Passport Seva 2.0: How to Apply for e-Passport in India
During the 13th Passport Seva Divas, India took an important step forward in the passport issuance system with the launch of the e-Passport nationally under the revamped Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0, as part of its overall agenda to make government services even more transparent, efficient, secure, and digital.
The launch was made by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. The modernized initiative seeks to change the way passports are issued, verified, and utilized in India and abroad.
What is an e-passport?
An e-passport is an electronic passport that has an embedded microchip which contains the biometric and demographic data of the passport holder. This smart chip provides security for the data, enables contactless immigration, and makes the passport tamper-proof.
E-Passport Features:
• Embedded electronic microchip.
• Stores biometric information (such as fingerprints and facial recognition).
• Machine-readable components to improve immigration.
• Provides better protection from identity theft and forgery.
• Follows International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) specifications.
Passport Seva Programme 2.0 (PSP V2.0):
The launch of the Passport Seva 2.0 highlights India’s vision and plans to upgrade public services through various technological and digital solutions, as outlined in PSP V2.0:
• The back-end infrastructure now uses cloud-based services with AI-enabled components.
• Better data analytics and real-time tracking now provide operational transparency.
• An integrated platform links the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs).
In addition, pilot testing of the Global Passport Seva Programme V2.0 is underway to enable Indian embassies and consulates to issue e-passports in future phases.
How to Apply for an e-Passport in India
- Visit the official Passport Seva website.
- Register as a new user or log in to your existing account.
- Fill out the application for an e-passport.
- Book an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
- Pay the fee online.
- Visit the centre on your appointment date for biometric capture and document verification.