India Rolls Out Advanced e-Passport System: Eligibility, Application Steps, Fees, Benefits and Security Upgrades
A significant move towards modernisation of travel documentation has been made by India with the introduction of e-Passport which is a secure and technology based advancement of the conventional passport. The new e-Passport is designed to fulfill the needs of global standards of aviation and security and is embedded with an electronic chip, which holds the encrypted personal and biometric information. The purpose of this development is to ensure that the traveller safety is improved, that fraud is prevented, and that the borders can clear the immigrants faster. The existing Passport Seva system allows Indian citizens who seek a new passport or renewal to now apply for e-Passport, which has made the transition easy whilst providing much better security and efficiency.
What Is the e-Passport and How Does It Work?
E-Passport resembles a regular passport but has an RFID chip and an antenna inbuilt. This chip is a safe place for storing important information including the name, date of birth, photograph and biometrical details of the holder. This information can be verified by the immigration authorities within a short period through special readers making authentication faster and minimizing chances of identity theft or forgery of passports.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Any Indian citizen who is eligible to have a regular passport can apply for e-Passport.
- First time passport applicants.
- Applicants who have an expired passport.
- Reticketing because of change of personal details.
This has been rolled out in phases, and its availability is increasing in Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) within the country.
How to Apply for an e-Passport in India
The steps to apply for e-Passport are similar to those of the current passport:
- Create an account or log onto the Passport Seva portal.
- Complete online application form of new passport or renewal.
- Make payment and book an appointment online.
- Go to the chosen PSK or POPSK and verify the document and capture biometrics.
- The e-Passport is then printed and sent to your registered address after it has been properly processed.
Application Fees for e-Passport
The price of the e-Passport will be equivalent to that of a regular passport:
- ₹1,500 for a 36-page booklet
- ₹2,000 for a 60-page booklet
- There are other fees imposed on Tatkal or rush services.
This pricing will provide that we have enhanced security without the extra financial weight.
Key Benefits of the e-Passport
Enhanced Security
The sensitive data are stored in an encrypted chip, the duplication or manipulation of data is quite impossible.
Faster Immigration Clearance
Through automation of data reading, faster processing is achieved at airports that have e-gates.
Global Compatibility
The e-Passport is also in line with the international aviation standards making it accepted and easy to travel across the globe.
Future-Ready Travel
The e-Passport places Indian travellers in a good position to travel easily as more countries embrace the digital border control systems.
How Is It Different from a Regular Passport?
Whereas the conventional passport uses print, the e-Passport provides an additional level of security by biometric verification. This guarantees greater legitimacy checks and prevents the possibility of abuse.
