E-Passport: The Government of India has taken a big step towards technology by launching the e-passport service. This new passport may look similar to a traditional passport,but the electronic chip inside it makes it much smarter and safer. The government says that this initiative will take India towards a digital and smart travel system.
What is special about e-passport?
The chip in the e-passport keeps the passport holder’s photo,fingerprint,signature and other personal information digitally safe. Its purpose is to prevent cases like identity theft,fake passports and fraud. Also,it increases the convenience of passengers. It is also called electronic or biometric passport because the biometric details of passengers are recorded electronically in it. Initially it was started as a trial in cities like Goa,Jammu,Chennai,Hyderabad and Jaipur,but soon this facility will be implemented across the country.
What benefits will passengers get from e-passport?
1. The immigration process at international airports will be faster and easier.
2. The immigration machines will scan the chip and read the information instantly,so there will be no need to wait in long queues.
3. The data will be completely secure and it will become almost impossible to make fake or duplicate passports.
How to apply for e-passport?
The process of applying for e-passport is same as that of normal passport. For this follow the steps given below
- Register by visiting the website passportindia.gov.in .
- Click on new registration and fill in the details like email id,mobile number
- After registration you will get login credentials.
- After logging in,select ‘Fresh Passport’ or ‘Re-issue Passport’ option.
- Download the given form and fill all the information asked in it.
- Attach the required documents like identity card,date of birth proof,address proof and scan and submit the form.
- Pay the prescribed fee online and book an appointment slot.
- Go to the passport service center on the scheduled date and get all the documents verified.
- After the verification process is completed,your e-passport will be delivered to your home.