India is set to implement a significant upgrade by launching chip-based biometric e-passports, a technology already utilized by more than 120 countries, including the United States, France, Italy, Mexico, Canada, and Japan. This initiative aims to enhance security against identity fraud and streamline the immigration process for Indian travelers. The transition to these advanced passports commenced in 2024 with pilot projects in various cities.

The shift to e-passports is crucial for managing the increasing volume of international travelers efficiently and securely. Traditional machine-readable passports have shown vulnerabilities to duplication, whereas biometric e-passports utilize cryptographic encryption to prevent identity fraud, ensuring a smoother immigration experience.

The rollout of e-passports began in April 2024, with pilot programs initiated in cities such as Jammu, Goa, Shimla, Raipur, Amritsar, Jaipur, Chennai, Hyderabad, Surat, Nagpur, and Bhubaneswar. Full implementation is anticipated by mid-2025.

These biometric e-passports will include a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and an antenna embedded in the back cover. The chip will securely store essential information, including facial images, fingerprints, names, birth dates, and passport numbers, all protected by international security protocols like Basic Access Control and Passive Authentication.

Applying for an e-passport is designed to be straightforward. Individuals can submit their applications via the Passport Seva Portal and provide their biometric data at local Passport Seva Kendras or Post Office Passport Seva Kendras.