The Government of India has started the e-Passport service to further strengthen the security and identity of the citizens. Know about it? 
E-passport :-Do you have a passport? If not, the one you’ll get now won’t look like the old booklet-style paper passport. That’s because India has launched the e-passport, a major step forward in travel technology. This electronic passport is designed to enhance the security and identity verification process for Indian citizens.
Let’s take a closer look at what the e-passport is, how it works, who can get it, and how you can apply for it.
🔹 What is an e-Passport?
An e-passport (electronic passport) is just like your regular passport in appearance, but with a big tech upgrade. It contains an electronic microchip embedded in the cover, which securely stores your personal and biometric information, such as your name, date of birth, photo, fingerprints, and more.
The chip also includes a digital signature that helps prevent identity theft, forgery, and duplication of the passport. This new system ensures better security and faster processing at immigration counters worldwide.
🔹 When and Where Was It Launched?
The Indian government launched the e-passport as a pilot project on April 1, 2024, under the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0 by the Ministry of External Affairs.
As of now, the e-passport is available in selected cities like:
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Nagpur
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Bhubaneswar
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Jammu
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Goa
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Shimla
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Raipur
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Amritsar
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Jaipur
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Chennai
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Hyderabad
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Surat
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Ranchi
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Delhi
More cities will be added soon, and according to the ministry, e-passports will be available across India by mid-2025.
🔹 Why is an e-Passport Better?
Here’s what makes the e-passport smarter:
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✅ Faster immigration: Border officers can scan the chip to verify identity instantly, reducing waiting time.
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✅ Enhanced security: The chip is encrypted and protected through Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), which prevents unauthorized access or tampering.
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✅ Global compatibility: E-passports follow international standards, making travel smoother and more secure worldwide.
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✅ Fraud protection: It significantly reduces the chances of fake passports or identity theft.
🔹 Do You Need to Replace Your Old Passport?
No, there’s no urgent need to replace your existing passport if it’s still valid. Your current passport remains valid until its expiry. Once it expires, you can apply for a new e-passport. So, if your travel plans are coming up soon, don’t worry—you don’t have to rush for an upgrade.
🔹 How to Apply for an e-Passport?
You can apply for an e-passport just like a regular passport, but only through selected Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) or Regional Passport Offices (RPOs) where the service is currently available.
Follow these simple steps:
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Register on the official Passport Seva portal.
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Login using your registered ID.
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Click on “Apply for Fresh Passport / Re-issue of Passport.”
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Choose “Fresh” if you are applying for the first time.
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Choose “Re-issue” if you already have a passport and want a new one.
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Fill in the form and pay the online fee.
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Book an appointment at your preferred PSK or RPO.
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Save or print the application receipt, or show the SMS confirmation during your visit.
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On the appointment day, visit the center with your original documents.
The launch of e-passports is a major step in India’s move towards smart governance and digital transformation. With increased data protection, faster processing, and global acceptance, e-passports will make international travel safer and more efficient for Indian citizens.
So, if your passport is up for renewal, or you’re applying for the first time, you might just be holding a small piece of the future in your hands soon.