The age of digital travel has officially arrived in India. Now that the government is implementing chip-enabled e-passports in a few places, Indian tourists will now be able to experience improved security, quicker immigration, and worldwide compatibility. The introduction promises a safer and more intelligent method of crossing foreign borders, marking a major improvement over the conventional passport booklet. What is an e-passport, though, and is it necessary for existing passport holders to convert? Here's all that you need to know.
What is an Indian e-passport?An Indian e-passport is a modern travel document that combines the traditional paper booklet with an embedded Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and antenna. The passport holder's biometric and personal data, including fingerprints and photos, are safely stored on this chip. These passports are recognised by a unique gold-colored insignia on the front cover. Processing at immigration checkpoints is made faster and more secure by the use of this technology.
Key benefits of e-passports
Enhanced security: Digitally signed biometric data, secured by Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), is stored on the integrated chip in e-passports. This security framework ensures the legitimacy and integrity of the data, making it difficult to fabricate or change the passport.
Streamlined immigration: e-Passports enable automated and contactless verification at border controls, significantly reducing wait times and enhancing the travel experience.
Global compatibility: Indian e-passports, which adhere to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, will allow Indian nationals to enjoy hassle-free travel abroad, as these chip-based passports are recognised and acknowledged at immigration checkpoints in most parts of the world.
Fraud prevention: By discouraging counterfeiting and unauthorised changes, advanced security elements in e-passports shield users against fraud and identity theft.
Read more: Beginner’s guide: 10 countries first-time solo travellers can visit
Is it mandatory to replace existing passports?No, holders of valid passports are not obliged to switch to electronic passports. Conventional passports will continue to be valid until they expire. For new applicants and those renewing their passports, the switch to electronic passports is being made gradually.
Where are e-passports being issued?As part of the Passport Seva Program (PSP) 2.0, the Indian government launched e-passports on April 1, 2024, in a pilot phase. Currently, selected passport offices in cities such as Chennai, Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar, Surat, Nagpur, Goa, Shimla, Raipur, Amritsar, Jaipur, and Ranchi are equipped to issue e-passports. There are plans to expand this facility to more centers in the near future.
Read more: 8 lesser-known hill stations cooler than Shimla
How to apply for an e-passportThe current online passport application procedure can be used by citizens to apply for an e-passport. The new chip-enabled passport will be issued to applicants throughout the application or renewal procedure if the relevant passport office is prepared to issue e-passports. In the upcoming months, a phased deployment of the government's efforts to allow all passport offices nationwide to issue e-passports is anticipated.
With the launch of these passports, India moves ahead to improve national security and make foreign travel easier for its residents.The Government encourages residents to choose the new, safe, and internationally accepted travel document when they apply for or renew their passports, even if current passport holders are not required to use e-passports.
What is an Indian e-passport?An Indian e-passport is a modern travel document that combines the traditional paper booklet with an embedded Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and antenna. The passport holder's biometric and personal data, including fingerprints and photos, are safely stored on this chip. These passports are recognised by a unique gold-colored insignia on the front cover. Processing at immigration checkpoints is made faster and more secure by the use of this technology.
Key benefits of e-passports
Enhanced security: Digitally signed biometric data, secured by Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), is stored on the integrated chip in e-passports. This security framework ensures the legitimacy and integrity of the data, making it difficult to fabricate or change the passport.
Streamlined immigration: e-Passports enable automated and contactless verification at border controls, significantly reducing wait times and enhancing the travel experience.
Global compatibility: Indian e-passports, which adhere to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, will allow Indian nationals to enjoy hassle-free travel abroad, as these chip-based passports are recognised and acknowledged at immigration checkpoints in most parts of the world.
Fraud prevention: By discouraging counterfeiting and unauthorised changes, advanced security elements in e-passports shield users against fraud and identity theft.
Read more: Beginner’s guide: 10 countries first-time solo travellers can visit
Is it mandatory to replace existing passports?No, holders of valid passports are not obliged to switch to electronic passports. Conventional passports will continue to be valid until they expire. For new applicants and those renewing their passports, the switch to electronic passports is being made gradually.
Where are e-passports being issued?As part of the Passport Seva Program (PSP) 2.0, the Indian government launched e-passports on April 1, 2024, in a pilot phase. Currently, selected passport offices in cities such as Chennai, Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar, Surat, Nagpur, Goa, Shimla, Raipur, Amritsar, Jaipur, and Ranchi are equipped to issue e-passports. There are plans to expand this facility to more centers in the near future.
Read more: 8 lesser-known hill stations cooler than Shimla
How to apply for an e-passportThe current online passport application procedure can be used by citizens to apply for an e-passport. The new chip-enabled passport will be issued to applicants throughout the application or renewal procedure if the relevant passport office is prepared to issue e-passports. In the upcoming months, a phased deployment of the government's efforts to allow all passport offices nationwide to issue e-passports is anticipated.
With the launch of these passports, India moves ahead to improve national security and make foreign travel easier for its residents.The Government encourages residents to choose the new, safe, and internationally accepted travel document when they apply for or renew their passports, even if current passport holders are not required to use e-passports.
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