Latest news with #ePassport
Khaleej Times
7 days 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:
1News
02-06-2025
- Business
- 1News
Customs opens eGates to arrivals from 11 more countries
New Zealand Customs Service is allowing a further 11 countries with eligible passport holders to enter New Zealand using eGates. Several European countries now have access — as well as an initial group of countries from the Middle East — with the total list of countries eligible to 48. Arrivals from the United Arab Emirates, with 9381 touching down in New Zealand during the year to March 2025, was one of the countries now permitted to use the eGates. New Zealand Customs said the additional countries would help "make border processing systems more efficient, smart, and easy to use". The other newly selected countries were Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, Vatican City, and Macau (a Special Administrative Region of China). ADVERTISEMENT Acting group manager of Border Operations Paul Williams said around 70% of arriving and departing passengers were processed through the eGates. "The use of eGates, along with other digital options such as completing a New Zealand Traveller Declaration digitally, will help reduce screening times in airport terminals, making it easier and faster for travellers to move through border security," said Williams. Williams said eGates enabled Customs frontline officers to focus on high-risk travellers and baggage "as well as boosting airport patrols to target illegal activities such as drug smuggling". In a trial period, Customs worked with Immigration New Zealand to ensure ePassports from the countries met the necessary border security and technological biometric requirements. EGates were first introduced in New Zealand in 2009 and were available to ePassport holders aged 10 years and older.
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Customs Opens eGates To 11 More Countries And Territories
Press Release – New Zealand Customs Service Customs has now opened its eGates to 48 countries, in total, and will later this year enable further countries to use the gates, helping make border processing systems more efficient, smart, and easy to use. The New Zealand Customs Service is pleased to welcome eligible ePassport holders from a further 11 countries and territories to use its eGates as of today. Travellers from several European countries, including Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, and Vatican City, as well as Macau (a Special Administrative Region of China) and an initial group of Middle Eastern countries, including Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, are now able to use New Zealand's automated eGates nationwide. This follows a successful trial period, where Customs worked with Immigration New Zealand to ensure ePassports from these Visa-waiver countries met the necessary border security and technological biometric requirements. Customs has now opened its eGates to 48 countries, in total, and will later this year enable further countries to use the gates, helping make border processing systems more efficient, smart, and easy to use. Acting Group Manager Border Operations, Paul Williams, says around 70% percent of arriving and departing passengers are currently processed through eGates in New Zealand. 'As we open New Zealand's eGates to more countries, even more travellers will have the option of a self-service route through both arrivals and departures. We welcome the new passport holders and encourage them to give our eGates a try,' says Mr Williams. 'The use of eGates, along with other digital options such as completing a New Zealand Traveller Declaration digitally, will help reduce screening times in airport terminals, making it easier and faster for travellers to move through border security.' He adds that eGates use sophisticated biometric software and information from ePassports to carry out necessary checks within seconds, enabling Customs frontline officers to place increased focus on high-risk travellers and baggage, as well as boosting airport patrols to target illegal activities such as drug smuggling. Notes: eGates first opened for use in New Zealand in 2009 eGate access is now available to ePassport holders aged 10 years and older from the 48 countries and territories listed below:
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Customs Opens eGates To 11 More Countries And Territories
The New Zealand Customs Service is pleased to welcome eligible ePassport holders from a further 11 countries and territories to use its eGates as of today. Travellers from several European countries, including Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, and Vatican City, as well as Macau (a Special Administrative Region of China) and an initial group of Middle Eastern countries, including Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, are now able to use New Zealand's automated eGates nationwide. This follows a successful trial period, where Customs worked with Immigration New Zealand to ensure ePassports from these Visa-waiver countries met the necessary border security and technological biometric requirements. Customs has now opened its eGates to 48 countries, in total, and will later this year enable further countries to use the gates, helping make border processing systems more efficient, smart, and easy to use. Acting Group Manager Border Operations, Paul Williams, says around 70% percent of arriving and departing passengers are currently processed through eGates in New Zealand. 'As we open New Zealand's eGates to more countries, even more travellers will have the option of a self-service route through both arrivals and departures. We welcome the new passport holders and encourage them to give our eGates a try,' says Mr Williams. 'The use of eGates, along with other digital options such as completing a New Zealand Traveller Declaration digitally, will help reduce screening times in airport terminals, making it easier and faster for travellers to move through border security.' He adds that eGates use sophisticated biometric software and information from ePassports to carry out necessary checks within seconds, enabling Customs frontline officers to place increased focus on high-risk travellers and baggage, as well as boosting airport patrols to target illegal activities such as drug smuggling. Notes: eGates first opened for use in New Zealand in 2009 eGate access is now available to ePassport holders aged 10 years and older from the 48 countries and territories listed below:
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.
