e-passport India: The Indian government has taken a big step to make travel modern and safe for citizens. It has officially launched electronic passports (e-passports). This new passport improves security and speeds up the immigration process while meeting international travel standards. This move will change the way Indians travel abroad in the coming days.

What is an e-Passport?

An e-Passport is similar in appearance to a standard Indian passport, but has an electronic chip incorporated into the inside the back cover. The electronic chip contains personal information, as well as biometric information, such as fingerprints and facial recognition data, and a digital signature. The chip helps provide security of the data stored inside the passport and verifies that the biometric information on the chip matches the information printed on the data page of the passport. This gives you additional protection against forgery or alteration of the biometric data. You’ll recognize an e-Passport by the gold logo on the outside cover of the passport. When you leave for an international flight, after checking in for your flight, the airport personnel can scan the information will will facilitate the immigration process. So when you are travelling, you can go through immigration with ease and not spend time waiting in line!

Who is eligible to apply?

Any Indian citizen eligible to obtain a normal passport can apply for an e-passport. Currently, this service is offered only at select Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) across the country.

Interested applicants can apply through passport office. The central government will be expanding the service to all Passport Office locations, allowing new applicants and those renewing an old passport, to apply.

How can you apply?

The process for obtaining an e-passport is the same as applying for a normal passport. First, applicants need to register online at the official Passport Seva website and fill out the online application. Next, applicants will need to book an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra, along with paying the necessary fee.

When you go to your appointment, officials will take your biometric capturing both your fingerprints and photograph. After that, they will print the e-passport with the embedded chip and send it to your registered address.

What are the advantages of having an e-passport?

There are multiple benefits of having an e-passport:

  • Increased security: The chip protects your personal information and identity, such as against theft or forgery.
  • Faster immigration: Immigration authorities will be able to scan your information, which will save you time and move to a more automated system.
  • International recognition: More countries will accept Indian passports.

The e-passport is a leap forward to making travel safer, faster, and more digital for Indian citizens.