Latest news with #PassportSeva
Khaleej Times
15 hours ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
E-passports for Indians: Do you need to replace current passport? Features, benefits explained
India has rolled out electronic passports for its citizens, a document that comes with enhanced data security. It combines both the paper and an electronic passport, and can be visually identified with a gold coloured symbol printed below the front cover. One of the distinguishing features of the ePassport is the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Chip which is embedded in the passport. This chip contains biometric details and personal information of the holder. How does the ePassport help? A major benefit is the added layer of security that the document provides. Personal information will be available in printed form on the booklet, along with being digitally signed in the chip. This can be securely authenticated by immigration officials across the world, which prevents fraudulent activities and safeguards passports from forgery. Do you have to replace existing passport? Indians with a valid passport do not have to replace it with an ePassport. All passports will continue to remain valid until the expiration date. However, after expiration, when applying for renewal, if the passport office is issuing ePassports, all citizens applying in that office will get it. The phase wise roll out of ePassport, covering all Passport Offices across India, may take a few months, according to India's Ministry of External Affairs. How to apply for a new passport or renewal? Go to India's Passport Seva website, and under services, click on apply for fresh/re-issue passport. If you do not have an account, register a new one. Select your Regional Passport office based on your current location, which will then decide the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) you need to visit. Fill up personal details, and ensure they are accurate before submitting the application, as changes can not be made later. After submission, a unique Application Reference Number (ARN) will be generated. Pay and schedule your appointment. Select your preferred PSK. After the appointment is confirmed, you will receive an SMS confirmation. Carry all essential documents when visiting the PSK. In case of minor applicants (below 4 years of age), also carry a recent passport size photograph (4.5 X 3.5 cm) with white background. Only the passport offices that are technically enabled for ePassports will issue them; others will continue issuing the normal passport until nationwide rollout of the electronic document is complete. Cities issuing ePassports According to Indian media outlets, the following areas are issuing the electronic document:
Time of India
7 days ago
- Time of India
Indian passport revamped: 5 big changes you need to know
Presenting, Indian passport 2.0! Yes, the passport of India has entered into the new digital world and is up for all sorts of modernisation in 2025. Several major changes have been introduced which are aimed at enhancing security, privacy, and accessibility. Here are five big changes you need to know: Introduction of e-Passports : India has started to roll out chip-enabled e-passports in some cities, including Goa and Ranchi. These passports have embedded RFID chips that securely store biometric and personal data. It will include fingerprints and photographs. This digital advancement aims to streamline immigration processes and bolster security by reducing the risk of identity theft and fraud. Note: Current passport holders are not required to replace their existing passports immediately; the e-passport option is available upon renewal or new application . Birth certificate required for those born after October 1, 2023 : All those born after October 1, 2023 will have to submit their birth certificate for a passport. The birth certificate should be issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths or a designated authority under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969. This requirement ensures uniformity and authenticity in the documentation process. Applicants born before this date may continue to use alternative documents such as Aadhaar, PAN card, or school certificates . Removal of Residential Address : To make things more private, the residential address will no longer be printed on the last page of the passport. Now the address information will be shared in a scannable barcode and can be only accessed by authorized immigration officials. Removal of Parents' Names from passports : Now this is a significant move! The new rule also reflects evolving family structures as the names of parents will no longer be included in new passports. This update simplifies the application process for individuals from diverse family backgrounds, including single-parent households and those with estranged family relationships. : To improve accessibility, the government plans to increase the number of Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) from 442 to 600 by 2030. This expansion aims to reduce processing times and make passport services more convenient for citizens, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas . These updates signify India's commitment to modernising its passport system. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
NDTV
16-05-2025
- NDTV
E-Passport Launched In Select Indian Cities - Key Facts Travellers Need To Know
The Indian government has launched an ePassport facility, and travellers in multiple regions across the country can apply for them. This initiative is part of a larger digital venture called Passport Seva Program (PSP) 2.0. As per the Ministry of External Affairs, the e-Passport was officially launched on April 1, 2024, in a pilot phase. As of today, only selected passport offices in India are equipped to issue this document. There are plans to expand this facility to more centres in the near future. How Does An ePassport Work? An ePassport is a combined paper and electronic passport. It has a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Chip and an antenna embedded as inlay. The chip contains the personal details and biometric information of the passport holder. The ePassport has a small additional gold colour symbol printed below the front cover, which will help distinguish it from regular passports. Additionally, ePassport is supported by a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), which will assist in the protection of sensitive information. It will also help confirm the integrity and origin of the personal/biometric data stored on the chip within the ePassport, the website explains. What Are The Possible Benefits Of ePassports? According to the Passport Seva website, ePassports have "an enhanced ability to maintain the integrity of the passport holder's data." This is because these passports will have the traveller's data available for authentication in two forms - printed on the booklet in physical form, as well as in digital form on the electronic chip. These features can help safeguard the passport against potential forgeries and fraudulent activities like fake passports, the website states. Who Can Apply For ePassports At Present? As per reports, passport offices in Chennai, Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar, Surat, Nagpur, Goa, Jammu, Shimla, Raipur, Amritsar, Jaipur, and Ranchi are currently issuing ePassports. What Should Existing Passport Holders Do? Nothing at all. Existing passport holders need not worry - their passports do not need to be exchanged for ePassports. All the passports issued by the Indian government so far will continue to remain valid till their expiry date. The government is working to enable all passport offices across the country to issue ePassports, and the phase-wise roll-out is expected to take a few months. "As and when a respective Passport Office is technically enabled for issuance of ePassport, the citizens applying under that passport office will get the ePassport," the website clarifies.
India.com
13-05-2025
- India.com
India introduces chip-based e-passports, how to apply…, full list of 13 cities to get first access to e-passport
India introduces chip-based e-passports, how to apply…, full list of 13 cities to get first access to e-passport Chip-Based E-Passports: Taking major step towards modernising the passport system, India has introduced the e-passport initiative as part of the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0. The pilot program was rolled out on April 1 last year, focussing on enhancing security, protecting the holder's data from tampering, and streamlining abroad travel. The e-passport is an amalgamation of both a traditional paper document and a secure, e-chip that has biometric and personal data of the holder. This step is a significant leap towards India's push for secure, tech-driven public services. The e-passport tightens protection against fraud and makes verification more efficient. What Is An E-Passport? The new chip-based passport integrates Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology which put a chip and an antenna within passport's cover. The chip has holder's personal and biometric details. This process makes it easier to authenticate the passport during international travel. To identify an e-passport, flyers have to search for a small gold symbol below the front cover. Benefits Of E-Passports Enhanced security: The chip reduces the risk of passport duplication. Efficiency in international travel: With the e-chip in the passport, immigration officials can authenticate the passport quickly. Data protection: The Public Key Infrastructure assures that personal details stored in the chip is encrypted. Where Are E-Passports Available As per reports, the new chip based e-passports are being issued in 13 Indian cities. Here's the list of cities. Chennai Delhi Ranchi Goa Hyderabad Jaipur Jammu Amritsar Bhubaneswar Nagpur Raipur Is It Mandatory To Update Passport? The answer to this is NO, existing passport holders are not required to upgrade their traditional passport to chip-based passport. The traditional passport will be valid till its expiration date. Highlights of an E-Passport Built-in Chip and Antenna: The e-passport has a small chip and antenna, allowing information to be verified quickly. Biometric Protection: Stores your personal details in a chip. Stronger Safety Measures: Uses advanced encryption (PKI) to ensure information inside can't be tampered. Globally Recognised: Designed to meet global travel standards set by the ICAO. How To Apply For An E-Passport? Visit the Passport Seva website or go to Passport Seva Kendra. Fill the application form, take an appointment as per your convenience. Submit requested documents and provide biometric information at the time of appointment. If a person apply for the e-passport in any of the 13 pilot cities, he/she will be issued the new e-passport.
