India’s Transition To E-Passports: A Complete 2025–2026 Guide For Global Travellers

Published on December 11, 2025

A major shift in the way Indian travellers navigate global borders has been set in motion with the introduction of the e-passport, an upgraded version of the traditional passport designed to enhance security, improve immigration efficiency, and support smoother international travel. Under India’s revamped Passport Seva Programme, the rollout of this modern document has been positioned as a long-term reform that aligns the country with global standards already followed by numerous nations across Asia, Europe and beyond. Embedded with an advanced RFID chip and backed by biometric verification systems, this next-generation passport has been created to reduce identity fraud, minimise manual checks and improve the overall travel experience at international airports.

Through a phased approach, eligible citizens across India have been enabled to apply for this upgraded passport format, with designated Passport Seva Kendras taking the lead in the initial implementation. As more centres are added and awareness continues to spread, the e-passport is expected to play a central role in shaping how travellers from India move across borders in the coming years. With heightened safety features and faster processing capabilities, this enhanced system has been introduced as a significant milestone in India’s international mobility framework.

A Complete Travel-Friendly Guide To Applying For An E-Passport In India

Understanding India’s New E-Passport

The introduction of the e-passport in India has been viewed as a technological leap in the country’s travel documentation system. While it maintains the familiar appearance of a standard passport booklet, a secure RFID chip has been embedded within its cover to store digitally encrypted biometric details. This data includes fingerprints, facial recognition metrics and essential personal information, all verified through advanced systems designed to ensure that the printed details match the digital records accurately.

A small gold insignia on the cover distinguishes this version from the traditional booklet, serving as a universal indicator of chip-enabled passports used across many countries worldwide. Through this modernised structure, verification at automated e-gates and global border checkpoints has been strengthened, thereby reducing the likelihood of tampering and identity misuse. The e-passport has been introduced with the primary goal of offering Indian travellers a stronger, safer and faster method of identification during international journeys.

Eligibility For Applying In India

Eligibility for the Indian e-passport has been aligned with the criteria already established for traditional passports. Any Indian citizen who qualifies for a regular passport becomes eligible to apply for this upgraded version. However, the rollout has been gradual, and issuance has initially been limited to selected Passport Seva Kendras and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras situated in major Indian cities.

As the infrastructure expands, more centres across the country are expected to be added, ensuring wider accessibility. Travellers planning international journeys have been encouraged to verify the availability of e-passport services in their region before initiating the application process. In the upcoming years, a nationwide expansion is expected to make e-passport applications more streamlined and universally available across India.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The process of applying for an e-passport in India has largely mirrored the procedure already followed for traditional passports. The steps have been designed to maintain clarity and ensure smooth processing for applicants.

1. Registration On The Passport Seva Portal

Applicants are required to register or log in on the official Passport Seva Portal. Personal details must be entered accurately, as this information forms the basis of future verification.

2. Filling Out The Online Form

The option Apply for Fresh Passport / Re-issue must be selected, after which the application form has to be completed online. All fields should be filled carefully to avoid errors or delays during processing.

3. Online Payment And Appointment Booking

Once the form has been submitted, the applicable fee must be paid online. Following successful payment, an appointment at a selected PSK or POPSK can be scheduled.

4. Visit To The Passport Seva Kendra

Applicants must visit the designated centre on the scheduled date with their original documents. At this stage, biometric data—including fingerprints and a digital photograph—is captured for the e-passport system.

5. Processing And Delivery

After document verification and police clearance (when applicable), the e-passport is prepared and dispatched. Delivery is made to the registered residential address through secure channels. Processing times may vary based on location and workload.

Major Benefits For Global Travellers

The Indian e-passport has been designed to offer multiple advantages, particularly for frequent travellers moving across international borders.

Enhanced Security

The presence of a digitally encrypted chip ensures stronger protection against forgery, cloning or manipulation of identity details. This improves overall safety standards, essential for global mobility.

Faster Immigration Processing

Many international airports have already adopted automated e-gates and similar systems. The chip-enabled passport allows quicker access and reduces time spent during immigration checks, making journeys more convenient.

Compatibility With Global Standards

More than 120 countries now use chip-embedded passports. India’s shift to the same system ensures smoother acceptance, better compatibility and an improved experience for travellers connecting through major hubs worldwide.

Impact On Traditional Passports

Existing traditional passports held by Indian citizens remain completely valid until their expiration date. There has been no requirement to replace them immediately. Individuals renewing their passport or applying for a fresh one may choose the e-passport option at eligible centres. The transition has therefore been planned as a gradual shift rather than an abrupt replacement, allowing citizens to adopt the new format at their convenience.