India’s New ePassport Explained: What the Chip-Enabled Passport Is, Features, Benefits and How To Apply

India is rolling out chip-enabled ePassports across the country, marking one of the biggest upgrades to the travel document in years. Travellers applying for a fresh passport or reissue may now receive this new version, which combines the familiar paper booklet with advanced digital security features.

The application process itself remains unchanged. However, the technology embedded inside the passport is designed to make identity verification faster and more secure at border checkpoints worldwide.

What Is An ePassport

An ePassport is essentially a combination of a conventional paper passport and an electronic travel document. It contains a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and an antenna embedded within the booklet. How To Apply for a Passport Online: Step-by-Step Guide Ahead of July 1 Fee Hike.

This chip securely stores the passport holder's personal details and biometric information. The same data printed on the passport's data page is also stored digitally and protected within the chip.

Travellers can identify an ePassport by a small gold-coloured symbol printed on the front cover of the booklet.

How It Improves Security

The biggest advantage of the ePassport is the added layer of security around traveller information. Because the holder's details exist both in print and in digital form on the chip, immigration officials can cross-check the two to verify identity and reduce the risk of tampering, forgery or fraudulent use. Indian Passport Price Hike: Revised Normal and Tatkal Fees Announced for 2026; Check New Rates Here.

The security framework behind the system is based on Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) technology. This protects the personal and biometric data stored on the chip while allowing authorities to verify the integrity and origin of the information.

How To Use It While Travelling

Despite the advanced technology, using an ePassport is no different from using a regular one. At immigration counters or automated e-gates, travellers simply place or tap their passport on a compatible scanner.

The embedded chip then communicates securely with the immigration system, helping officials verify identity. This can speed up processing at airports equipped with automated systems.

Is It Mandatory

No. The Government of India has clarified that existing passport holders are not required to switch to an ePassport. All passports already issued will remain valid until their expiry date.

Citizens will receive an ePassport only when they apply for a fresh passport or a reissue, and only if their Passport Office has been technically enabled to issue the new chip-based version.

How To Apply

The process for obtaining an ePassport is the same as applying for a regular one. Applicants need to:

• Register on the Passport Seva Online Portal
• Complete the application form for a fresh passport or reissue
• Pay the applicable fee online
• Schedule an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK)
• Visit the centre for document verification and biometric data collection

If the applicant's Passport Office is enabled for ePassport issuance, the chip-based passport will be issued automatically as part of the standard process.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 26, 2026 11:07 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).