What Is an E-Passport in India? A Complete 2026 Guide for Travellers
What Is an e-Passport in India? Complete Guide (2025)
India is upgrading its passport system with the introduction of the e-passport, a modern travel document containing an embedded electronic chip that enhances security, speeds up immigration, and aligns with global biometric standards. If you are planning international travel or renewing your passport soon, understanding the e-passport is essential.
Is e-Passport Launched in India?
India officially began issuing e-passports as part of the Passport Seva Programme 2.0. The rollout started in selected cities and is being expanded in phases across the country. As of 2025, e-passports are being issued for new passport applications and renewals in multiple passport offices, with nationwide coverage expected progressively.
This guide explains what an e-passport is, how it works, its benefits, how to apply, and what Indian travellers should expect in 2025.
Use the table of contents below to quickly navigate specific questions about e-passports in India.
Table of Contents
- What Is an E-Passport?
- How Does an E-Passport Work?
- E-Passport vs Normal Passport
- Benefits of an E-Passport
- How to Apply for an E-Passport in India
- Who Can Get an E-Passport?
- What Information Is Stored in the Chip?
- Is an E-Passport Mandatory?
- Do You Need a Special Cover for E-Passports?
- RFID-Safe Passport Covers for E-Passports
- FAQs About E-Passports in India
What Is an E-Passport?
An e-passport (electronic passport or biometric passport) is a traditional passport booklet enhanced with a secure RFID microchip embedded inside the back cover. This chip stores the holder’s biometric information, personal details, and a digital signature, making the passport significantly more secure and globally interoperable.
E-passports follow the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards used by more than 120 countries worldwide.
According to guidelines published by the Ministry of External Affairs under the Passport Seva Programme 2.0, e-passports are designed to meet international ICAO security standards.
How Does an E-Passport Work?
E-passports use contactless RFID technology to communicate with authorised immigration scanners.
Here is how the process works:
- The traveller places the passport on the biometric scanner.
- The RFID chip transmits encrypted data to the system.
- Live biometric verification (facial match/fingerprints) confirms identity.
- The system checks the digital signature to ensure the passport has not been tampered with.
This entire process takes only a few seconds and reduces manual checks.
E-Passport vs Normal Passport
| Feature | Normal Passport | E-Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Embedded chip | No | Yes (RFID microchip) |
| Biometric storage | No | Yes |
| Immigration speed | Manual checks | Faster, automated gates |
| Security level | Standard | High, digital encryption |
| Global compliance | Basic | ICAO-compliant |
E-passports offer strong identity protection and significantly faster international clearance, especially at airports with automated kiosks.
Benefits of an E-Passport
1. Enhanced Security
Encrypted biometric data reduces the risk of forgery, identity theft, and document tampering.
2. Faster Immigration
Many countries offer automated e-gates for biometric passports, reducing waiting times.
3. International Compatibility
E-passports meet global ICAO standards, ensuring smoother travel to most countries.
4. Accurate Identity Verification
Biometric matching ensures only the rightful holder can use the passport.
5. Future-Ready Travel
As airports adopt digital border control systems, e-passports will integrate seamlessly.
How to Apply for an E-Passport in India
Applying for an e-passport follows the same process as applying for a normal Indian passport.
Step-by-Step Process
- Visit the Passport Seva website or mobile app.
- Register/sign in and fill out the application form.
- Upload documents and pay the applicable fee.
- Book an appointment at a PSK or POPSK.
- Visit the centre for photograph and biometrics.
- Await police verification (if required).
- Receive your e-passport by post.
Rollout of e-passports is being expanded under the Passport Seva Programme 2.0.
Who Can Get an E-Passport?
Any Indian citizen eligible for a passport can receive an e-passport, provided their local passport office has begun issuing them. E-passports are being rolled out city by city across India.
What Information Is Stored in the Chip?
The RFID chip contains:
- The holder’s full name
- Date of birth
- Passport number
- Digital photograph
- Biometric identifiers
- Passport issue and expiry dates
- A secure digital signature
Only authorised systems can read this data.
Is an E-Passport Mandatory?
No.
Your existing passport remains valid until its original expiry date.
However, new passports issued in participating cities will automatically be e-passports.
Do You Need a Special Cover for E-Passports?
Because e-passports contain a sensitive RFID chip, it is advisable to:
- Prevent bending of the back cover
- Avoid exposure to moisture
- Protect the chip from unnecessary wear
- Reduce accidental RFID scanning attempts
Using a protective, chip-safe cover helps preserve the durability and functionality of an e-passport.
RFID-Safe Passport Covers for E-Passports
While the article above remains purely informational, travellers should note that e-passports require careful handling due to the embedded chip.
To support this shift, TPC Gifts has introduced RFID-safe passport covers designed to protect the microchip from bending, damage, and unauthorised scanning. These covers are crafted from durable materials, provide structured chip protection, and can be personalised with your name.
Explore RFID-safe passport covers
FAQs About E-Passports in India
1. What is an e-passport?
An e-passport is a biometric passport containing an embedded RFID chip that securely stores personal and biometric information.
2. Is an e-passport more secure than a normal passport?
Yes. E-passports use encryption and biometric verification, making them more resistant to forgery, tampering, and identity theft.
3. How do I know if my passport is an e-passport?
Look for the biometric symbol (a small gold square with a circle) on the cover.
4. Can I still use my normal passport?
Yes, traditional passports remain valid until they expire.
5. Is there an extra fee for an e-passport?
As of now, the fee for an e-passport is the same as a normal passport.
6. Do I need to apply differently to get an e-passport?
No. The application process is identical; issuance depends on whether your passport office offers e-passports.
7. Is e-passport mandatory in India?
No. Existing passports remain valid until expiry. E-passports are issued automatically where available.
8. Which cities issue e-passports in India?
E-passports are currently issued in select cities as part of a phased rollout. Availability depends on the local passport office.
9. Can I upgrade my old passport to an e-passport?
No upgrade is required. You will receive an e-passport when you apply for renewal or reissue in a participating city.
10. Is e-passport required for international travel?
No. A regular passport remains valid for international travel.
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