New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs has officially rolled out the e-passport initiative across India under the upgraded Passport Seva Programme (PSP) 2.0. Initially introduced as a pilot project in select cities, the nationwide launch marks a significant step in building a digitally integrated travel ecosystem aligned with the Government of India’s Digital India vision. Union External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, announcing the rollout, said the new initiative will harness cutting-edge technologies to provide more citizen-centric services.
An e-passport is a modern version of the traditional passport, equipped with an embedded electronic chip that stores the passport holder’s biometric and personal information. The chip is embedded in the back cover of the passport and includes details such as the individual’s name, passport number, date of birth, photograph, and fingerprints. It also includes a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and antenna, enabling contactless reading by immigration systems. A distinctive gold-colored symbol on the front cover helps distinguish e-passports from standard ones.
Applying for an e-passport involves a few simple steps. Applicants must visit the official Passport Seva website, sign up or log in to their account, and fill in the e-passport application. After selecting an appointment slot at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK), applicants need to pay the required fee and appear at the center for biometric data capture and document verification.
E-passports come with several advantages. The embedded chip ensures enhanced security and significantly reduces the risk of tampering or counterfeiting. They allow for quicker immigration processing as officials can read the chip without opening the passport or scanning a barcode. Moreover, the e-passport is compliant with international standards, making it valid for global use and enabling smoother cross-border travel.
With the implementation of PSP 2.0 and the introduction of e-passports, India is taking a major leap toward modernizing its travel documentation system, offering improved convenience, security, and global compatibility to its citizens.
