Taking a big step towards modernizing travel documents, the Government of India has launched ‘e-Passport’. It is a modern digital version of the traditional passport, designed to make passports more secure and international travel easier. This new system of India is in line with global standards and it has a small electronic chip, which keeps the important information of the holder safe.
Looks like a normal passport but is very hi-tech in terms of security, know what is its specialty
The e-passport looks just like your old regular Indian passport, but with one major technical change. There is an electronic chip installed inside its back cover. This chip stores your important information like name, address, date of birth as well as biometric data. This includes your photo, fingerprints and facial recognition data. This chip adheres to stringent international standards, making it impossible for any unauthorized person to copy or tamper with the data.
Pigeontide and fraud will be curbed, time will not be wasted at the immigration counter at the airport
The main objective of this upgrade is to prevent identity theft and passport fraud. Often there have been cases of travel by tampering with passports, which e-passport will completely stop. Apart from this, its biggest benefit will be available to the passengers at the airports. With the help of e-passport, the checking process at immigration counters around the world will become much faster and easier, thereby saving time for travelers and eliminating long queues.
Can you also get an e-passport? Know who can apply for this
Any Indian citizen who is eligible for a regular passport can apply for an e-passport. This means that both applicants making a new passport and people renewing their old passport are eligible. Currently, this service is being provided at select Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) across India. Therefore, before applying, applicants should check whether their nearest center is offering e-passport facility or not.
There is no major change in the application process, get your passport made by following these easy steps.
The process of applying for e-passport has been kept the same as for normal passport, so that the general public does not face any problem:
First of all register or log in to the official Passport Seva portal. Fill online form for new passport or renewal. Pay the prescribed fee and book an appointment at your nearest PSK/POPSK. On the day of the appointment, visit the center with the required documents and provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photo). After completion of the process and police verification, the e-passport with chip will be sent to your address.
This is the price to be paid for 36 and 60 page booklets, Tatkal service option also available
The government has also kept the fee for e-passport the same as for normal passport, so that there is no additional burden on the people:
For 36 page booklet: Rs 1,500 For 60 page booklet: Rs 2,000
If you want to get a passport made quickly, you can apply under Tatkal service by paying an additional fee. This new arrangement marks the beginning of a safe and smart travel experience for Indian passengers.