EAM announces launch of e-passports: What is it and how to apply?

On the occasion of the 13th Passport Seva Divas, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on June 24, 2025, announced the implementation of e-passports across the country.

In a post on X, the EAM wrote, "Heartfelt congratulations to all passport officials in India and abroad on the occasion of the 13th Passport Seva Divas."

"Inspired by the spirit of ‘Service, Good Governance, and Welfare of the Poor,’ your commendable efforts are immensely valuable in making people’s travel seamless, expanding their access to global workplaces, and empowering our citizens."

"With the launch of the Passport Seva Programme 2.0 and e-Passports, #TeamMEA reaffirms its commitment to further enhancing the timeliness, transparency, and accessibility of its passport services," Jaishankar added.

Earlier passport application process was all about delay, queueing up and a long wait in India. The Passport Seva Programme (PSP) by the Ministry of External Affairs has now transformed the process of applying, obtaining and even renewing passports.

E-passports in India

Not new passports with a new or different cover, but instead e-passports are embedded with a microchip containing biometric and peronal information of the person.

Advantages of e-passports

Secure embedded chip - The chip which bears details like name, passport number, DOB, and biometric details of the person is located on the front cover of the passport.

Contactless checking - Passport checking authorities or officials can read the passport by reading the chip without having to open the passport itself or scanning the barcode inside it, making the process safer and quicker.

Tamper-proof - The e-passports provide a layer of security for Indian travellers as due to encryption, it cannot be forged, replicated or misused which often leads to crimes, frauds and scams.

Digital storage - The chip keeps the personal and biometric information about the person in whose name the passport is, stored safely and not accessible to anyone accept recogisable authorities.

Globally accepted - Designed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), these e-passports will be recognised globally and accepted at international borders.

How to apply for e-passport?

1 - Visit the official govt website passportindia.govt.in and register using information like name, DOB, mobile number.

2 - Select the e-passport option and enter in your personal details, identification information and travel history.

3 - Select an appointment by choosing a local Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).

4 - Make the required payment by a convenient option from - UPI, credit/debit cards or net banking.

5 - For the appointment choose a date and time slot, keeping necessary documents ready to take along for proof to get verified and to get your biometric data setup during the visit.

Once all the above steps are completed properly, you can receive the passport through post.