making them suitable for businesses with specific operational needs. In India, logistics costs account for about 13-14% of the GDP. The government's ambitious goal is to reduce this to around 8%, which aligns with the global average. Achieving this reduction requires companies to embrace technological advancements, such as WMS. By improving inventory management, WMS helps eliminate delays, avoid stockouts, and ensures faster, more accurate order fulfilment. Today, as e-commerce continues to grow, customers demand fast deliveries, real-time order updates, and hassle-free returns. Without a WMS, meeting these expectations becomes extremely difficult. Real-time inventory updates, automated stock alerts, and intelligent picking routes allow businesses to meet customer demands quickly and efficiently, improving overall customer satisfaction. This capability is especially crucial for businesses handling large volumes of online orders. In addition to improving operational efficiency, the Indian government is rolling out digital platforms like the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) to integrate transport, warehousing, and cargo systems. Businesses that are not digitally equipped will find it increasingly difficult to remain competitive in this evolving environment. Thus, adopting WMS is not just a good idea but a necessity for staying competitive and connected to India's growing logistics network. As companies scale up, the limitations of manual inventory management become evident. WMS enables businesses to handle larger stock volumes, multiple locations, and faster order cycles without requiring additional manpower or risking costly errors. It's an essential tool for businesses looking to scale operations efficiently while keeping operational costs low. In conclusion, India's logistics sector is evolving, and the adoption of digital tools like WMS is critical for staying ahead. With the NLP setting the roadmap for this transformation, businesses must modernise their supply chains to remain efficient, competitive, and future-ready. WMS plays a vital role in helping businesses streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve service levels, making it an indispensable asset for any modern supply chain. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Business Upturn
6 hours ago
- Business Upturn
OpenAI in talks with Saudi PIF, Reliance for $40 billion fundraise, eyes additional $17 billion in 2027: Report
By News Desk Published on June 12, 2025, 09:15 IST OpenAI is reportedly in discussions with major investors from Saudi Arabia and India, including the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Reliance Industries, as part of its ambitious $40 billion fundraising plan, according to The Information . The report highlights that OpenAI has held conversations with both Middle Eastern and Indian financial heavyweights, signalling the company's intent to broaden its global investor base. The discussions are part of OpenAI's efforts to secure capital for its AI infrastructure and long-term growth strategy. In addition to the current fundraising round, OpenAI has informed potential investors that it aims to raise another $17 billion in 2027, further underlining the scale of its future expansion plans. OPENAI HAS DISCUSSED RAISING MONEY FROM SAUDI ARABIA, INDIAN INVESTORS – THE INFORMATION OPENAI HAS TALKED TO SAUDI'S PIF AND INDIA'S RELIANCE FOR ITS $40 BILLION FUNDRAISE- THE INFORMATION OPENAI HAS TOLD INVESTORS IT WANTS TO RAISE ANOTHER $17 BILLION IN 2027 – THE… — First Squawk (@FirstSquawk) June 11, 2025 Meanwhile, OpenAI's lead investor SoftBank has reportedly been buying employee shares, indicating continued confidence in the AI firm's valuation and growth trajectory. The reported talks with sovereign wealth funds and major corporate entities come as OpenAI continues to lead the global artificial intelligence race with innovations like ChatGPT and partnerships across the tech ecosystem. News desk at
