India has officially started issuing biometric e-passports in 12 cities as part of a major push to modernise travel documentation. These next-gen passports come embedded with RFID chips and advanced biometric data, promising faster, safer, and more convenient international travel.

This digital upgrade, rolled out under the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0, began on April 1, 2024, and is now live at select Regional Passport Offices (RPOs) across India.

Where Are e-Passports Being Issued?

The initiative launched as a pilot on April 1, 2024, across 12 cities in India, including both major urban centres and key regional hubs. Indian citizens in these cities can now apply for e-passports: 

1. Chennai
2. Jaipur
3. Hyderabad
4. Nagpur
5. Amritsar
6. Goa
7. Bhubaneswar
8. Jammu
9. Shimla
10. Raipur
11. Surat
12. Ranchi

Among these, Chennai in Tamil Nadu has been a standout early adopter. The Chennai RPO began issuing e-passports on March 3, 2025, and had already distributed over 20,700 passports by March 22.

What Is an e-Passport and How Is It Different?

An e-passport looks like a regular passport but comes with embedded technology that stores:

• Digitally encrypted biometric information (fingerprints, iris scans)
• A digitised photograph
• Demographic details like name, DOB, and passport number

These are stored on a secure Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip, protected by digital encryption. This dual-layered security system makes it extremely difficult to forge or tamper with the document.

Moreover, India’s e-passports conform to ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) standards, ensuring they are recognised globally at automated immigration gates and smart border control systems.

Key Benefits for Indian Travellers

The new biometric e-passports offer several significant advantages:

• Faster immigration clearance at international airports
• Automated identity verification, reducing manual errors
• Stronger protection against passport fraud or misuse
• Global compatibility with smart border systems
• Reduced waiting times at immigration counters

For frequent flyers, these improvements translate to a smoother airport experience and added peace of mind.

India’s Broader Digital Vision

The e-passport initiative is a key component of India’s digital transformation of citizen services. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, this project aims to bring India in line with international best practices in travel documentation.

Authorities have confirmed that the full-scale rollout will continue throughout 2025, gradually expanding to Tier-II and Tier-III cities. As part of the implementation, passport offices are being upgraded, and staff are undergoing specialised training.

“We are focusing on infrastructure and training in pilot cities to ensure a seamless rollout. The goal is to enhance both security and traveller convenience,” said a senior official from the Ministry.

How to Apply for an e-Passport

Travellers in the pilot cities can now choose an e-passport option while applying for a new passport or renewal. The process remains largely the same as regular passport applications, with added biometric collection during appointment visits.

👉 Applicants should:

• Visit Passport Seva Portal
• Select their RPO and appointment slot
• Complete biometric and document verification at the passport office
• Choose the e-passport option during the application

Final Thoughts

India’s move to introduce e-passports marks a significant milestone in travel security and digital innovation. With streamlined immigration and global acceptance, e-passports are set to redefine how Indian citizens travel internationally.

As the rollout continues across the country, now is the perfect time for travellers in pilot cities to upgrade to this high-tech passport and enjoy its many benefits.

Source: travelobiz.com

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