What is e-passport? All you want to know

New Delhi: The Centre has launched e-passport with an embedded electronic chip for enhanced security.

The e-passport is similar in appearance to a regular Indian passport but comes with an embedded electronic chip in the back cover.

The chip securely stores the holder’s photograph, fingerprints, facial recognition data, and other vital details in an encrypted format, making it extremely difficult to clone or tamper with. The e-passport has been developed in accordance with international standards.

The key objective of this upgrade is to curb identity theft and passport fraud, while also ensuring faster and smoother immigration clearance at airports across the globe.

How to apply?

Any Indian citizen eligible for a regular passport can apply for an e-passport.

Currently, the facility is available only at selected Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs).

Applicants are advised to check whether their nearest centre offers the e-passport service before applying.

Applicants need to register or log in to the Passport Seva portal, fill out the online application for a new passport or renewal, pay the applicable fee, and book an appointment.

They must then visit the PSK or POPSK for document verification and biometric data submission.

Once the process is completed, the e-passport will be dispatched to the applicant’s address.

The fee for an e-passport remains the same as that of a regular passport — Rs 1,500 for a 36-page booklet and Rs 2,000 for a 60-page booklet.

How is it more secure?

The encrypted chip makes duplication and forgery extremely difficult.

Biometric verification enables quicker authentication.

Improved security features ensure better global acceptance for international travel.