According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian e-passport initiative was introduced as a pilot program in conjunction with the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0, which went into effect on April 1, 2024, with the aim of preserving the integrity and preventing duplication of passport holders’ data.

What is an e-passport?
An ePassport is a hybrid paper and electronic passport that incorporates an antenna and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip as an inlay into the passport to carry the biometric and personal data of the passport bearer.

Identification of E-Passport:
A little extra gold emblem printed beneath the passport’s front cover indicates that it is an electronic passport.

Benefits of E-Passport:
One major advantage of this passport is its ability to preserve the integrity of the holder’s data. Immigration officers around the world can securely authenticate the electronic passport using its digitally signed electronic chip and the printed data in the booklet.

How is it useful for the Passport Holders?
A digitally signed chip combined with printed data protects the passport from fraud and actions like duplication or counterfeiting. The Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) solution forms the foundation for securing private data and ensuring the safety of biometric and personal information stored on the electronic chip.

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Where to get an E-Passport:
Indian citizens can currently get these passports at regional passport offices in Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Jammu, Goa, Shimla, Raipur, Amritsar, Jaipur, Chennai, Hyderabad, Surat, and Ranchi. The government also plans to expand this facility to more locations soon.

Do You Need an E-Passport if You Have a Passport?

No, passport holders don’t need to replace their existing passports with electronic passports. The Government of India will continue to honor all valid passports until they expire.

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