Outlook Business Desk
India has begun rolling out e-passports, offering citizens a next-generation travel document. First introduced in April 2024 through a pilot project, the service is gradually expanding across more passport centres nationwide.
India’s e-passport is a modernised travel document that blends traditional design with digital security. It carries an embedded Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and antenna, storing biometric details like fingerprints and photographs.
Unlike standard passports, e-passports can be easily spotted by their design. A small gold emblem printed beneath the title on the cover clearly marks them as India’s upgraded, high-security travel documents.
Along with basic details like name, date of birth, and passport number, the e-passport chip stores biometric identifiers including fingerprints, facial photographs, and iris scans for stronger verification and traveller authentication.
India’s e-passports follow International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines. This global alignment ensures that biometric and personal details are safely recognised worldwide, making border clearance faster, and more transparent for Indian travellers abroad.
To apply, you can visit the official Passport Seva portal. Create or log into your account, complete the e-passport form, select your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK), and pay the required fee online.
After payment, schedule your appointment at the selected Passport Seva Kendra or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra. Carry all required documents to complete biometric verification and submission for your e-passport application.