Introducing India's Biometric E-Passports

India is ushering in a new era of travel documentation with the rollout of chip-enabled biometric e-passports. This significant upgrade aims to enhance security, streamline immigration processes, and align with international standards.

✈️ Introducing India's Biometric E-Passports

As part of the Passport Seva Programme 2.0, India has initiated the issuance of e-passports embedded with RFID chips. These chips securely store the holder's biometric and personal data, including photographs, fingerprints, passport numbers, and dates of birth. The data is encrypted and protected by global security standards such as Basic Access Control (BAC) and Extended Access Control (EAC).

🛡️ Enhanced Security Features

• RFID Chip Integration: Each e-passport contains an RFID chip that stores encrypted biometric data, making it difficult to forge or tamper with.

• Global Compliance: The e-passports adhere to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, facilitating smoother international travel .

• Faster Immigration: The embedded chip allows for quicker identity verification at immigration checkpoints, reducing wait times and enhancing traveler convenience.

  
  

🌍 Nationwide Rollout

The e-passport initiative began with a pilot program in April 2024 and has since expanded to 13 cities, including Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Jammu, Goa, Shimla, Raipur, Amritsar, Jaipur, Chennai, Hyderabad, Surat, Ranchi, and Delhi. A nationwide rollout is planned by mid-2025 .

📝 Application Process

The application process for e-passports remains unchanged. Applicants can apply through the Passport Seva Portal or the mPassport Seva mobile app. Biometric data will be collected at local passport centers during the application process .

🔄 Transition for Existing Passport Holders

Current passport holders are not required to replace their existing passports immediately. The traditional passports will remain valid until their expiration dates. Upon renewal, applicants will receive the new e-passport if their local passport office is equipped to issue them .

🌟 Benefits of E-Passports

• Enhanced Security: The encrypted biometric data reduces the risk of identity theft and unauthorized access.

• Efficiency: Faster processing at immigration checkpoints leads to reduced wait times.

• Global Acceptance: Compliance with international standards ensures smoother travel across countries that recognize e-passports.

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India's move towards biometric e-passports marks a significant step in modernizing travel documentation, offering enhanced security and convenience for its citizens.