e-passport India: E-passport launched in India! Are the days of long queues over? Know the application process and all the benefits

e-passport India: The Indian government has taken a major step toward modernizing the travel documentation system for its citizens. The government has officially launched electronic passports (e-passports). These new passports will not only enhance security but also expedite immigration processes, aligning with international travel standards. This initiative is expected to completely transform the way Indians travel abroad in the coming years.

What is an e-passport?

An e-passport looks much like a traditional Indian passport, but it comes with an electronic chip embedded in the back cover. This chip securely stores the passport holder’s personal and biometric information, including fingerprints, face recognition data, and a digital signature.

This technology ensures that the information printed on the passport perfectly matches the data stored in the chip. This makes it virtually impossible to counterfeit or tamper with the passport.

To make them easily recognizable, e-passports have a special gold symbol on the cover. This electronic chip facilitates faster scanning and verification of passengers at airports, speeding up the immigration process and eliminating the need for travelers to wait in long queues.

Who can apply for an e-Passport?

Any Indian citizen who is eligible for a regular passport can also apply for an e-Passport. Initially, this facility is available only at select Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs).

Therefore, if you are considering applying for an e-Passport, it is advisable to confirm whether your local passport office is currently issuing them. The government plans to roll out this facility gradually across the country, ensuring that both new applicants and those renewing their old passports can benefit from this new technology.

What is the application process?

Applying for an e-passport is exactly the same as applying for a traditional passport. All applicants must first register on the official Passport Seva portal and then fill out the online form. After this, they must pay the required fee and schedule an appointment at a PSK or POPSK.

During the appointment, the applicant’s biometric data, such as fingerprints and a photograph, will be collected. Once the process is complete, the e-passport with the embedded chip will be printed and dispatched to the applicant’s registered address.

What are the benefits of an e-passport?

The e-passport offers numerous advantages. The most significant ones include:

• Improved Security: The electronic chip significantly reduces the risk of identity theft or duplication.
• Faster Immigration Clearance: The verification process at airports becomes quicker, saving travelers valuable time.
• Increased Global Acceptance: It enhances the global acceptance of the Indian passport.

Overall, this e-passport initiative is a historic step towards creating a smart and secure travel ecosystem for India. It will make global travel easier and digitally enabled for Indian citizens in the future.