How to Get an e-Passport in India: Eligibility, Application Process, Charges, Benefits and More

The government of India has begun rolling out e-Passports which is a major upgrade in the service. Recently introduced, the e-Passport is designed to improve security, speed up immigration procedures.

What is an e-Passport?

An e-Passport is a modern version of the traditional passport that comes with an embedded electronic chip fitted into the back cover. This chip stores the holder's personal and biometric details, including photographs, Fingerprints, Facial recognition data and other key identity information. The e-Passport looks similar to a regular Indian passport but it has advanced technology All data stored on the chip is encrypted, making it extremely difficult to copy, alter or misuse. The Indian e-Passport has been developed in accordance with ICAO global security standards because of which it will be accepted at international airports worldwide.

Where are e-Passports currently available?

At present, the e-Passport facility is available only at somePassport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) across India. The rollout is being done in phases.

Applicants are advised to check in advance whether their nearest passport office offers the e-Passport facility before booking an appointment.

Who is eligible for an e-Passport in India?

The eligibility criteria for an e-Passport are the same as for a regular passport. Any Indian citizen eligible for a normal passport can apply. Both fresh passport applicants and those applying for renewal or re-issue are eligible. Minors are also eligible, subject to existing passport rules

How to apply for an e-Passport in India

The e-Passport application process follows the same steps as a regular passport application and is completely online until the verification stage.
Step-by-step process:

Step 1: Register or log in at passportindia.gov.in
Step 2: Fill out the online application form (fresh or re-issue)
Step 3: Upload documents if required
Step 4: Pay the applicable fee and book an appointment at a PSK or POPSK
Step 5: Visit the centre for biometric capture and document verification
Step 6: Track application status online
Step 7: Receive the e-Passport by post Under normal processing, the e-Passport is usually issued within 30 to 45 days.

Charges for e-Passport in India

The fees for an e-Passport are the same as those for a regular passport. For a 36 page booklet the fee is Rs. 1500 and the Tatkal fee is Rs. 3500. Similarly for a 60 page booklet the charges are Rs. 2000 and the tatakla charges for the same is Rs. 4000. For Minors below 15 years of age the charges for normal passport are Rs. 1000 and tatkal is same as regular passport

Top benefits of e-Passport

The e-Passport offers several advantages over traditional passports as per Ministry of External Affairs

• Enhanced security with RFID chip with biometric data which will significantly reduces identity theft
• Faster immigration clearance at automated e-gates abroad
• The E passport meets international aviation and border-control standards
• Encrypted data makes duplication or tampering extremely difficult