Latest news with #PassportSevaKendra
NDTV
5 days ago
- NDTV
How To Apply For Passport In India: Steps, Documents And Everything Else To Know
Thinking about finally taking that international trip or studying abroad? The first thing you will require is a valid Indian passport. Thankfully, because of the online portals, applying for one is easier than ever. Gone are the days of endless paperwork and standing in long queues. With an easy online passport system, you can apply for a new passport or renew an existing one from the comfort of your home. Still, if you are new to thing, it could feel a bit daunting. But worry not! Follow these simple steps to understand the process thoroughly, so that you're at ease while it happens. Here's what you need to do to get a passport in India. Here's A Step-By-Step Guide To Applying For A Passport In India Follow these simple steps if you want to apply for a passport in India. 1. Register On The Passport Seva Portal: Visit the Passport Seva Online Portal. Select 'New User Registration' and fill in the required details, including your name, date of birth, and email ID. 2. Fill Out The Form After logging in, select 'Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport' Complete the form with all the relevant information Review before submitting 3. Pay The Application Fee After submitting the form, click on 'Pay and Schedule Appointment' Choose your preferred Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) Pay the application fee using your choice of mode. 4. Schedule An Appointment Select a convenient date and time slot for your appointment at the chosen location. Confirm the appointment and download the application receipt. 5. Visit The PSK/POPSK Arrive at the selected centre on the scheduled date with all required original documents and self-attested photocopies. At the centre, your documents will be verified, biometric data will be collected, and you may be interviewed by a passport officer. 6. Police Verification A police investigation will be conducted depending on the type of application and your current address. Make sure you are available at your residence during this period and provide any additional documents requested by the police. 7. Track Application Status On the Passport Seva Portal, click on 'Track Application Status' and enter your file number and date of birth. Check it regularly until your passport is dispatched. Once processed, your passport will be dispatched to your registered address. What Documents Do You Need For A Passport When applying for a passport, you must provide original documents along with self-attested photocopies. The specific documents may vary based on each person's circumstance, 1. Proof Of Address (any one of them): Aadhar Card Voter ID Electricity, Water, or Telephone Bill Bank Statement Rental Agreement 2. Proof of Date Of Birth (any one of them): Birth Certificate School Leaving Certificate PAN Card Aadhar Card 3. Identity Proof: PAN Card Aadhar Card Voter ID 4. Additional Documents (if applicable): Marriage Certificate (for name change after marriage) For minor applicants, present address proof document in the name of parent(s) can be submitted. Divorce decree, court order (if adopted), or police report (if passport is lost or stolen) Moreover, make sure that all the documents are valid and up to date to avoid delays in processing. How Much Will A Passport Cost In India? On the Passport Seva portal, you find a 'Fee Calculator' that helps you determine the cost of your passport, based on the type. Adults (18 years and above): The fee for a passport for an adult is Rs 1,500 (for 36 page booklet), and Rs 3,500 for a Tatkal (emergency) passport. Adults (18 years and above): The fee for a 60-page booklet for adults is Rs 2,000. The tatkal fee for the same is Rs 4,000 Minor (Below 18): The fee for a 36-page booklet is Rs 1,000. Whereas the tatkal fee for the same is Rs 3,000. How Long Will It Take To Get A Passport In India? The processing time of your passport depends on the type of service you have asked for and whether or not police verification is required: For Normal Passport: With police verification: 25 to 30 working days Without police verification: 7 working days For Reissue (no address change): 7 working days (mostly) Who Is Eligible For An Indian Passport? Any Indian citizen can apply for a passport, if they meet the following criteria: Must be an Indian citizen by birth, descent, registration, or naturalisation Should not be facing any criminal proceedings or have a pending warrant For minors, consent from both parents/legal guardians is required For Tatkal applications, additional verifications may also be needed. So, follow these steps and get your passport hassle-free!
Hindustan Times
29-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
CBI arrests passport assistant, agent for corruption
MUMBAI: The Mumbai unit of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested a passport assistant and a private agent after it found that the duo was allegedly involved in the issuance of seven passports to unknown applicants based on forged documents. Five of them went abroad using the travel documents, raising grave security concerns. All seven are currently absconding, according to CBI sources. Passport assistant Akshay Meena and agent Bhavesh Shah were arrested on Tuesday evening and produced in a special court in Mumbai on Wednesday. The court remanded them to CBI custody till June 2, saying it was 'a matter of serious concern' that five of the applicants had travelled abroad. On June 26-27 last year, the CBI had conducted a joint surprise check along with officers from the Passport Seva Programme at 33 locations in Mumbai and Nashik, including the Passport Seva Kendra under the Regional Passport Office, Lower Parel. In the same month, the CBI registered 12 corruption cases against several passport assistants and agents, based on reports that the officials would conspire with agents to issue passports based on incomplete or falsified documents. During the joint surprise checks, the CBI found that Meena was in regular contact with various private agents to issue passports. The CBI probe revealed that the accused official had allegedly received around ₹1.9 lakh from several agents, including Shah, for helping them in passport-related work during 2023-24. It was also alleged that the accused official shared a part of this with the others. The CBI's analysis of certain WhatApp chats between the arrested duo during June 18-24, 2024, allegedly showed them to be coordinating and facilitating the passport issuance work of the seven persons and discussing issues related to payment for the work. The CBI investigation revealed that all seven had submitted forged Aadhar and PAN cards, bank account statements and birth certificates in the passport office. The CBI said that the arrested official did not conduct due verification of the seven applicants' documents but endorsed them, leading to the issuance of their passports. The agency also said that none of the seven were currently traceable, their mobile numbers were not in service and the police verification reports for four of them were adverse. The CBI told the court that Meena and Shah were interrogated at length about the alleged irregularities but gave evasive answers.
Business Mayor
17-05-2025
- Business Mayor
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:
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.
Indian Express
06-05-2025
- Indian Express
Mumbai: CBI arrests junior assistant, pvt agent for issuing passports after accepting bribe
THE CENTRAL Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Monday arrested a junior passport assistant and a passport agent in connection with alleged corruption to the tune of Rs 6 lakh in issuing passports. The CBI also alleged that they have found that two passports of unknown applicants were issued based on forged documents, stating that this is a 'grave national security concern'. Junior Passport Assistant Aakash Rathee, posted at the Passport Seva Kendra in Malad, was produced before a special court on Tuesday in Mumbai. The central agency sought Rathee's custody for questioning alleging that it is a larger conspiracy in which the accused persons have facilitated passports based on forged documents. The CBI also arrested private passport agent Sanjeev Rahi, who is alleged to have colluded with the passport officials for issuance of passports. Special Public Prosecutor Sandeep Singh told the court that a joint surprise check was conducted by the CBI with the officers of the Passport Seva Division at Passport Seva Kendra in Malad in June, 2024. It claimed that based on its check, a complaint was filed by its official against Rathee, and two other junior passport assistants and five agents. The CBI alleged that the assistants were in regular contact with the agents and that Rathee was 'in the habit of accepting undue advantage from different private persons/agents'. The CBI claimed that various transactions of different amounts, totalling Rs 6 lakh, were received in a bank account linked to Rathee, from the agents. The CBI also alleged that its probe had found chats between the assistants, where there were discussions on money and 'rates'. Further, the CBI alleged that one applicant had submitted a false address at the passport office and was issued a passport in tatkal for quicker service. In the case of another applicant too, the documents submitted were found to be fake, despite which the passport was issued. The CBI said that these two applicants are not traceable currently, with suspicion that one of them has left the country already using the passport issued. The CBI sought an opportunity for a thorough probe by questioning Rathee and Rahi in custody. Rathee's lawyers Rajendra Rathod and Sohail Ahmed, opposed the CBI plea stating that he is ready to cooperate with the probe and his custody is not required. Special Judge S H Gwalani said that it is necessary to delve into the role and complicity of other suspects and the arrested accused are required to be confronted and sent the two to CBI's custody till May 9.
