E-Passport in India 2025: Complete Guide on Application, Eligibility, Benefits, Fees, and Key Facts You Must Know

Oct 12, 2025

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India has officially entered a new era of secure international travel with the launch of E-Passports — a smart, chip-embedded document designed to enhance both convenience and security for Indian citizens. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in collaboration with the India Security Press, Nashik, is rolling out these biometric passports nationwide.
The initiative aligns with the government’s “Digital India” and “Smart Governance” missions, aiming to modernize the traditional passport system that has been in use for decades.

What Is an E-Passport?

An E-Passport (also known as a biometric passport) is a physical booklet passport with an embedded electronic chip. This chip securely stores the holder’s biometric and demographic data — including fingerprints, facial image, and personal details like name, date of birth, and passport number.

The chip conforms to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, ensuring compatibility with global e-gate systems at international airports.

Key Technical Features

Feature	Description
Embedded Microchip	Stores personal and biometric information encrypted within a secure RFID chip.
ICAO Compliance	Follows international standards for biometric passports, allowing worldwide recognition.
Tamper Detection	Chip and booklet are designed to show evidence of tampering if altered or opened.
Fast Data Verification	Enables automated e-gates and machine-readable validation for faster immigration.
Durability	Advanced polycarbonate data page reduces wear and tear compared to paper pages.

Why India Introduced E-Passports

The concept was first tested in 2019 for diplomatic and official passports. After successful trials, a full-scale implementation began in April 2024, starting with selected Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) across metro cities such as Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Jaipur, and Nagpur.

The main objectives behind this initiative are:

Enhance passport security using biometric verification.
Speed up immigration clearance at airports.
Reduce cases of passport fraud and duplication.
Improve alignment with global travel standards to ease movement of Indian citizens abroad.

Who Can Apply for an E-Passport in India (2025)

Every Indian citizen eligible for a passport can apply for an E-Passport. However, issuance currently depends on the availability of e-passport infrastructure in your regional office.

Eligibility Conditions:

Any Indian citizen applying for a new passport.
Individuals renewing or reissuing their old passports.
Applicants who have lost or damaged their previous passports.
Minors and senior citizens are also eligible under normal conditions.

Note: Existing passports remain valid until expiry and need not be replaced immediately.

Step-by-Step Application Process for an Indian E-Passport

The procedure for applying remains similar to that of a traditional passport, but includes new biometric features.

Step 1 – Online Registration

Visit the Passport Seva Portal and register for an account using your email ID and mobile number.

Step 2 – Fill the Application Form

Step 3 – Select the Correct Passport Office

Choose a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO) that issues e-passports in your region.

Step 4 – Pay the Application Fee

The standard passport fees apply:

Normal Passport (36 pages) – ₹1,500
Jumbo Passport (60 pages) – ₹2,000
There may be a nominal service charge added for Tatkal or biometric facilities.

Step 5 – Book an Appointment

After payment, schedule an appointment at your preferred PSK or RPO for biometric capture.

Step 6 – Visit for Biometric Verification

On your appointment date, carry original documents. Your fingerprints, facial photograph, and iris scan will be taken and encoded in the e-chip.

Step 7 – Police Verification

Police verification will be initiated as per standard procedure. It may be pre- or post-issuance depending on your case.

Step 8 – Passport Printing and Dispatch

Once cleared, the India Security Press, Nashik prints and embeds the chip before dispatching it through India Post.

Documents Required for E-Passport

Document Type	Examples Accepted
Identity Proof	Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID
Address Proof	Aadhaar, Utility Bill, Rent Agreement, Bank Statement
Date of Birth Proof	Birth Certificate, School Certificate, Aadhaar
Old Passport (if applicable)	Required for renewal or reissue
Supporting Affidavits	For special cases like name change, spouse inclusion, etc.

Benefits of the Indian E-Passport

Enhanced Security: The RFID chip uses advanced encryption, making it nearly impossible to forge or clone.
Faster Immigration: Automated systems at airports can read biometric data instantly, reducing wait times by up to 40%.
Global Recognition: Compliant with ICAO standards, ensuring smooth international acceptance.
Reduced Human Error: Electronic scanning reduces manual entry mistakes.
Tamper-Proof Design: Any unauthorized attempt to alter chip data renders the passport invalid.
Digitally Signed Data: Protects against identity theft and duplication.
Improved Record-Keeping: Centralized digital storage with MEA helps track issuance and renewal history accurately.

Cities Where E-Passports Are Currently Issued (as of 2025)

City / Region	Status
Delhi	Active
Chennai	Active
Hyderabad	Active
Bengaluru	Active
Jaipur	Active
Nagpur	Active
Bhubaneswar	Active
Mumbai	Expected Soon
Pune	Expected Soon
Ahmedabad	Expected Soon

The government plans to expand the service to all 36 RPOs and 543 PSKs/POPSKs across India by mid-2026.

Security and Data Privacy

The chip in the Indian E-Passport uses PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) encryption, the same standard used globally for digital security.
The biometric information cannot be read remotely unless within a short range, ensuring protection against unauthorized access.

Additionally, data stored on the chip is digitally signed by the Government of India, preventing tampering or modification.

E-Passport vs. Traditional Passport: A Comparison

Parameter	Traditional Passport	E-Passport (2025)
Data Storage	Printed on paper pages	Stored in encrypted RFID chip
Security Level	Moderate	Very High
Immigration Time	5–10 minutes	2–3 minutes via e-gates
Forgery Protection	Limited	Advanced encryption prevents tampering
Durability	Paper pages prone to wear	Polycarbonate data page lasts longer
Verification	Manual	Automated biometric verification

Future of E-Passports in India

By 2026, India aims to issue 100% chip-enabled passports for all new applications.
With over 12 crore valid Indian passports, the transition is being phased to avoid system overload.
In future phases, smart airport immigration counters will fully integrate with these e-passports, significantly reducing queues for international travelers.

Final Thoughts

The introduction of E-Passports in India is a landmark step in digital governance and travel security. It not only safeguards citizens from identity theft but also aligns India with advanced nations that have already adopted biometric travel documents.

For travelers, the benefits are immense — faster processing, global recognition, and enhanced protection. If your passport is due for renewal soon, opting for an E-Passport is a future-ready choice.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Details such as eligibility, fees, and rollout locations may change based on official notifications from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India. Applicants should verify the latest updates on official government platforms before proceeding.

About the author

I’m Himanshu Dhar, a dedicated MIS trainer proudly associated with I Turn Institute. My journey in the realm of data management and automation spans over 14 enriching years. My passion for this field extends to freelancing projects, where I bring real-world practicality into my teaching. My impact in education is marked by the success of over 25,000 students I’ve had the privilege of mentoring, hailing from diverse backgrounds. Beyond the classroom, I’ve had the honor of conducting corporate training sessions and seminars, catering to the unique needs of businesses. Let’s unlock your potential together in the realm of data analysis and automation.