India Moves Toward Enhanced Travel Security with E-Passports

India is preparing to modernise international travel documentation by launching chip-based e-passports that promise increased security and smoother immigration processes. These next-generation passports embed a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and antenna into the traditional booklet, storing encrypted biometric and personal data of the passport holder.

The initiative, under the Passport Seva Programme Version 2.0, aims to align India’s travel documents with global standards adopted by countries like the US, UK, and Germany. The technology not only makes the passport tamper-resistant but also enables automated identity verification and faster clearance at immigration counters. These developments are expected to significantly enhance both travel safety and convenience for Indian citizens. Although no official date has been set for a full-scale launch, the rollout is already underway in select cities.

Pilot Rollout in Select Cities and Future Plans

The pilot phase for India’s e-passports began on April 1, 2024, and issuance is currently active in various Regional Passport Offices (RPOs) across cities like Chennai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Nagpur, Amritsar, Goa, Raipur, Surat, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Jammu, and Shimla. In Chennai, for instance, issuance officially began on March 3, 2025, and by March 22, over 20,700 e-passports had already been distributed in Tamil Nadu alone.

Importantly, the process of applying for a passport remains unchanged. However, the government is integrating advanced encryption and biometric authentication to safeguard data from unauthorised access or cyber threats, reinforcing the e-passport’s role in ensuring travel integrity.

Once implemented nationwide, these e-passports are expected to bring India into the fold of nations using high-tech identity documents and improve traveller experiences at global airports.

The introduction of e-passports marks a significant stride in India’s digital governance and public service reform journey, offering citizens not just enhanced protection but also convenience in cross-border travel. With global mobility becoming increasingly tech-driven, India’s move to upgrade its passport system signals a broader commitment to secure, efficient, and future-ready infrastructure.