India has commenced the phased rollout of e-passports, integrating advanced security features through embedded Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips and antennas. These chip-based passports combine physical and electronic documentation, offering dual-layer data protection by storing information both in printed form and encrypted within the chip. This significantly strengthens security, making forgery attempts more difficult.
The e-Passports adhere to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, enabling seamless interoperability with international e-passport verification systems and automated border control facilities. Initially launched as a pilot program on April 01, 2024, under the Passport Seva Program (PSP) Version 2.0, the initiative began in twelve cities, including Chennai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Nagpur, Amritsar, and Goa. Regional Passport Offices in these cities and in Bhubaneswar, Jammu, Shimla, Raipur, Surat, and Ranchi are now issuing e-Passports.
In Tamil Nadu, e-Passport issuance began on March 03, 2025, at the Chennai Regional Passport Office. As of March 22, 2025, 20,729 e-Passports have been issued within the state.
Designed to enhance travel convenience, e-Passports will streamline immigration procedures by enabling automated identity verification, reducing wait times, and improving user experience for Indian travellers. The nationwide implementation will continue through 2025 as infrastructure and training are upgraded across additional passport offices.
