e-Passport Rollout Begins in India: What’s New, How to Apply, How It Works, Fees, Validity — Full Details Inside
India launches e-Passport service under Passport Seva Programme 2.0 with RFID chip, biometric security, faster immigration, and nationwide rollout underway.
New Delhi: India has officially began issuing e-Passports under the upgraded Passport Seva Programme (PSP) 2.0, marking a major leap toward faster immigration, enhanced security, and modern international travel. The new India e-Passport service is being rolled out in phases across select cities, with plans for nationwide expansion.
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The move aims to simplify passport services, reduce waiting time at airports, and align India with global biometric travel standards.
What Is an e-Passport?
An e-Passport looks similar to a regular passport but includes a secure RFID-enabled electronic chip embedded in the passport cover. This chip stores encrypted biometric and personal data, allowing contactless and faster verification at immigration counters.
A gold biometric symbol on the cover helps identify the document as a chip-enabled e-Passport.
Key Features of India’s e-Passport
India’s e-Passport is designed to improve speed, safety, and global acceptance.
Key highlights include:
- Embedded RFID electronic chip
- Contactless scanning at airports
- ICAO-compliant biometric security
- Strong anti-tampering protection
- Faster identity verification
- Globally recognized travel document
What Information Is Stored in the RFID Chip?
The chip securely stores encrypted data, including:
- Biometrics: facial photo, fingerprints, iris scan
- Personal details: name, date of birth, gender, address, passport number, issue and expiry dates
- Security data: digital signature of issuing authority, PKI encryption
This technology prevents forgery, duplication, and unauthorized access.
Faster Immigration at Airports
With e-Passports, immigration officials no longer need to manually verify photographs and signatures. Once scanned:
- Passenger details appear instantly
- Clearance becomes quicker
- Queues are reduced
- Airport security improves
The system is expected to benefit millions of international travellers, including students, professionals, and NRIs.
How Many e-Passports Issued So Far?
According to official figures:
- Over 80 lakh e-Passports have been issued within India
- Around 60,000–62,000 Indian citizens abroad have also received e-Passports
The rollout is being done carefully in phases to ensure smooth implementation.
Cities Where e-Passports Are Available (Pilot Phase – 2025)
The e-Passport service is currently available in selected cities, including:
- Delhi
- Hyderabad
- Chennai
- Jaipur
- Nagpur
- Bhubaneswar
- Jammu
- Panaji
- Shimla
- Raipur
- Amritsar
- Surat
- Ranchi
More cities will be added soon through Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Post Office PSKs, including Tier-2 and Tier-3 regions.
How to Apply for an India e-Passport
There is no separate application process for an e-Passport. The procedure remains the same as a regular passport.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit passportindia.gov.in
- Choose New Passport or Re-issue Passport
- e-Passport option is auto-selected in eligible cities
- Fill the application form (Aadhaar/DigiLocker supported)
- Pay the fee online
- Book appointment at PSK/POPSK
- Visit centre for biometrics and document verification
- Track application status online
e-Passport Fees in India
The fee structure is the same as regular passports:
- ₹1,500 for a 36-page passport
- ₹2,000 for a 60-page passport
There is no extra charge for the electronic chip.
How to Check e-Passport Status Online
- Go to passportindia.gov.in
- Click on Track Application Status
- Enter file number and date of birth
- View real-time updates
Validity of India’s e-Passport
- Adults: 10 years
- Minors: 5 years
Existing non–e-Passports remain valid until their normal expiry dates.
Can You Download an e-Passport?
No.
The e-Passport is a physical document with an embedded chip. It cannot be downloaded as a digital file.
A Big Step Toward Modern Travel
The rollout of the India e-Passport under Passport Seva Programme 2.0 represents a major milestone in digital governance and travel infrastructure. With biometric protection, RFID security, and faster immigration processing, the e-Passport promises safer, smarter, and quicker international travel.
As the government expands the service nationwide, more citizens will soon benefit from this next-generation passport system.
