India Begins Phased Rollout of E-Passports: Here’s How to Apply in 2025

A New Era for Indian Passports Has Begun

India is advancing its commitment to digital travel infrastructure with the phased rollout of chip-based e-passports. Announced on the 13th Passport Seva Divas (June 24, 2025), this transformation aims to enhance global travel security, cut down verification times, and fast-track passport issuance.

While a pan-India launch is yet to be implemented, the groundwork is already in motion, with e-passports being issued in 12 major cities as part of the first phase.

What Is an E-Passport?

An e-passport is a next-gen, ICAO-compliant travel document embedded with a secure microchip. This chip digitally stores personal and biometric data such as:

• Full Name & DOB

• Digital Photograph

• Fingerprints

• A digitally signed certificate from the issuing authority

These features ensure fast and secure border control processing across global e-gates.

Key Benefits of Upgrading to an E-Passport

For Indian travellers—especially frequent flyers, corporate professionals, and visa consultants—the e-passport brings several high-impact advantages:

• Faster Immigration Clearance via contactless chip reading

• Enhanced Security with encrypted biometric data

• Reduced Fraud through anti-cloning and tamper-resistant design

• Global Acceptance in countries using biometric verification

• Aligned with Digital India for smarter travel documentation

Latest Tech Boosts: PSP V2.0 & mPassport Police App

The Passport Seva Programme Version 2.0 (PSP V2.0) is now live across India. This upgraded system leverages AI, cloud platforms, and automation to streamline the entire passport lifecycle.

Meanwhile, the mPassport Police App—now used in 25 States and UTs—has successfully slashed police verification times to just 5–7 days, significantly accelerating processing.

Where Are E-Passports Currently Issued?

E-passports are being issued in 12 cities as part of India’s initial rollout:

Chennai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Nagpur, Amritsar, Goa, Bhubaneswar, Jammu, Shimla, Raipur, Surat, Ranchi

These cities were selected based on application volumes and infrastructure readiness. Additional locations will be added in the next rollout phase.

How to Apply for an E-Passport in India

Here's a step-by-step guide to apply:

• Visit the official Passport Seva Portal

• Register or log in to your account

• Fill out the online application and select “e-passport” (if available in your region)

• Pay the fee and book an appointment at your nearest PSK or Post Office PSK

• Visit the centre for biometric capture and document verification

• Receive your e-passport via India Post
  
  

Who Can Apply?

E-passports are available to:

• First-time applicants

• Renewal or reissue cases

• Applicants due to damage, theft, or loss

• Minors and senior citizens

All applicants must meet the standard eligibility requirements for Indian passports.

Why This Rollout Matters to B2B Travel Professionals

For travel agents, visa consultants, and corporate planners, this rollout signals faster documentation workflows, reduced delays, and increased confidence for clients travelling abroad.

B2B partners can now:

• Guide clients toward faster travel preparation

• Promote e-passport benefits in visa counselling

• Minimise last-minute immigration issues

With global travel rapidly digitising, India’s e-passport push is a critical step in ensuring seamless experiences for your customers.

Final Thoughts: Ready for a Smarter Passport?

India’s e-passport isn’t just a passport upgrade—it’s a symbol of smarter, secure, and global-ready travel. If you or your clients are preparing for international trips, now’s the perfect time to switch.

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