The Indian government has now launched the e-Passport facility, providing passengers with significant convenience during air travel and international travel. The e-Passport is a modern technology-based document that focuses on both security and speed. This initiative is a major step towards making the passport system digital and secure.
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What is an e-Passport?
An e-Passport looks similar to a regular passport, but its most distinctive feature is an electronic microchip embedded in it. This chip stores all the passport holder’s vital information, such as name, date of birth, address, fingerprint, and photo, digitally stored in a secure, encrypted format, making it unchangeable.
The e-Passport has a unique golden symbol on its cover, which identifies its identity. This chip instantly displays all the information upon scanning the passport, making the airport check process much faster and easier.
How to get an e-Passport?
The process for obtaining an e-passport is almost identical to that of a regular passport. Applicants must register on the official Passport Seva website. Subsequently, they must fill out an online application form, pay the prescribed fee, and book an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
On the appointment, applicants must submit their documents along with their biometric details. Once the verification process is complete, the e-passport is generated and sent to their address. Currently, this facility is only available at select centers across the country, but plans are underway to expand it nationwide in the coming months.
Advantages of e-passports
The most significant advantage of e-passports is their security. This chip-based passport virtually eliminates the possibility of data theft, forgery, or tampering. The passport is scanned by immigration officials to provide all the traveler’s information, saving time and reducing queues.
Additionally, this passport is internationally recognized and conforms to the security standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This means that Indian travelers will now have an even more seamless experience while traveling abroad.
Security Standards for e-Passports
The microchip used in e-passports contains technology that detects any digital alteration. If someone attempts to tamper with the chip’s data, the system immediately issues an alert. This is expected to significantly reduce passport fraud.