Traveling abroad will soon be more convenient and secure for Indian citizens.
India has introduced chip-based biometric e-passports, aligning with over 120 countries like the USA, Canada, Japan, France, and the UK that already use this technology.
This upgrade will speed up the immigration process and help reduce identity fraud.
What is an E-passport and Its Features?
India will launch e-passports under the Passport Seva Program 2.0 in April 2024.
A pilot project has already started in cities like Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Jammu, Goa, Shimla, Jaipur, Chennai, and Hyderabad, with full implementation expected by June 2025.
E-passports have an embedded RFID chip and antenna in the back cover.
This chip securely stores biometric data such as the traveler’s face, fingerprints, name, date of birth, and passport number. The information is encrypted to meet global security standards.
Enhanced Passenger Experience
Travelers with e-passports will enjoy a faster, automated, and contactless experience at immigration checkpoints. E-gates will replace long queues, making the process smoother and quicker.
India Joins the Global List of E-passport Countries
Countries such as the USA, Canada, Japan, France, Germany, the UK, Singapore, Australia, and South Korea already use e-passports.
This move by India ensures that Indian citizens will be treated with greater respect and convenience when traveling to these nations.
How to Apply for an E-passport
Indian citizens can apply for an e-passport through the passport service portal, just as they did before.
They will need to visit a passport service center or post office passport center to provide biometric information.
In the future, features like digital visas, mobile passport wallets, and integration with Aadhaar and DigiLocker may make the process even more digital and paperless.
