India has officially rolled out E-Passports nationwide, marking a major technological upgrade in the country’s passport and immigration system. The new E-Passport comes embedded with a secure electronic chip, advanced biometric features and enhanced verification technology designed to streamline international travel and strengthen security.
The rollout is one of India’s biggest modernisation steps in travel infrastructure, affecting both new applicants and those renewing their passports.
What Exactly Is an E-Passport?
An E-Passport is similar to a regular passport but includes an embedded RFID chip containing:
Holder’s photograph
Biometric information
Personal identity details
Digital signatures
Passport validity and security codes
This makes the E-Passport faster to verify and significantly harder to forge.
Key Benefits for Travellers
1. Faster Immigration at Airports
E-Passports support automated gates and digital verification, reducing wait times during check-in and immigration.
2. Enhanced Security
The encrypted chip prevents:
Identity theft
Passport cloning
Illegal duplication
This offers better protection against fraud.
3. Global Acceptance
Many countries already use E-Passports.
India’s rollout brings the system to global standards, easing cross-border travel.
4. Quicker Passport Scanning
Digital data allows authorities to scan and verify information in seconds.
5. Smoother Visa Processing
Since E-Passports carry biometric data, they align with visa systems used by dozens of countries, simplifying documentation.
Who Will Receive E-Passports?
New passport applicants
Passport renewal applicants
Citizens requesting re-issuance due to expiry, damage or loss
There is no separate application for E-Passports — they replace the earlier physical booklet format.
How E-Passports Improve Security
E-Passports include:
Advanced security printing
Biometric authentication
Encrypted chip data
Tamper-resistant design
Machine-readable zone (MRZ) upgrades
These upgrades significantly reduce the chances of data manipulation or fraudulent travel.
What Travellers Should Do Now
Ensure your passport details are accurate before applying — biometric data must match.
Keep your passport in good physical condition so the chip stays intact.
If you are travelling soon, check whether your destination uses automated e-gates for faster clearance.
For those with existing passports, continue using them until renewal — they remain valid.
FAQs
Q1. Do I need to apply separately for an E-Passport?
No. All new passports issued nationwide will automatically be E-Passports.
Q2. Is my old passport still valid?
Yes. It remains valid until the expiry date.
Q3. Does the E-Passport cost more?
Currently, fees remain unchanged unless officially revised.
Q4. Can the chip get damaged?
It is durable, but avoid bending or exposing the passport to extreme heat.
Q5. Will this speed up airport clearance?
Yes. Automated verification systems significantly reduce processing time.
Published on : 15th November
Published by : SMITA
www.vizzve.com || www.vizzveservices.com
Follow us on social media: Facebook || Linkedin || Instagram
🛡 Powered by Vizzve Financial
RBI-Registered Loan Partner | 10 Lakh+ Customers | ₹600 Cr+ Disbursed
Source Credit: Written by: Soumil Kamat / NDTV