What are India’s chip-based e-passports?

India is giving its passport system a high-tech makeover.

To boost identification and security, the government has started rolling out e-passports, a modern version that integrates advanced electronic passport technology with the traditional paper passport.

These new passports are part of a pilot programme under the Passport Seva Programme 2.0, which officially kicked off on April 1, 2024, as per the Ministry of External Affairs. The e-passports are currently being issued in select cities across the country, with a plan to expand the rollout nationwide in the coming months.

Here’s a quick look at everything you need to know.

How do e-passports work?

India’s e-passports come embedded with an antenna and a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip, integrated into a special inlay.

These advanced passports securely store the traveller’s biometric and personal data — including facial images, fingerprints, name, date of birth, and passport number.

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All of this information is encrypted and shielded by global security protocols such as Basic Access Control (BAC), Passive Authentication (PA), and Extended Access Control (EAC), making the data difficult to tamper with.

They are also easy to spot, thanks to a distinctive gold-coloured symbol printed beneath the front cover, setting them apart from regular passports.

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Why this matters

Biometric e-passports have become the global standard for secure and seamless international travel.

With an embedded chip that enables real-time identity authentication, these passports allow for automated, contactless immigration checks at e-gates.

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The result? Shorter queues, faster clearance, and a far more convenient experience for travellers.

Beyond speed and convenience, e-passports also significantly improve data protection. They minimise the chances of identity theft, forgery, and fake passport incidents during border checks.

Further, by introducing this technology, India is aligning itself with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, placing its citizens on equal footing with travellers from countries that already use such high-security documents.

So far, more than 120 countries — including the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, France, Italy, and Japan — have adopted chip-based biometric passports, and India is now officially joining that league.

Also read: From Australia to UAE, how countries are rolling out easy visas for Indians

Which passport seva centres are offering e-passports?

E-passports are currently being issued in 13 cities across India as part of the initial rollout phase. These cities include Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Jammu, Goa, Shimla, Raipur, Amritsar, Jaipur, Chennai, Hyderabad, Surat, Ranchi, and Delhi.

The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that this marks only the beginning. The nationwide rollout is expected to extend to all Passport Seva Kendras by mid-2025.

In Tamil Nadu, the process officially began on March 3, 2025, with e-passports being issued at the Regional Passport Office in Chennai. By March 22, the state had already issued 20,729 e-passports.

How to apply for an e-passport?

Applying for an e-passport is straightforward and follows the same steps as a regular passport.

Start by visiting the Passport Seva Portal, fill in the required details, pay the applicable fees, and book an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).

During your appointment, biometric data such as your photograph and fingerprints will be collected.

All e-passports are printed and embedded with chips at the India Security Press in Nashik. This ensures that the entire production process is managed within the country, supporting the Make in India initiative and maintaining control over sensitive personal data.

It’s also worth noting that switching to an e-passport is not mandatory. Existing passports will continue to be valid until their date of expiry and can be used without issue.

With input from agencies