India expands rollout of chip-enabled E-Passports, simplifies application process for citizens – How to apply, eligibility, fees and more

India expands rollout of chip-enabled E-Passports, simplifies application process for citizens; DETAILS

India has begun expanding the rollout of chip-enabled e-passports as part of its Passport Seva 2.0 programme, allowing eligible citizens to apply through the existing passport application system. The initiative, launched by the Ministry of External Affairs, aims to strengthen travel document security and streamline immigration procedures. The e-passport contains an embedded electronic chip storing encrypted personal and biometric data, enabling faster verification at international border checkpoints.

What Is an e-Passport and how it works

The e-passport is an upgraded version of the traditional passport booklet that includes an RFID chip and antenna embedded in the cover. The chip securely stores the passport holder’s personal details, photograph and other identification data in digitally signed form, allowing immigration authorities to verify authenticity electronically.

Officials say the technology significantly reduces the risk of passport forgery and identity fraud. It also aligns India’s travel documents with international standards followed by more than 100 countries.

“The introduction of e-passports marks a major step toward modernizing India’s travel documentation system,” a government official familiar with the rollout said. “The embedded chip ensures stronger data security and enables quicker verification at immigration counters.”

According to officials, the system is also expected to support automated border gates in countries that accept chip-enabled passports.

Application process remains largely unchanged

Despite the technological upgrade, the process for applying for an e-passport remains largely the same as the existing passport system.

Applicants must register or log in to the Passport Seva portal, complete the online application form, pay the required fee and book an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK). After visiting the centre for document verification and biometric capture, the passport is processed and delivered to the applicant’s address.

Any Indian citizen eligible for a regular passport can apply for an e-passport, whether they are applying for the first time or renewing an existing passport.

“The government has ensured that the new system does not complicate the application procedure,” said a passport services consultant in New Delhi. “For applicants, the steps remain almost identical to the earlier passport process.”

Authorities have confirmed that the fees for e-passports remain the same as standard passports. A 36-page passport booklet costs Rs 1,500, while a 60-page booklet costs Rs 2,000 under the normal application process. Additional charges apply for the expedited Tatkal service.

For minors, the cost of a 36-page passport is Rs 1,000, while Tatkal applications incur higher charges depending on urgency.

Processing time varies depending on verification procedures. Standard applications typically take two to four weeks, while Tatkal applications may be issued within a few days after verification.

Officials have also clarified that existing passports remain valid until their expiry and do not need to be replaced immediately.

Background: Modernizing India’s passport system

The e-passport initiative forms part of the government’s broader Passport Seva 2.0 programme, aimed at improving efficiency and digitizing public services.

The rollout began in selected cities, including Delhi, Chennai, Jaipur and Hyderabad, before expanding to additional passport offices nationwide.

India’s external affairs ministry has said the new system is designed to match international aviation security standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Similar electronic passport systems are already widely used in countries across Europe, North America and Asia.

Experts say the introduction of e-passports could significantly benefit Indian travellers.

With biometric verification and encrypted data stored in the chip, immigration authorities can authenticate passports more quickly, potentially reducing wait times at airports. The system also makes duplication or tampering far more difficult compared with traditional passport booklets.

Travel industry analysts say the move could improve India’s global travel infrastructure and facilitate smoother international mobility for citizens.

“Chip-enabled passports are now standard globally,” said a travel technology expert based in Mumbai. “Adopting them strengthens document security while making border control faster and more efficient.”