New Delhi. You will also have a passport. If not, now your passport will not be made like that traditional paper. In fact, India has launched the Indian e-Passport, so that the passport holder’s identity and security can be both clear and better. Electronic passport is made with e-passport, which is made with advanced technology and is different from the traditional paper passport.
In fact, the Government of India started the pilot project of e-Passport under the Passport Seva Program (PSP) version 2.0 on 1 April 2024. It was started by the Menistory of External Affairs. Let us tell you about this e-passport with details and also know how to make it?
What is e-passport?
The e-passport reveres the traditional paper document in the size, but it has an electronic chip, which has a personal and biometric data of the passport holder. You can see it on the cover page. This new technology gives better security against fraud and makes identity more easier for verification.
In which cities in India are e-passports being issued?
E-Passport has been released for the people of Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Jammu, Goa, Shimla, Raipur, Amritsar, Jaipur, Chennai, Hyderabad, Surat, Ranchi and Delhi. This service will gradually start in other cities of the country as well. The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that it will be implemented across the country and in the first phase, this service has been provided for these cities in the first phase. According to the ministry, by the middle of the year 2025, it will be implemented in all passport service centers across India.
What are the benefits of this?
Safety improvement: Digitally signed chip reduces the risk of copying passport, forgery and identity theft.
Ease of international travel: The immigration officer can quickly verify the passport using the chip, which speeds up the investigation process on the border.
Data Security: Public infrastructure (PKI) ensures that the sensitive data on the chip is encrypted, no one can access and replace it.
Do you need to upgrade your old passport?
No, if you have an old traditional passport, then there is no need to convert it into e-passport. Traditional passports will be valid till their expiry date. After this, you have to upgrade to e-Passport. There is no mandatory to upgrade it immediately.
How to get e-Passport made?
Now you can apply for online e-passport and get it from the Selected Passport Seva Kendra (PSKS) or Regional Passport Office (RPOS). These services are available in Chennai, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Jaipur and other cities. In the coming time, this service will start in more cities.
Follow these steps to apply online for e-passport:
1. Register on Passport Seva online portal.
2. Use your registard ID and login.
3. Click on “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-Risue of Passport”. If you are applying for passport for the first time, then choose “Fresh” and if you have taken a similar passport before, then choose “Reissue”.
4. Pay the online fee and book an appointment.
5. Print your application receipt or save it, or show SMS confirmation during appointment.
6. Go with original documents on your chosen PSK or RPO on the scheduled date.
