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Daily Tribune
5 days ago
- Daily Tribune
India's High-Security e-Passport Goes Live: Here's What's Inside the Chip
In a significant leap towards modernizing travel documentation, India has begun the phased rollout of its new e-passports, which feature advanced electronic chips for improved security and faster immigration processing. The initiative is part of the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0, launched on April 1, 2024, by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). These next-generation passports are now being issued in select cities and will be available across all Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) by the end of 2025, the MEA has confirmed. 🔹 What Is an E-Passport? An e-passport is a regular passport booklet embedded with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and antenna, located inside the back cover. This chip securely stores the holder's biometric data, including a digital photograph and fingerprints, along with personal information. This allows for quick, secure, and contactless identity verification at immigration checkpoints, especially at automated e-gates in major international airports. A gold RFID chip logo on the front cover distinguishes e-passports from traditional ones. 🔹 Key Features & Benefits Enhanced Security: The RFID chip uses Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to prevent tampering, cloning, or identity theft. Faster Immigration: Travelers using e-passports can pass through automated e-gates, reducing wait times and minimizing manual checks. Global Compatibility: E-passports comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, facilitating smoother travel across borders. Reduced Fraud: Digitally signed data stored on the chip makes counterfeiting extremely difficult. 🔹 How to Apply for an E-Passport The application process remains the same as for a traditional passport: Register on the Passport Seva Portal. Log in with your user credentials. Choose ' Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue.' Complete the online form and pay the application fee. Schedule an appointment at the nearest PSK or POPSK. Visit the center with original documents and submit biometric data. Once approved, the e-passport is delivered to your registered address. 🔹 Where Are E-Passports Currently Available? As of now, e-passports are being issued at regional Passport Offices in cities including: Delhi Chennai Hyderabad Jaipur Surat Bhubaneswar Goa Ranchi Nagpur Shimla Amritsar Jammu Raipur This list will expand progressively as the program is scaled up nationwide. 🔹 What About Existing Passports? According to the MEA, existing non-electronic passports remain valid until their date of expiry. There is currently no mandate to upgrade to an e-passport, and citizens can continue to use their traditional passports unless they opt for a new or reissued one under the e-passport system. 🔹 India Joins Global Trend With this launch, India joins countries like the United States, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Brazil, and Australia, which have already adopted biometric e-passport systems. The global shift toward electronic travel documents is part of broader efforts to ensure border security, enhance traveller convenience, and support digital governance. ✈️ Looking Ahead The implementation of e-passports is expected to revolutionize international travel for Indian citizens by reducing bottlenecks at immigration and improving security protocols. As adoption increases, Indian travelers can expect more seamless experiences at global airports that support biometric verification.
Arab Times
22-05-2025
- Arab Times
New Biometric ePassports Promise Safer, Faster International Travel for Indians
NEW DELHI, May 22: The Government of India has commenced the phased rollout of the biometric ePassport, a modern travel document combining traditional paper credentials with embedded electronic technology. The ePassport features a secure RFID chip and antenna embedded within its cover, visibly marked by a gold-colored symbol on the front. This new initiative places India among over 120 nations, including the United States, Canada, France, Japan, and Australia, that have already adopted biometric passports—a global standard in secure identity verification. The move aligns with guidelines set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and represents a significant advancement in national security, identity protection, and travel efficiency. As global travel surges post-pandemic and border security becomes increasingly vital, the ePassport promises Indian travellers a safer, smoother, and faster international travel experience. Key Features and Advantages of the Indian ePassport Enhanced Data Security: The ePassport stores the holder's personal and biometric data in both printed form and a digitally signed chip, drastically reducing the chances of forgery and identity fraud. Advanced Encryption Protocols: Backed by Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), the chip ensures the authenticity and integrity of stored data, protecting it from unauthorized access. Global Standards Compliance: Developed per ICAO Document 9303, the ePassport includes: - Basic Access Control (BAC): Prevents unauthorized reading of chip data. - Passive Authentication (PA): Validates stored data and alerts authorities to any tampering. - Extended Access Control (EAC): Offers enhanced protection for sensitive biometric details like fingerprints. Faster Immigration Processing: Biometric verification enables contactless, automated clearance at border checkpoints, reducing wait times and improving efficiency. Global Compatibility: The ePassport is interoperable with immigration systems in most countries, streamlining entry and exit procedures. Fraud Prevention: The passport's advanced features make duplication or tampering extremely difficult, safeguarding against counterfeiting. Traveler Convenience: ePassport holders can utilize automated e-gates at international airports, bypassing manual checks. National Security Boost: Incorporating biometric data strengthens surveillance at borders and combats identity theft and illegal migration. Efficient Renewals and Updates: Electronic storage enables quicker and more seamless updates of personal information, simplifying administrative processes. Digital Transformation Milestone: The ePassport marks a significant leap toward a paperless, tech-driven future, supporting India's broader digital governance and smart mobility goals. Do Current Passport Holders Need to Switch? No immediate action is required. All existing passports will remain valid until their scheduled expiration. The ePassport will be introduced gradually as infrastructure is upgraded at regional passport offices nationwide. The complete rollout is expected to take several months. Until then, citizens can continue to use their standard passports without disruption.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Time of India
India goes digital with e-passports: Is it time to upgrade yours?
The age of digital travel has officially arrived in India. Now that the government is implementing chip-enabled e-passports in a few places, Indian tourists will now be able to experience improved security, quicker immigration, and worldwide compatibility. The introduction promises a safer and more intelligent method of crossing foreign borders, marking a major improvement over the conventional passport booklet. What is an e-passport, though, and is it necessary for existing passport holders to convert? Here's all that you need to know. What is an Indian e-passport? An Indian e-passport is a modern travel document that combines the traditional paper booklet with an embedded Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and antenna. The passport holder's biometric and personal data, including fingerprints and photos, are safely stored on this chip. These passports are recognised by a unique gold-colored insignia on the front cover. Processing at immigration checkpoints is made faster and more secure by the use of this technology. Key benefits of e-passports Enhanced security : Digitally signed biometric data, secured by Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), is stored on the integrated chip in e-passports. This security framework ensures the legitimacy and integrity of the data, making it difficult to fabricate or change the passport. Streamlined immigration : e-Passports enable automated and contactless verification at border controls, significantly reducing wait times and enhancing the travel experience. Global compatibility : Indian e-passports, which adhere to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, will allow Indian nationals to enjoy hassle-free travel abroad, as these chip-based passports are recognised and acknowledged at immigration checkpoints in most parts of the world. Fraud prevention : By discouraging counterfeiting and unauthorised changes, advanced security elements in e-passports shield users against fraud and identity theft. Read more: Beginner's guide: 10 countries first-time solo travellers can visit Is it mandatory to replace existing passports? No, holders of valid passports are not obliged to switch to electronic passports. Conventional passports will continue to be valid until they expire. For new applicants and those renewing their passports, the switch to electronic passports is being made gradually. Where are e-passports being issued? As part of the Passport Seva Program (PSP) 2.0, the Indian government launched e-passports on April 1, 2024, in a pilot phase. Currently, selected passport offices in cities such as Chennai, Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar, Surat, Nagpur, Goa, Shimla, Raipur, Amritsar, Jaipur, and Ranchi are equipped to issue e-passports. There are plans to expand this facility to more centers in the near future. Read more: 8 lesser-known hill stations cooler than Shimla How to apply for an e-passport The current online passport application procedure can be used by citizens to apply for an e-passport. The new chip-enabled passport will be issued to applicants throughout the application or renewal procedure if the relevant passport office is prepared to issue e-passports. In the upcoming months, a phased deployment of the government's efforts to allow all passport offices nationwide to issue e-passports is anticipated. With the launch of these passports, India moves ahead to improve national security and make foreign travel easier for its Government encourages residents to choose the new, safe, and internationally accepted travel document when they apply for or renew their passports, even if current passport holders are not required to use e-passports. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Time of India
What is Indian ePassport & is it mandatory for current passport holders to replace theirs with a new chip-based one?
NEW DELHI: The Government of India has introduced the ePassport which is a combined paper and electronic passport featuring an embedded RFID chip and antenna. The chip securely stores the passport holder's personal and biometric data and is visually identified by a small gold-coloured symbol on the front cover. With this rollout, India joins over 120 countries, including the United States, Canada, France, Japan, and Australia, in issuing biometric e-passports. This move aligns India with ICAO international standards and represents a major step forward in enhancing national security and streamlining cross-border travel. As global travel rebounds and border security becomes ever more critical, the ePassport equips Indian travellers with a safer, smoother experience abroad. By adopting biometric technology, India underscores its commitment to digital innovation and positions itself at the forefront of modern identity management. Key benefits of ePassport Enhanced Data Security: The ePassport stores information both in printed form and as a digitally signed electronic chip. Immigration officials worldwide can authenticate this data, reducing the risk of forgery and fraudulent passports. Robust Encryption: Protected by Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), the ePassport's chip ensures the integrity and origin of personal and biometric data. International Standards Compliance: Following ICAO Document 9303 guidelines, the ePassport uses: Basic Access Control (BAC): Restricts chip access to authorised scanning devices. Passive Authentication (PA): Verifies stored data and detects tampering. Extended Access Control (EAC): Adds an extra security layer for sensitive biometric information like fingerprints. Streamlined Immigration: Biometric verification via ePassport allows automated and contactless checks at border control, significantly lowering wait times and easing the travel experience. Global Compatibility: As ePassports meet ICAO specifications, they are accepted at checkpoints in most countries, simplifying international travel. Fraud Prevention: Advanced security features make it difficult to tamper with or duplicate passports, deterring counterfeiters and protecting individual identities. Traveler Convenience: Automated e-gates at airports enable ePassport holders to pass through immigration faster without manual inspections. National Security: Including biometric data in passports strengthens border control by more accurately tracking cross-border movement and preventing identity theft. Simplified Updates: Electronic storage makes renewing or updating personal details more efficient, speeding up the application process. Digital Transformation: The ePassport supports India's move toward paperless travel and digital identities, paving the way for future innovations in global mobility. Is replacement mandatory for current Passport holders? No, existing passports issued by the Government of India remain valid until their official expiry date. ePassports will be issued gradually as each Passport Office becomes technically equipped. This phased rollout across all Passport Offices in India may take a few months. Until then, holders of regular passports do not need to replace them. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
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.
