India launches high-tech e-passports; all you need to know
In a bid to improve security and identification processes on a global scale, India has introduced e-passports which are now available at various cities across the country. This marks a significant step in upscaling and modernising the travel documentation process.
As per reports, the new e-passports have integrated electronic features with traditional passport booklets design.
Rolling of e-passports is part of a bigger effort under the
Passport Seva Programme
(PSP) Version 2.0. This process already went live on April 1, 2024, as per the Ministry of External Affairs.
What does e-passports contain?
As per reports, the new e-passport features a built-in antenna and an embedded Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip. These are both within the passport's cover. This advanced design allows secure storage of the holder's personal and
biometric data
.
What distinguishes e-passports from standard ones is the gold-coloured symbol on the front cover. The prime component of this technology is the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), which ensures the authenticity of the data stored on the chip. PKI also helps prevent unauthorised access, verifies data accuracy, and protects against identity fraud.
Some of the prime benefits of e-passports are:
High level of data protection
The embedded chip minimises the risk of tampering, forgery, and identity theft
Useful for improving the efficiency and reliability of identity checks during international travel
The secure chip stores important personal information and biometric identifiers, which is more difficult to replicate or alter
Cities where e-passports are available now
As of now, e-passports are being issued in:
Nagpur
Bhubaneswar
Jammu
Goa
Shimla
Raipur
Amritsar
Jaipur
Chennai
Hyderabad
Surat
Ranchi
Delhi
The government aims to cover all Passport Seva Kendras across the country by mid-2025.
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However, in Tamil Nadu, the Regional Passport Office in Chennai started issuing e-passports on March 3, 2025, which is a commendable feat. As of March 22, 2025, over 20,700 e-passports had already been distributed in the state, demonstrating a positive response from the public.
What will happen to old/traditional passports?
You don't have to worry if you don't have an e-passport as the Ministry of External Affairs has said that existing/traditional passports will be valid until their expiration dates. There is no mandatory requirement for citizens to switch to e-passports immediately. The transition will be gradual and optional.
The introduction of e-passports only shows a progressive step toward adopting secure, technology driven public services which saves time, secure identity and streamline international travel for Indian citizens.
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