India has taken a significant step toward modernizing its international travel infrastructure with the launch of E-Passports Launched in India. These next-generation passports are equipped with embedded microchips, offering enhanced security, faster immigration processing, and improved convenience for Indian travelers worldwide.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about India’s new e-Passports—what they are, key features, benefits, eligibility, the online application process, and more.
Whether you’re planning an international trip or just renewing your passport, this article will give you a clear understanding of how e-Passports are transforming Indian travel in 2025 and beyond.
What Is an e-Passport?
An e-Passport, also known as a biometric passport, is a digitally enhanced travel document that includes an embedded electronic microchip. This chip securely stores the passport holder’s personal data and biometric details, such as:
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Full name
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Date of birth
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Gender
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Nationality
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Digital photograph
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Digital signature
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Fingerprint information
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Unique passport number
e-Passports are designed in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and are already used in over 100 countries, including the United States, UK, Germany, and Australia. India joins this global trend to improve international acceptance, travel safety, and digital identity verification.
When and Where Were E-Passports Launched in India?
The idea of introducing e-Passports in India was first announced during the Union Budget 2022-23. After several trials and technical developments, India officially began rolling out e-Passports in mid-2023, starting with diplomatic and official passport holders.
In 2024 and 2025, the government expanded the rollout to regular citizens, with initial implementation in major cities like:
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New Delhi
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Mumbai
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Bengaluru
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Hyderabad
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Chennai
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Kolkata
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Ahmedabad
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Pune
Now, in 2025, Indian citizens across the country can apply for e-Passports, either for new applications or when renewing their existing passport.
Key Features of India’s e-Passports
India’s e-Passports come with several advanced features that distinguish them from traditional paper-based passports.
Embedded Microchip
The e-Passport contains a secure Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip embedded in the back cover. This chip stores biometric and demographic data and is protected by Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to prevent unauthorized access.
Biometric Authentication
Each e-Passport is equipped to store:
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High-resolution digital photo
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Fingerprint scans
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Iris scan (planned for future upgrades)
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Digital signature of the holder
This enables automated biometric verification at airport immigration gates.
Tamper-Proof Security
The data stored in the chip is digitally signed and encrypted. This ensures that any unauthorized attempt to modify or duplicate the data will render the chip invalid.
Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ)
Just like traditional passports, e-Passports retain the Machine-Readable Zone at the bottom of the personal details page, allowing global compatibility.
ICAO Compliance
India’s e-Passports comply with ICAO standards, making them globally accepted and compatible with smart immigration systems around the world.
Fast Immigration Processing
e-Passports can be used at automated e-Gates, reducing wait time and enabling faster, smoother immigration.
Benefits of Using an e-Passport in India
e-Passports come with a host of benefits that serve both travelers and authorities:
Enhanced Security
The embedded chip and digital signature make e-Passports virtually impossible to forge or tamper with. This reduces the risk of identity theft and fraud.
Faster Airport Immigration
Automated e-Gates allow passengers to pass through immigration quickly by scanning their e-Passport and verifying their biometrics.
Global Acceptance
e-Passports are now a global norm, and India’s compliance with ICAO standards means travelers will experience fewer delays or document-related issues abroad.
Improved Data Accuracy
Since biometric and demographic data is digitally captured and verified, the chances of manual entry errors are significantly reduced.
Smarter Border Control
Authorities can instantly verify identity and travel history, helping detect and prevent illegal activities, duplicate identities, and overstays.
Environmentally Sustainable
e-Passports reduce the dependency on multiple paper-based checks and could be integrated into future digital travel ID platforms, reducing physical paperwork.
Who Can Apply for an e-Passport in India?
The Government of India has made e-Passports available for all eligible citizens, including:
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Adults (18 years and above)
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Minors (under 18)
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Seniors
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Government officials
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Diplomats
Whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing your passport, you are eligible to receive an e-Passport.
Note: Currently, e-Passports are being issued for both normal and Tatkal schemes.
How to Apply for an e-Passport in India (Step-by-Step Guide)
Applying for an e-Passport is very similar to the traditional passport application process. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Visit the Passport Seva Portal
Go to the official Passport Seva Portal
Step 2: Register / Login
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Register as a new user if you haven’t already
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Log in with your credentials
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
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Choose the service: “Fresh Passport” or “Re-issue”
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Select “Normal” or “Tatkal”
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Fill in personal, address, and identity details
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Review and save your application
Step 4: Pay the Fees
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Standard fee for a 36-page passport (10-year validity): ₹1,500
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Tatkal scheme fee: ₹3,500
Payments can be made online via credit card, debit card, UPI, or net banking.
Step 5: Book an Appointment
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Select a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office PSK (POPSK) near you
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Choose a suitable date and time slot
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Download and print your appointment receipt
Step 6: Visit the Passport Seva Kendra
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Carry original documents:
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Aadhaar card
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Address proof
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Birth certificate (for minors)
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Old passport (for re-issue)
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Biometric capture and photograph will be taken
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Your application will be verified by an official
Step 7: Police Verification
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A police verification may be initiated depending on your application type
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Track status via the portal or SMS/email alerts
Step 8: Passport Printing & Dispatch
Once verified, your e-Passport will be printed at the India Security Press (Nashik) and dispatched to your registered address via India Post.
How to Identify if You Have an e-Passport
You can easily identify if you have received an e-Passport by checking:
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A chip logo symbol on the front cover of your passport
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A slightly thicker back cover, which contains the embedded chip
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A note in your passport indicating “This is an e-Passport”
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Enhanced page quality and a digital photo
If you’re unsure, check with the Passport Seva Kendra staff at the time of issuance.
Key Things to Keep in Mind
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e-Passports are optional for now, but they will soon become the standard
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If you’re renewing, you’ll automatically receive an e-Passport
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Do not tamper with the passport chip—it may render the document invalid
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Keep your e-Passport away from strong magnets or extreme heat
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Store your passport in a RFID-safe passport cover for added protection
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there any extra cost for an e-Passport?
No. The cost is the same as a regular passport—₹1,500 for a 36-page passport under the normal scheme.
Can I still travel with my old passport?
Yes, existing non-e-passports are still valid until their expiration. e-Passports will gradually replace old ones during renewal or fresh applications.
Are e-Passports mandatory?
As of 2025, e-Passports are not mandatory, but the government is transitioning toward making them the standard.
Is my data safe in the e-Passport?
Yes. e-Passports use PKI encryption to prevent unauthorized data access and cloning.
What if the chip in my e-Passport gets damaged?
The passport will remain valid for identification but may cause issues at automated e-Gates. You’ll need to apply for a reissue if the chip is non-functional.
Can children apply for e-Passports?
Yes. Minors are eligible, and their biometric data is collected as per age criteria.
Which countries accept Indian e-Passports?
India’s e-Passports are ICAO-compliant and accepted in all major international destinations, including the US, UK, Schengen countries, Canada, Australia, and more.
Future of E-Passports Launched in India
The rollout of e-Passports is just the beginning of India’s digital identity modernization drive. The government is already exploring further enhancements:
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Integration with DigiLocker and Mobile ID platforms
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Compatibility with facial recognition-based airport entry
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Linking passports with National Digital Identity for travel verification
As smart airports, digital visa systems, and AI-powered immigration continue to evolve, e-Passports will be at the heart of India’s seamless border experience.
Conclusion
The launch of E-Passports Launched in India marks a significant step forward in enhancing security, improving international mobility, and aligning with global standards. With embedded biometric data, encrypted security features, and faster processing at immigration, e-Passports offer a smarter and more secure travel experience for every Indian citizen.
If you’re applying for a new passport or planning a renewal, now is the right time to make the switch. The application process remains simple, fees are unchanged, and the benefits are many.
Prepare for faster, safer, and smarter global travel—your new e-Passport is your digital gateway to the world.
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