India Rolls Out e-Passports Nationwide — How to Apply, Eligibility, and Key Benefits Explained

Marking the 13th Passport Seva Divas, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar acknowledged the efforts of passport officials across India and abroad, and announced a major leap in the passport system with the nationwide launch of e-Passports.

“Seva, Sushasan and Garib Kalyan are three key pillars of governance that would lead us to a Viksit Bharat. They are all reflected with prominence in our Passport Seva Programme,” Jaishankar stated in a post on X.

The rollout of Passport Seva Programme Version 2.0, equipped with advanced digital infrastructure and technologies, is aimed at improving transparency, security, and efficiency.

What is India’s E-Passport and Why It Matters

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar praised the e-Passport initiative as a major milestone, highlighting that its embedded contactless chip technology enhances travel convenience and accelerates immigration processes.

e-Passports are biometrically secure and contain an embedded microchip that holds the passport holder’s data, making them tamper-proof and ICAO-compliant.

How to Apply for an E-Passport Online in India

To apply for an e-passport, follow these instructions using the official Passport Seva Portal:

Step-by-Step Process

1. Visit the Passport Seva Website

   • Navigate to the official Passport Seva Portal.

2. Register or Log In

   • New users must create an account; existing users can log in using their credentials.

3. Complete the Online Application

   • Fill in all necessary personal and travel details carefully.

4. Select Your Service Location

   • Choose a nearby Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).

5. Pay the Application Fee

   • Submit the required fee through online payment options.

6. Schedule an Appointment

   • Book a slot for biometric and document verification.

7. Visit the Centre for Biometric Capture

   • Attend your appointment at the selected center with necessary documents.

Key Features and Benefits of India’s E-Passport

Advanced Tech for Smarter Security

“Embedded Secure Chip: A microchip is built into the front cover to store critical data securely.”
“Biometric Details Included: Fingerprints, facial photograph, and iris scans are digitally stored.”
“Comprehensive Personal Data: Contains name, date of birth, passport ID, and other vital information.”
“Contactless Technology: Chip can be read without physical contact, ensuring quick and secure access.”
“Meets ICAO Norms: Fully compliant with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s global standards.”
“Enhanced Security: Significantly reduces the risk of forgery or duplication, strengthening document authenticity.”

Faster Police Verification With mPassport Police App

“He also highlighted the introduction of the mPassport Police App, which has brought down police verification time to just 5–7 days in 25 States and Union Territories.”

This app allows faster background checks and document verification, further streamlining the passport issuance process.

Conclusion 

The launch of India’s e-Passport marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward modernizing citizen services and ensuring global-standard travel documentation. Backed by Passport Seva Programme Version 2.0, the new digital passport is designed to offer enhanced security, speed, and efficiency through embedded contactless chip technology and biometric integration.

As highlighted by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, this development reflects the government’s commitment to Seva (Service), Sushasan (Good Governance), and Garib Kalyan (Welfare of the Poor)—the foundational pillars of a Viksit Bharat.

With the added support of the mPassport Police App, police verification timelines have significantly dropped to just 5–7 days in many regions, streamlining the application process even further.

As India aligns its passport infrastructure with ICAO international standards, citizens can now enjoy faster, safer, and smarter travel experiences. The e-passport initiative is a strong step forward in embracing a secure and digitized future for global mobility.