E-Passport Launch: How to apply for e-passport, what are its benefits, how different is it from the old one?
The e-passport, or electronic passport, has officially launched in India. From arriving at the airport to flying and landing in other countries, this passport will not only save you time but also reduce hassle. The central government has introduced this to simplify and modernize the documentation system related to air travel. It is considered a significant change in terms of security and international standards.
What is an e-passport, what are its features, how is it different from a traditional passport, how to apply for it, and what are its benefits? We are going to answer all these questions below, which will be very useful for you.
What is an e-passport?
An e-passport looks similar to a traditional passport, but it has an electronic chip embedded in the back cover. This chip stores all the passport holder's personal and biometric information, such as name, date of birth, photograph, fingerprints, and digital signature.
The most significant advantage of this chip-based technology is that the information printed on the passport matches the data contained in the chip. This makes tampering or counterfeiting virtually impossible.
Gold Symbol Makes It Unique
A small gold symbol on the cover of the e-passport makes it unique. This gold symbol distinguishes it from a standard passport.
Immigration officers at the airport can scan this chip and verify a passenger's identity within seconds, reducing waiting in long queues.
How does an e-passport work?
The e-passport contains an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chip and antenna embedded in the inlay. This chip stores the passport holder's personal and biometric information. As soon as the passport is scanned at the airport, all the information is instantly transmitted to the system through the chip. This process is completely contactless, meaning there's no need to flip through the pages of the passport or scan a barcode.
Who can apply?
Every Indian citizen who is eligible to obtain an e-passport is eligible to apply. However, this facility is currently available only at select Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) across the country.
Before applying, you'll need to confirm whether the e-passport service has been launched at your nearest center.
The government is working on a plan to gradually expand this facility across the country so that both new applicants and those renewing old passports can benefit from this technology.
E-passport Application Process | How to Apply
First, visit the Passport Seva Portal and log in.
If you're a new user, you'll need to sign up. Your account will be created.
Fill out the e-passport application form and schedule an appointment at the nearest PSK or POPSK.
You can pay the prescribed fee online.
Arrive at the center at the appointed time, as per your appointment.
Complete the biometric and document verification process at the Passport Seva Kendra.
What are the benefits of an e-passport?
1. Enhanced Security: The chip in the e-passport is equipped with secure encryption, storing information such as name, passport number, date of birth, photograph, and fingerprints. This makes data theft or counterfeiting virtually impossible.
2. Tamper-Proof: The technology used prevents any copying or alteration.
3. Faster Immigration: Immigration officials can access all the information on the scanner without opening the passport, significantly speeding up the passenger clearance process.
4. Global Compatibility: E-passports comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. Therefore, these passports will be acceptable in almost all countries of the world.
Why is an e-passport important for the future?
The rollout of e-passports in India is not just a technological improvement but a major step towards a digital travel ecosystem. This step will further strengthen the global acceptance of Indian passports.
Most importantly, the chip-based system will virtually eliminate the risk of identity theft and passport duplication. This will also ensure the safety of Indian travelers.
Experts say that when this service is implemented nationwide, it will increase both transparency and speed in foreign travel processes.
E-passports are being touted as an important milestone in the country's digital journey. It is being said that this facility will soon be available in every Passport Seva Kendra, marking the beginning of a new era of "smart travel and secure identity."
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from NDTV India. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
