Key Takeaways:
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e-Passports contain a chip with biometric data, providing higher security and reducing chances of forgery and fraud.
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e-passports enable quicker immigration checks through electronic scanning, minimizing wait times.
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Applicants need proof of residence, age, and specific documents for re-issuance to apply for an e-passport.
India’s new e-passports will feature embedded microchips containing biometric data to enhance security and streamline immigration checks. Issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, these digital passports will comply with international standards, reducing the risk of tampering and fraud. With advanced RFID and encryption technologies, e-passports promise faster verification at airports and more secure travel for Indian citizens.
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What is an e-Passport, India?
e-passport or digital passport is an official document issued by the Ministry of External Affairs. This is an electronically-enabled passport that contains a chip holding all the biometric information such as name, date of birth and other pertinent information of the passport holder.
e-passport was launched in 2008, with chips being added in recent years. This digitization of a passport enhances the transparency of the document enabling a smooth and convenient travel experience.
Benefits of e-Passport
- Enhanced Integrity of Data: The data in ePassports is printed in the form on the booklet. It also has a digitally signed chip which has the ability to be authenticated by immigration officials globally. This technology helps in safeguarding the passport from forgery, and potential fraudulent activities like fake passports
- Security: Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is used as a solution in ePassports to the security questions. It safeguards sensitive information and confirms the integrity and origin of the personal and biometric data stored on the chip within the ePassport.
- Cuts the Que: You no longer need to stand in long check in queues, the e-passport can be scanned enabling a faster immigration process.
- Permanency: Data stored in an e-passport can never be deleted. You can access your data for both domestic and international travel, which makes this a secure and efficient document.
Features of this Digital Indian Passport
In comparison to the regular passport, an e-passport has more than 40 exciting features to create a safe travel experience for the passport holder. Let’s understand a few major advancements.
- Embedded microchip: This chip is embedded in the digital passport to store data up till 64 kilobytes. The data may include biometric, personal and demographic information of the holder.
- Digitized information: Biometric information like fingerprints of all the 10 fingers, iris scan, digital signature, color photograph of the passport holder.
- Antenna: an antenna embedded as an inlay of passport that contains the personal particulars and biometric information of the passport holder.
Difference Between Regular Passport and an e-Passport
| Feature | Regular | E-passport |
|---|---|---|
| Physical feature | A standard book consisting of papers | An e-passport has an embedded chip in it. |
| Information stored | Basic information of the passport holder | Contains biometric information such as fingerprints, iris scan etc. |
| Check-in methods | Needs to be checked manually | Has a ease to be checked electronically |
| Data Privacy | Comparatively less integrated. Chances of fraudulent activities are higher | Ensures high-end security technology and convenience at the same time. |
How to Get e-Passport in India?
If you’ve ever wondered how to get an e-passport, following is a step-by-step process guide for you:
- Step 1: Go to the official website of Passport Seva Portal.
- Step 2: If you are registering for the first time, click on ‘New User Registration’. If already registered, login through your credentials.
- Step 3: Once logged in, choose between ‘Apply for fresh passport’ and ‘Re-issuance of passport’
- Step 4: Fill in the asked details with documents as required and submit your application.
- Step 5: Make the payment to schedule your appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra.
- Step 6: Do not forget to carry the printed acknowledgement while you visit the Passport Seva Kendra, you can alternatively also use the SMS sent to you for verification.
How to Locate E-Passport Seva Kendra?
To locate the nearest Passport Seva Kendra you can:
- Call on 1800-258-1800 or
- Visit the official national website and search “Seva Kendra”. Further select your PIN Code or City in order to locate Passport Seva Kendra.
Documents Required to Apply for an E-Passport
In order to apply for an e-passport, following are the required documents one needs to have:
- Residential address proof: Documents like rent agreement, water bill, telephone bill, electricity bill, gas connection, Aadhaar card and active bank account passbook. All the applicants should be able to provide information regarding the location they have lived in the last year.
- Proof of age: Birth Certificate, Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, valid driving license, and applicant’s life insurance plan.
- Documents required for re-issuance: Current passport’s first page and last page copy, observation page copy, non-ECR or ECR page copy, and original passport.
How to Download e-Passport in India?
The procedure to download an e-passport download is not yet available in India. However, you can upload scanned copies of your passport to Digilocker and download them from there.
Disclaimer: This blog is written to make it easy for readers to understand complicated processes. Some information and screenshots may be outdated as government processes can change anytime without notification. However, we try our best to keep our blogs updated and relevant.
