With an e-passport, you can avoid long queues at immigration counters

The e-passport, originally introduced by Malaysia in 1998, has now been launched in India. As the name implies, an e-passport is an electronic version of a traditional passport, featuring an embedded electronic chip that is packed with numerous advantages. Read more about these features below.

An e-passport, also known as a biometric passport or a digital passport, was first issued by Malaysia in 1998. By 2019, over 150 countries started issuing digital passports.

In India, the e-passport was introduced by the Ministry of External Affairs in April 2024, as part of a pilot phase. The passport carries a small electronic chip that stores a traveller's personal and biometric details, such as fingerprints and facial data. The document resembles a traditional passport but can be identified by a distinctive gold emblem on the cover.

The primary advantage of an e-passport is the enhanced security it provides. Inside the passport, there is a small electronic chip that digitally stores your personal information and biometric data, such as your fingerprint and photo. This feature makes it nearly impossible for anyone to misuse your passport. When the e-passport is scanned at an airport, the chip's digital data is verified against the printed information.

Another significant benefit is quicker immigration checks. When you travel abroad, airport systems can easily scan the chip to confirm your identity. This results in shorter wait times and faster clearance at immigration counters.

The Indian e-passport follows the same modern rules and technology used by over 120 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan. So, Indian travellers can expect smoother entry and exit in foreign airports that already use this technology.

Apart from that, e-passports can also make future renewals or updates to your details easier.

The e-passport is available to all Indian citizens who qualify for a regular passport. However, the service is currently limited to select Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs). Expansion is planned nationwide in phases.

You need to apply for an e-passport in the same way you apply for a regular one. Applicants must register on the Passport Seva portal, fill out the online form, pay the fee, and visit their selected PSK or POPSK for biometric verification.

e-Passport launches in India: Application process, benefits & everything else you need to know