Latest news with #PassportSevaProgramme
News18
30-06-2025
- News18
Passport Seva 2.0 Explained: What Is An E-Passport, How To Apply, What Are The Benefits?
Last Updated: The Government of India has officially launched the nationwide rollout of e-passports as part of the revamped Passport Seva Programme 2.0 Passport Seva 2.0: The Government of India has officially launched the nationwide rollout of e-passports as part of the revamped Passport Seva Programme (PSP) 2.0. The initiative, announced by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, aims to enhance passport services with high-end digital infrastructure, improve security, and enable faster immigration clearance. 'We have rolled out PSP V2.0 across the country, leveraging advanced and high-end technologies to deliver citizen-centric services," Dr. Jaishankar said, highlighting the move as a milestone in India's Digital Public Infrastructure journey. What is an E-Passport? An e-passport is an electronic version of the traditional passport, embedded with a secure RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chip in its cover. This chip securely stores biometric data, including the passport holder's photograph, fingerprints, and other personal information. The cover of the e-passport features a gold-colored symbol at the bottom — a global indicator that it complies with international e-passport standards. How to Apply for an E-Passport Visit the official Passport Seva website. Register as a new user or log in to your existing account. Fill in the e-passport application form. Schedule an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office PSK (POPSK). Pay the required fee online. Visit the selected centre on the appointment date for document verification and biometric data capture. Key Benefits of E-Passports The introduction of e-passports is part of India's broader strategy to modernise citizen services, reduce paperwork, and improve efficiency across government functions. While currently available for new applicants, upgrades for existing passport holders may be offered in later phases. First Published:
Mint
30-06-2025
- Mint
Passport Seva 2.0: What is an e-passport, how to apply, benefits and full guide
In a significant push toward India's digital transformation, the government has launched the nationwide rollout of e-passports under the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) 2.0. Announced by External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar, the initiative is designed to streamline passport issuance, improve security, and offer faster immigration processing through embedded chip technology. 'We have rolled out PSP V2.0 across the country, leveraging advanced and high-end technologies to deliver citizen-centric services,' said Dr Jaishankar, positioning the launch as a key step in India's Digital Public Infrastructure roadmap. An e-passport is a next-generation travel document with a secure RFID chip embedded inside the cover. The chip stores key information, including the passport holder's biometric data, photo, name, and other personal details. The new e-passports are distinguishable by a gold-coloured symbol printed at the bottom of the cover — a global standard for electronic travel documents. The chip allows contactless verification and faster immigration clearance at global airports. It complies with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) standards, ensuring international interoperability and enhanced fraud protection. Visit the official Passport Seva website. Register as a new user or log in to your existing account. Fill out the application for an e-passport. Book an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK). Pay the fee online. Visit the centre on your appointment date for biometric capture and document verification. Enhanced Security: Biometric encryption makes e-passports significantly harder to forge or tamper with. Faster Processing: Chip-based authentication reduces the time spent at immigration counters. Global Compatibility: Accepted internationally for seamless travel. Future-Ready: Paves the way for automated border control systems in India. The e-passport rollout aligns with India's efforts to modernise public service delivery and reduce paperwork and inefficiencies. While the initial launch is focused on new passport applications, future phases may include upgrading existing passports to e-passports.
The Hindu
30-06-2025
- The Hindu
Passport Seva 2.0: How to apply for e-Passport in India
On the occasion of the 13th Passport Seva Divas, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced major advancements in the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) and the nationwide rollout of e-Passports. Passport Seva Programme Version 2.0 has already been rolled out across the country, bringing in high-end, emerging technologies to improve efficiency and transparency. The pilot testing of the Global PSP V2.0 is also underway and will be implemented in phases in all Indian embassies and consulates. What is the new e-Passport initiative? The e-Passport initiative is a major milestone, easing travel and expediting immigration clearances with its contactless chip-based data reading. The new initiative is aimed at creating a digital platform that would be 'transparent, more accessible and reliable' and that it would be backed by a trained workforce. Under this initiative, the new and renewed passports will be fitted with a microchip that will hold all biometric information regarding the applicants. How to apply for an e-passport? An individual can apply for an e-passport through the official Passport Seva website and follow the steps mentioned below: 1. Go to the official Passport Seva website. 2. New users are required to create an account, while existing users may log in with their credentials. 3. Fill in the e-passport application by providing the required details. 4. Choose a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) according to your convenience. 5. Pay the e-passport fee. 6. Take an appointment by selecting a date and time slot for the chosen service centre. 7. Visit the PSK or POPSK at the scheduled time for biometric capture and document verification.
News18
30-06-2025
- News18
Safer, Smarter, Faster: All You Need To Know About India's New E-Passport
Last Updated: Under the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) 2.0, India has now launched the e-Passport. This electronic passport is embedded with an chip that stores biometric and personal data. In a major step towards modernising travel documentation and improving citizen services, Union External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar recently announced the nationwide launch of e-passports under the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) 2.0. Initially introduced as a pilot in select cities, the initiative is now being rolled out across the country as part of the government's broader Digital India mission. Taking to his X (formerly known as Twitter), Dr S Jaishankar shared this news on Passport Seva Divas, i.e. June 24, 2025. He wrote, 'Another important milestone is the ongoing rollout of the e-Passport. The contactless reading of data stored in the chip facilitates the ease of travel for Indian citizens and their smoother interface with Immigration Authorities. The launch of mPassport Police App has substantially brought down the Police Verification time to 5-7 days in 25 States/UTs where mPassport Police App has been implemented." The announcement underscores the ministry's vision of combining digital infrastructure with global mobility, ensuring Indian citizens can travel more securely and seamlessly around the world. What Is An e-Passport? An e-passport, also known as an electronic passport, is an enhanced version of the traditional passport. While it looks similar on the outside, it comes embedded with a secure RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chip that stores critical information such as the holder's name, date of birth, passport number, and biometric data like fingerprints and a digital photograph. A small gold symbol on the front cover helps identify it as an electronic passport. How Does An e-Passport Work? The e-passport enables contactless authentication at immigration counters. The chip inside the passport is scanned by an electronic reader, enabling faster verification and reducing wait times at airports. Key features include: How to Apply for an e-Passport? 1. Visit the official Passport Seva website. 2. Register or log in to your existing account. 3. Fill in the online application form, selecting the e-passport option. 4. Book an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK). 5. Pay the applicable fees through the online portal. 6. Visit the Kendra for biometric verification and document submission on the scheduled date. What Are The Benefits Of e-Passports? Stronger Security: The chip securely stores your personal and biometric data, reducing the chances of data theft, misuse, or forgery. Faster Immigration Processing: Contactless chip-reading speeds up verification at border checks. Global Compatibility: e-Passports follow global standards, simplifying international travel and entry into visa-on-arrival countries. Fraud Prevention: Advanced encryption makes duplication or tampering with passport data significantly harder. Smart Identity Management: Seamlessly integrates with digital systems at embassies, consulates, and airports for improved citizen service delivery.
NDTV
30-06-2025
- NDTV
Passport Seva 2.0: How To Apply For E-Passport, Benefits And Other Details
Passport Seva 2.0: Union External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar last week announced the roll out of the e-passport initiative under the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) 2.0 across the country. Initially launched as a pilot project in select cities, the nationwide rollout is a step towards building a complete Digital India ecosystem for travellers. "In line with the Government of India's commitment to deliver the next level of citizen-centric service, I am delighted to inform that we have rolled out PSP V2.0 across the country. This would leverage advanced, high-end emerging technologies," said Dr Jaishankar. Greetings to all Passport Authorities in India and abroad on the occasion of the 13th Passport Seva Divas. Your commendable efforts, guided by 'Seva, Sushasan and Garib Kalyan', are instrumental to ensuring ease of travel, deepening access to global workplace and empowering the… — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 24, 2025 What is an e-passport? An e-passport or electronic passport is a combined paper and electronic passport that has an embedded chip for enhanced security and faster processing. How does an e-passport work? The e-passport has a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Chip and an antenna embedded as an inlay. The chip contains the personal details and biometric information of the passport holder. The e-passport has a small additional gold colour symbol printed below the front cover, which will help distinguish it from regular passports. How to apply for an e-passport? To apply for an e-passport, an individual needs to visit the official Passport Seva Platform and follow the steps below. Visit the official Passport Seva website. New users shall sign up for an account, while existing users can simply log in. Fill in the e-passport application and take an appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK). Pay the fee for the e-passport. Visit the PSK or POPSK at the scheduled time for biometric capture and document verification. Also Read | E-Passport Launched - Key Facts Travellers Need To Know Benefits of an e-passport Enhanced security: The chip is located on the front cover of the passport and securely contains your name, passport number, date of birth, and biometric details such as your photograph and fingerprints. Tamper-proof: Owing to their encryption and secure chip technology, e-passports are less likely to be forged or replicated. Contactless reading: Immigration officials can read the chip swiftly without opening the passport completely or scanning a barcode. Global use: Since the passports are compliant with international standards, they can be used globally for hassle-free travel.
