The Government of India has rolled out e-passports, or electronic passports, which are identical in appearance to traditional passports but are far more secure and convenient. These new and secure passports contain advanced technological features and are tamper-resistant. With this significant move, India has officially joined over 120 countries, including Canada, Japan, Australia, France, and the United States, which have already adopted the biometric passport technology.
What Is An E-Passport?
An e-passport or electronic passport is a smart document that comes with an RFID chip and embedded antenna. It contains the passport holder’s information, including both his personal and biometric data. This document, which adheres to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, enables immigration officers to authenticate the data in a few seconds, cutting down wait times and eliminating the risk of forged documents.
NOTE: Passport holders must note that if their current passport is still valid, a replacement is not required. The existing passport will stay in effect until its expiry.
The e-passport rollout is being implemented at multiple Passport Offices, including Nagpur, Goa, Hyderabad, Surat, and Bhubaneshwar. The Government of India plans to expand this service to more cities soon.
Steps To Apply For E-Passports In India
E-Passport can either be collected online or from select Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) or Regional Passport Offices (RPOs). Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply:
- Register on the Passport Seva Online Portal
- Log in with your registered ID.
- Click on “Apply for Fresh Passport or Re-issue of Passport.” Choose from the given options.
- Make an online payment and book an appointment.
- Download your Application Receipt or show the SMS confirmation
- Visit your selected PSK or RPO on the scheduled date with original documents.
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