Union External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar recently announced the nationwide launch of the e-passport initiative under the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) 2.0. The project, which began as a pilot in select cities, is now expanding across the country as part of the government’s vision for a more digital and efficient travel experience.
“In line with the Government of India’s commitment to deliver the next level of citizen-centric service, I am delighted to inform that we have rolled out PSP V2.0 across the country. This would leverage advanced, high-end emerging technologies,” said Dr. Jaishankar.
He also extended greetings to Passport Authorities in India and abroad on the 13th Passport Seva Divas, appreciating their work under the principles of Seva, Sushasan, and Garib Kalyan.
What Is an E-Passport?
An e-passport, or electronic passport, is a modern version of the traditional passport. It comes with an embedded electronic chip that stores personal and biometric information. This helps improve security and speeds up identity verification at airports.
How Does It Work?
- The e-passport includes:
- A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip
- An antenna built into the cover
- Biometric and personal details like name, date of birth, photo, and fingerprints
- You can recognize an e-passport by the small gold-colored symbol printed below the front cover.
How to Apply for an E-Passport?
To get an e-passport, follow these steps:
- Visit the official Passport Seva website.
- Register (if new) or log in (if existing user).
- Fill in the e-passport application form.
- Schedule an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
- Pay the required fee.
- Visit the centre on the scheduled date for biometric data collection and document verification.
Key Benefits of E-Passports
- Improved Security: The embedded chip stores secure, encrypted data including your biometric details.
- Tamper-Proof: Harder to forge or duplicate due to chip encryption.
- Quick Verification: Contactless chip scanning makes immigration checks faster.
- Globally Accepted: Compliant with international travel standards for smoother global travel.