• Source:JND
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Indian E-Passport: India has formally started implementing e-passports, which combine modern electronic technology with traditional passport design, to improve identification and security for foreign visitors. This initiative represents a major change in the way Indian passports are issued and verified, and it was introduced as part of the updated Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0, which began on April 1, 2024.

Where Can You Get One?

Nagpur,  Raipur, Bhubaneswar, Goa, Jammu, Amritsar, Shimla, Jaipur, Chennai, Surat, Hyderabad, and Ranchi are among the cities in the nation where the e-passport pilot is presently underway. Plans are in motion to expand the service across the country.

On March 3, 2025, the Regional Passport Office in Chennai started the rollout in Tamil Nadu. An astounding 20,729 e-passports had already been issued in the state alone as of March 22, 2025.

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What Makes an e-Passport Different?

An antenna and a tiny Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip are integrated into the cover of an Indian e-passport. Better security and quicker verification are ensured by this chip, which stores the passport holder's biometric and personal information.

Simply look for a unique gold-colored symbol printed beneath the front cover to identify an e-passport.

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), a complex encryption system that protects the sensitive data on the chip and verifies it hasn't been altered, is at the core of this innovation. This entails improved defence against passport fraud, identity theft, and forgery, which is crucial when crossing borders.

Is a Switch Necessary?

Not always. Existing passports will continue to be valid until their expiration, the government has stated. For the time being, switching to electronic passports is voluntary.

India's adoption of e-passports reflects a progressive approach to citizen services as international travel becomes more tech-driven and security-focused. It's about protecting identities in a digital world, not just about expediting immigration lines.

How to apply for an e-Passport in India

In cities like Nagpur, Chennai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, and others, citizens can now apply for an e-Passport online and pick it up from specific Passport Seva Kendras (PSKS) or Regional Passport Offices (RPOS).

Step-by-Step guide to apply for e-passports online

- Register on the Passport Seva Online Portal to apply.
- Now you have to log in using your registered ID.
- Select "Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport." If you're applying for a passport type you haven't held before, select "Fresh."
- previously, or "Reissue" if you've already owned the same type.
Make an appointment and pay the fee online.
- During your appointment, you can either print or save your application receipt or just present the SMS confirmation.
- On the appointed date, bring original documentation to your chosen PSK or RPO.

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