India’s e-Passport Initiative Aims to Enhance Travel Convenience and Security
New Delhi, 13th May 2025: India’s move towards digitization in the travel sector has taken a significant leap with the introduction of e-passports, designed to offer enhanced convenience and security for international travellers. Commonly referred to as electronic or biometric passports, these upgraded travel documents come embedded with a secure chip containing the holder’s biometric and personal information.
According to officials, the biometric data includes fingerprints, facial photographs, and other unique identifiers, ensuring a higher level of security against fraud and identity theft. The embedded chip not only makes the passport tamper-proof but also simplifies immigration procedures by enabling faster verification at border checkpoints.
The e-passport program was initially launched on a trial basis in select cities including Goa, Jammu, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Jaipur.
Encouraged by its success, the rollout is now being expanded to cover more applicants across the country.
How to Apply for an e-Passport
Eligible Indian citizens can follow the step-by-step process below to apply for an e-passport:
Step 1: Visit the official website passportindia.gov.in and register as a new user. You’ll need to provide your email ID, mobile number, and other basic details.
Step 2: After registration, use the provided login credentials to sign in and choose the option for “Fresh Passport” or “Re-issue Passport.”
Step 3: Download the application form, fill in the necessary details, and upload scanned copies of required documents including identity proof, proof of address, date of birth certificate, and your existing passport if applicable. Submit the form and documents in XML format as instructed.
Step 4: Pay the applicable passport fee online to schedule your appointment.
Step 5: On the appointment date, visit your designated Passport Seva Kendra with hard copies of your documents and payment receipt. The biometric data will be collected and verified during this visit.
Step 6: Once verification is complete, the e-passport will be processed and delivered to your registered address within a few working days.
Who Can Apply?
The eligibility criteria for applying for an e-passport remain the same as those for a regular passport. There is no change in the process in terms of background checks or documentation.
