India has officially launched e-passports with the goal of improving travel document security and identity verification. This next-generation passport combines modern technology like RFID chips and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to deliver stronger data protection and prevent fraud.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the e-passport initiative is currently being rolled out as part of a pilot program under Passport Seva 2.0, which went into effect on April 1, 2024.
Where Are E-Passports Available Right Now?
In the first phase, e-passport issuance has begun in select cities, including:
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Nagpur
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Bhubaneshwar
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Jammu
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Goa
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Shimla
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Raipur
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Amritsar
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Jaipur
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Chennai
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Hyderabad
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Surat
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Ranchi
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Delhi
In Tamil Nadu, the Regional Passport Office in Chennai began issuing e-passports on March 3, 2025. As of March 22, over 20,729 e-passports have already been distributed in the state.
The government plans to extend the service to all passport offices across India by mid-2025.
What Makes an E-Passport Different?
An e-passport looks similar to a regular passport but includes a gold-colored symbol on the front cover that indicates it has an embedded RFID chip and antenna.
Key features:
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Stores biometric and personal information digitally
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Uses PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) for encryption, which ensures authenticity and security of the data
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Can be scanned electronically at immigration for faster verification
Why E-Passports Are a Big Deal
The use of RFID and PKI technology significantly boosts the security of personal data. It reduces the chances of:
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Passport forgery
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Tampering or alterations
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Identity theft and other fraudulent activities
Essentially, it’s a digitally enhanced passport that ensures safer international travel and smoother border control processes.
Do You Have to Switch to an E-Passport?
No—existing passports will continue to remain valid until their expiry date. There’s no requirement to immediately switch to an e-passport. However, new applicants or those renewing their passports may receive the updated version based on availability in their region.
Final Thoughts
The launch of e-passports marks a major step forward in modernizing India’s travel infrastructure. As the system expands nationwide, more travelers will benefit from faster, safer, and smarter international travel experiences.