Chip-Powered E-Passports: India to launch- Check eligibility and how to get

Chip-Powered E-Passports: India has joined over 120 countries, including the US, Canada, France, Japan and Australia, in introducing chip-based biometric e-passports, a major milestone in the digitization of international travel for its citizens.

The initiative is designed to enhance border security, prevent identity theft, and streamline immigration procedures. The implementation of e-passports under the revamped Passport Seva Program 2.0 began in April 2024.

Initial pilots were conducted in major cities including Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Jammu, Panaji, Shimla, Raipur, Amritsar, Jaipur, Chennai, Hyderabad, Surat and Ranchi. It is expected to be fully rolled out across the country by mid-2025.

These advanced passports contain a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip and antenna embedded in the back cover. This chip securely stores the passport holder’s biometric and personal information, such as facial information, fingerprints, full name, date of birth, and passport number.

This data is protected by international encryption standards such as Basic Access Control (BAC), Passive Authentication (PA), and Extended Access Control (EAC). Biometric passports, now recognized as a global standard for secure travel, enable contactless verification through e-gates at immigration checkpoints.

These systems enable faster, automated border control, reducing queues and eliminating manual document checks. By adopting this technology, India will operate in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, It puts Indian travelers on an equal footing with travelers from technologically advanced nations and enhances India’s international credibility.

The application process is user-friendly, with Indian citizens able to apply through the Passport Seva portal, schedule an appointment at a local Passport Seva Kendra or post office center, and complete the biometric enrollment in person.

All biometric passports are produced domestically at the India Security Press in Nashik. This ensures complete data protection and strengthens national sovereignty over sensitive personal information while supporting the government’s Make in India initiative.

Also Read: Karnataka: Heavy Rainfall alert in these districts for next 3 days