India Rolls Out Chip-Based E-Passports Nationwide

India has officially commenced the nationwide rollout of chip-based electronic passports (e-passports) under the Passport Seva Programme Version 2.0. This initiative aims to boost travel security and streamline immigration processes for Indian citizens.

🔐 Key Features of the E-Passport

  • Embedded RFID Chip: Each e-passport contains a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip that securely stores biometric and personal data, including fingerprints and photographs. 
  • Enhanced Security: The chip’s encryption makes the passport highly resistant to forgery and unauthorized access, significantly reducing the risk of identity theft. 
  • ICAO Compliance: Adheres to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, ensuring global acceptance and smoother international travel.
  • Streamlined Immigration: The biometric integration allows for quicker and more efficient processing at checkpoints. 

🗺️ Implementation Timeline

The pilot phase began on April 1, 2024, in cities like Chennai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Nagpur, Amritsar, and Goa. As of May 2025, the rollout has expanded to Bhubaneswar, Jammu, Shimla, Raipur, Surat, and Ranchi. The Ministry of External Affairs plans full nationwide coverage by the end of 2025. 247)

📋 New Passport Regulations (Effective 2025)

  • Mandatory Birth Certificate: Required for applicants born on or after October 1, 2023. 
  • Digital Address Embedding: Residential addresses will be stored in the chip, removing the need for printed addresses.
  • Streamlined Personal Data: Parents' names will no longer be printed, aligning with international privacy norms.

🌐 Significance

This rollout marks a major milestone in India’s digital transformation journey. Chip-based e-passports represent a secure, modernized, and internationally compliant form of identity for global travel. 

For detailed FAQs, visit the official Passport Seva FAQ on ePassports.