The Indian government has officially started e-passport service. It is being told a upgrade in a regular passport. The Department of External Affairs was started as a pilot project on April 1, 2024. This service is currently available at selective passport service centers across the country, expects its other centers in the coming months. Let’s take a look at this new process.
What is the e-passport?
The e-passport is a modern passport that is more secure and smarter than a standard passport. It contains a small electronic chip (RFID chip) that store the passport holder’s personal information (such as the name, date of birth, passport number) and biometric data (fingerprints, the eyes, scan) and the biometric data (fingerprint, the eye scan) and the biometric data) and the biometric data. This chip is contacted and based on the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). It looks like a regular passport from outside, but on its cover is a small golden sign that indicates that it is an e-passport. Its main objective is to prevent the passports from being fake and duplicate and facilitate the international trip.
When did the e-passion facility begins in India?
In India, e-passport was assigned for 2022, but it was applied slowly. From April 1, 2024, the Ministry of External Affairs launched a pilot program, in which e-passports were issued in select Passport Offices. 2025 ਵਿੱਚ, ਇਹ ਵਿਸ਼ੇਸ਼ਤਾ ਦਿੱਲੀ, ਬੰਗਲੁਰੂ, ਮੁੰਬਈ, ਚੰਡੀਗੜ੍ਹ, ਕੋਚੀ, ਚੇਨਈ, ਲਖਨਊ, ਅਹਿਮਦਾਬਾਦ, ਹੈਦਰਾਬਾਦ, ਕੋਲਕਾਤਾ ਅਤੇ ਗੁਹਾਟੀ ਵਰਗੇ ਵੱਡੇ ਸ਼ਹਿਰਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਲਾਗੂ ਕੀਤੀ ਜਾਵੇਗੀ। Currently, it is not available in all passports offices, but soon it plans to spread across the country. If you apply to these cities, you may find an e-passage automatically.
Will I get the benefits under the email?
There are many benefits of e-passport who make travel easy and safe.
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More protection: The data in the chip has been encrypted (in a secure code), with which the passport becomes difficult or stealing. This prevents theft of identity.
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Quick Immigration Procedure: You can use e-gates (automated gates) at airports, where your passport gets clearance quickly by scanning your passport. Long lines go down.
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Global Recognition: The ICAO standards compliance it easily accepts it in most countries around the world.
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The destruction of data : Biometric data verifies easy and reduces errors.
Transportation and efficiency: Passport holder information is safe and the process is fast.
Overall, it makes passports more confident and convenient for passengers.
How to apply for e-passport? Know the whole process
Applying for the e-passport is similar to a common passport, but it is currently available in select cities. If you are eligible, you will get an e-passage automatically.
Step1: Registration and form filing
– Passport Service Portal (https://www.passportindia.gov.in/) Go on to.
– If you are a new user, click on the ‘New user registration’. Create an account with your email addresses, mobile numbers and other details.
– Login and select ‘Applicable for Flash Passport / Rinual of Passport’.
– Enter your Personal Details in the form (name, address, birth, etc.). Select the email passport option (if available). Otherwise, if you apply to the eligible cities you will receive an automatic email passage.
– Submit the form.
Step 2: Fee Payment
– After filling the form, you will have a charge payment option. The e-Passport fee is similar to a regular passport (approximately 1,500- 2,000, and more for an instant passport). Online Payment (Credit / Debit Card, Net Banking, or invoice).
– Check the fees on portal, as it differs based on your age and kind of age.
Step 3: Appointment booking
– After payment, select your nearest passport service center (PPSK).
– Book up appointments from available slots. Appointments should be made within 15 days of applying.
Step 4: Visit on PSK / Popsk
– Visit the center of the day on the appointment. Take the original document with you, such as:
– Aadhaar card, voter ID, or other ID evidence.
– Proof of address (bank statement, utilization bills, etc.).
– Birth certificate (if needed).
– Old passport (for reinial).
– There, your photo, fingerprints, and eye scans (biometrics) will be taken.
– Will documental verifies.
Step 5: Getting Passports
– After processing (30-45 days for normal, essential for general, necessary to your home through the passport speed post.
– To check the status, use the ‘Track Application Status option on the portal.
Note: E-passports are not available everywhere, so before applying, check the portal to see if your city involves. If you are applying for a new passport or circle, if you are eligible, you will receive an e-passage. There is no different form. If you have problems, call Helpline (1800-258-1800). I-passport is not downloadable; This is a physicical document.