India rolls out chip-enabled e-passports: Is it mandatory and when should you apply?

As India rolled out e-passports in a select few cities, many travellers are wondering whether it is mandatory to update it right now as the new chapter in travel security and efficiency will have many benefits for every person travelling abroad on holiday or for work.

When were e-passports rolled out in India

India officially started its journey into the age of digital travel with a phased introduction of chip-enabled e-passports

designed to enhance security, reduce immigration processing time, and align with international standards. The new passports mark a significant upgrade from the traditional booklet-style documents.

The initiative was launched under the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) 2.0 on April 1, 2024 and is currently being piloted in passport offices across cities including Chennai, Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar, Surat, Nagpur, Goa, Shimla, Raipur, Amritsar, Jaipur and Ranchi. The government aims to extend the facility across the country.

What is an e-passport?

An Indian e-passport combines the conventional paper booklet with an embedded Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and antenna. This chip securely stores the holder’s biometric data, such as fingerprints and a photograph, along with personal details. The presence of a gold-coloured insignia on the front cover of the passport distinguishes e-passports from standard ones.

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How to apply for an e-passport

Applicants can follow the existing online procedure via the Passport Seva website. If applying in a region where the e-passport rollout has begun, the chip-enabled document will be issued as part of the normal application or renewal process. Nationwide expansion is expected in the coming months.

The rollout of e-passports highlights will modernise travel infrastructure and safeguard citizens in an increasingly connected world. As adoption expands, Indian travellers can look to a future of seamless and secure international mobility.

E-passports bring a host of benefits to Indian travellers, like enhanced security as the embedded chip carries digitally signed biometric data protected by public key infrastructure. This security framework has now reduced the chance of forgery or data manipulation.

It will also streamline immigration along with enabling contactless identity verification at border controls, reducing wait times and simplifying the immigration process. One of the most significant features is global compatibility as it is built in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.

Do you have to replace your current booklet passport?

As of now, there is no requirement for existing passport holders to upgrade to an e-passport. Traditional passports will remain valid until their date of expiry. However, new applicants and those applying for renewals in designated cities may receive e-passports as part of the application process.

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