Synopsis: India has officially implemented the e-passport system nationwide, with all regional offices now issuing RFID chip-enabled passports. This transition is expected to streamline verification and boost data security. Existing passports remain valid until expiry.
India has officially entered the era of e-passports. Starting on May 26, all regional passport offices across the country, including those in Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata, will issue only e-passports to new applicants and those renewing their documents.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is
expected to make a formal announcement soon, confirming the nation’s complete
shift to the e-passport system. Existing passports will remain valid until
their expiry date.
The Ministry of External Affairs
initially launched the e-passport system on a pilot basis in Bhubaneswar and
Nagpur last November, under the Passport Seva 2.0 initiative. The full rollout
began on April 1 this year. In Kerala, all regional passport offices have
already started issuing e-passports.
E-passports are embedded with a
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip, which stores both personal and
biometric information. A golden chip icon is printed on the cover page, and the
information stored within the chip is also printed on the passport's pages.
The e-passport aims to simplify
verification and immigration processes at airports and international borders.
It is designed to enhance security, prevent fraud, and protect the passport
holder’s data.
Notably, Tamil Nadu played a key
role during the trial phase of e-passports. In Chennai, the process started on
March 3, 2025, and by March 22 the state had already issued
20,729 e-passports. This quick adoption showed how ready the system was for a
full rollout.
The new e-passports include strong encryption and multi-layer security features. These technologies help protect your personal details from online threats and keep your identity safe from misuse or duplication.
Since India’s e-passports follow
international standards set by the ICAO, travellers can expect smoother and
quicker identity checks at airports, easier use of e-gates, and faster visa
processing when traveling
