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Under the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) 2.0, India has now launched the e-Passport. This electronic passport is embedded with an chip that stores biometric and personal data.
PSP Version 2.0 launched nationwide, leveraging emerging tech to boost transparency, security and convenience. (News18 Gujarati)
In a major step towards modernising travel documentation and improving citizen services, Union External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar recently announced the nationwide launch of e-passports under the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) 2.0. Initially introduced as a pilot in select cities, the initiative is now being rolled out across the country as part of the government’s broader Digital India mission.
Taking to his X (formerly known as Twitter), Dr S Jaishankar shared this news on Passport Seva Divas, i.e. June 24, 2025. He wrote, “Another important milestone is the ongoing rollout of the e-Passport. The contactless reading of data stored in the chip facilitates the ease of travel for Indian citizens and their smoother interface with Immigration Authorities. The launch of mPassport Police App has substantially brought down the Police Verification time to 5-7 days in 25 States/UTs where mPassport Police App has been implemented.”
Greetings to all Passport Authorities in India and abroad on the occasion of the 13th Passport Seva Divas.Your commendable efforts, guided by ‘Seva, Sushasan and Garib Kalyan’, are instrumental to ensuring ease of travel, deepening access to global workplace and empowering the… pic.twitter.com/pDn53sjyyJ
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 24, 2025
The announcement underscores the ministry’s vision of combining digital infrastructure with global mobility, ensuring Indian citizens can travel more securely and seamlessly around the world.
What Is An e-Passport?
An e-passport, also known as an electronic passport, is an enhanced version of the traditional passport. While it looks similar on the outside, it comes embedded with a secure RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chip that stores critical information such as the holder’s name, date of birth, passport number, and biometric data like fingerprints and a digital photograph.
A small gold symbol on the front cover helps identify it as an electronic passport.
How Does An e-Passport Work?
The e-passport enables contactless authentication at immigration counters. The chip inside the passport is scanned by an electronic reader, enabling faster verification and reducing wait times at airports.
Key features include:
- Secure RFID chip and antenna embedded within the cover
- Encrypted personal and biometric data, stored safely and tamper-resistant
- International compliance with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) standards, making it valid across most countries without additional formalities
How to Apply for an e-Passport?
- 1. Visit the official Passport Seva website.
- 2. Register or log in to your existing account.
- 3. Fill in the online application form, selecting the e-passport option.
- 4. Book an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
- 5. Pay the applicable fees through the online portal.
- 6. Visit the Kendra for biometric verification and document submission on the scheduled date.
What Are The Benefits Of e-Passports?
Stronger Security: The chip securely stores your personal and biometric data, reducing the chances of data theft, misuse, or forgery.
Faster Immigration Processing: Contactless chip-reading speeds up verification at border checks.
Global Compatibility: e-Passports follow global standards, simplifying international travel and entry into visa-on-arrival countries.
Fraud Prevention: Advanced encryption makes duplication or tampering with passport data significantly harder.
Smart Identity Management: Seamlessly integrates with digital systems at embassies, consulates, and airports for improved citizen service delivery.
- Location :
Delhi, India, India
- First Published:
