India has begun the national rollout of chip-based ePassports. The aim is to improve passport security and travel convenience for millions of Indian citizens. The next-generation ePassports have embedded RFID chips and antennas. This makes them more difficult to fake and easier to verify when crossing international borders.
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What is an E-passport?
ePassport, or an electronic passport, looks like a normal passport. However, it contains a small chip inside the back cover. This chip stores biometric and personal data, including the owner’s photo, in an encrypted format. It offers dual-layer security, both physical and digital.
The passports comply with International Civil Aviation Organisation standards and can therefore be easily verified by automated systems in airports all over the world.
Immigration & Security: Faster & Stronger
enhanced security is one of the most significant benefits of e-passports with chips. The chip’s encrypted data makes it more difficult for fraudsters and counterfeiters to alter or duplicate the document.
Automated border-control systems are now able to read ePassports instantly. This helps speed up the immigration queues for travellers and reduces wait times.
Pilot Phase and National Expansion
India started testing ePassports under the Passport Seva Programme Version 2.0. The pilot project began on April 1st, 2024, in 12 cities.
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Jaipur
- Nagpur
- Amritsar
- Goa
- Bhubaneswar
- Jammu
- Shimla
- Raipur
- Surat
- Ranchi
The first ePassport in Tamil Nadu was issued by the Chennai Regional Passport Office on March 3, 2025. By March 22, the state had issued more than 20,700 electronic passports. This reflects a growing public interest in the project and smooth implementation.
What’s Next?
As more passport offices upgrade with the necessary technology and train staff, the national rollout for chip-based electronic passports will continue through 2025.
The Ministry of External Affairs is working hard to equip all Regional Passport Offices and Passport Seva Kendras to seamlessly issue ePassports.
Why it matters for Indian travellers
- Travelling internationally with less risk of identity theft
- Immigration counters can now process faster thanks to the machine-readable chips
- Indian ePassports comply with international standards
- More convenience for frequent travellers and business travellers
Final Thoughts
The launch of electronic passports is a significant step in modernising India’s passport system. Enhanced safety features as well as technology-driven convenience, will allow Indian citizens to enjoy a safer and quicker travel experience.
Check if you need to renew your passport. Your next one could be an electronic passport.
