The Government of India has officially launched the chip-enabled E-Passport service. Find out how it works, how to apply, and how it’s different from your old passport.
The Indian government has officially rolled out the e-Passport service under the Passport Seva Programme (PSP V2.0). The primary goal of this new system is to make the entire passport process faster, more secure, and completely in line with international standards.
It’s important to remember that the regular, paper passport you currently hold will remain fully valid until its expiry date. However, from now on, any new passport—whether applied for in India or abroad—will only be issued as a chip-enabled e-Passport.
If this is the first time you are hearing about it, don’t worry! We are here to give you all the details on the e-Passport in Hindi (and English!), which will clear up any confusion you might have!
What Exactly is an E-Passport?
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, an e-Passport is a hybrid document. It essentially takes the standard paper passport and integrates it with an RFID chip and an antenna.
This chip securely stores the holder’s vital identification details, all of which conform to the standards set by the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization). The information printed on the passport’s data page is saved identically on the chip. This makes verification quick, secure, and completely tamper-proof.
Old vs. New Passport: What is the Big Difference?
The biggest difference between the old and the new passport boils down to security.
The old passport only had physical, paper details, making it relatively easier to tamper with or counterfeit. On the other hand, the e-Passport (or chip passport India) includes both the physical details and a sophisticated chip.
This chip stores your biometric and personal information in an encrypted format. If anyone tries to tamper with this chip, the system will immediately detect it. This virtually eliminates the worry of fake passports. Plus, the time spent at immigration at the airport will be drastically reduced.
What Are the Key Benefits of the E-Passport?
There are a few crucial benefits of the e-Passport that every common person needs to know about:
1. Next-Level Security
Since the data inside the chip is encrypted, no unauthorized person can read it easily. This effectively prevents data theft.
2. Faster Immigration
In airports worldwide that are equipped with e-Passport reader machines, you will no longer have to stand in long queues. Verification will happen instantly with a simple scan.
3. Global Acceptance
It follows the global standards prescribed by the ICAO, making its acceptance around the world much easier.How to Apply for Your E-Passport Online?
The good news is that the process for getting an e-Passport is exactly the same as the one currently used for a regular passport. Here is the step-by-step procedure:
1. Register on the Portal
First, create an account on the official Passport Seva website and fill out your profile details.
2. Fill Out the Online Form
After logging in, complete the online application form for the e-Passport and pay the required fee using the available payment options.
3. Book Your Appointment
Once the payment is done, you need to book a slot at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra.
4. Document + Biometric Verification
On the day of your appointment, visit the centre to complete the process: document verification, fingerprint scanning, and photo capture. It is these biometric details that are securely embedded into the e-Passport’s chip.
5. Printing and Delivery
Once your documents and biometric verification are cleared, your new e-Passport is prepared and then dispatched via post to your registered address.
What If the Chip Stops Working?
And yes, many people ask: what happens if the chip fails or breaks? Don’t panic!
Since the e-Passport is a hybrid document, even if the chip is damaged, all your details are still physically written on the paper pages. In such a scenario, your passport will be checked manually, just like the old ones, and your journey will continue. It might just take a little extra time.
The New Indian Passport
The e-Passport marks a major step forward for India, making international travel safer and faster than ever before. You don’t have to do anything extra for it—just apply the normal way through the Passport Seva portal.
E-Passport (FAQs)
Are my old paper passports now completely useless?
Not at all! If you currently hold the old-style passport, it will remain fully valid until its expiration date. The new e-Passport is only being issued for fresh applications.
Can a hacker remotely scan the e-Passport’s chip?
No. This RFID chip only works when it is held very close to a special reader machine. Furthermore, the data it holds is encrypted, making it very difficult to hack.
Is the application fee different for the e-Passport?
No, the fee for the e-Passport is the same as it was for a normal passport. There are no extra charges involved.
I just got a new passport last month, do I need to re-apply for the e-Passport?
No, if your passport was recently issued, there is no need to apply again. Your current passport is valid. You can apply for the new e-Passport when it is time for a renewal.
Where is the chip located in the passport? Is it easily visible?
The chip is discreetly embedded within the cover or the data page of the passport. It is not visible from the outside. Just make sure not to fold or damage your passport.
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