India has started a new passport for international travellers – the chip-based e-passport. This move will give more safety to people’s personal and travel details. The Ministry of External Affairs has launched this modern passport under the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0.
The e-passport combines electronic technology with the regular passport format. It looks just like a normal passport but has a golden-coloured symbol on the cover. That symbol means it has an electronic chip installed.
Where Has India Started Giving E-Passports?
The chip-based passport service has already started in 12 regional passport offices. These include:
- Nagpur
- Bhubaneswar
- Jammu
- Goa
- Shimla
- Raipur
- Amritsar
- Jaipur
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Surat
- Ranchi
In Tamil Nadu, the e-passport facility started on 3 March 2025 from the Chennai passport office. By 22 March 2025, over 20,700 e-passports had already been issued in the state. The government plans to expand the service to more passport offices in other cities.
What Is Special in the Chip-Based E-Passport?
The e-passport has a small chip and antenna fitted inside the front cover. This chip stores all your essential details, like name, photo, date of birth, and fingerprint data.
It uses RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) technology. These technologies protect your data and confirm your identity. Airport staff can easily scan the chip at immigration counters.
This makes border checks faster and safer. It also reduces the risk of fake passports and travel fraud. Because the chip holds your biometric data, it is hard to copy or misuse.
Do You Need to Take an E-Passport Now?
No, getting a chip-based e-passport is not compulsory yet. The Indian government has said that all normal passports will remain valid until expiration. You can apply for an e-passport when your current passport is due for renewal or if you are applying for a new one.
If you travel abroad often, the e-passport can save time and improve safety during international travel. But even if you don’t switch now, you can continue using your existing passport.
Important Notes for Travellers
- The e-passport looks like a regular passport from the outside.
- It will be more useful during immigration checks abroad.
- The chip makes it easier to identify the passport holder.
- All your information is stored in a digital format on the chip.
This new passport service is part of India’s larger plan to modernise travel and improve security for global travellers.
Disclaimer: E-passport is optional and not required for all Indian passport holders. Always check with the official passport authority for the latest updates.
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, Passport Seva Programme
