India’s ePassport (also called biometric passport) rollout is no longer a promise — it is live. If you are renewing your passport or applying for a fresh one, there is a good chance your city’s Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) already issues the chip-enabled version. Here is everything you need to know before your next appointment.
What is an Indian ePassport?
An Indian ePassport looks and feels like the standard navy-blue passport, with one difference: a small contactless chip is embedded in the back cover, marked by a small rectangular symbol on the cover page.
The chip stores:
- Your photograph
- Fingerprint biometrics
- Digital signature
- Personal details (name, date of birth, nationality)
- Up to 30 travel entries
The chip data is encrypted and protected against cloning. If the chip is physically removed from the passport, the data becomes unreadable — a deliberate security feature.
India’s ePassport meets International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Document 9303 standards, which is the global standard used by over 150 countries. This is what makes it compatible with automated e-gates worldwide.
What Are the Benefits for Indian Travellers?
Faster immigration through e-gates. Airports across Europe, the UAE, Singapore, the UK, and Australia use automated e-gate systems that read biometric data from a chip. With an ePassport, you can use these lanes instead of the manual officer queue — cutting border wait times from 20–30 minutes to under 5 minutes at busy airports like Frankfurt, Heathrow, Dubai, and Singapore Changi.
Fewer secondary checks. The biometric chip provides stronger identity verification than a printed photo alone. Holders of ePassports are statistically less likely to be flagged for manual secondary inspection at international borders.
Future-proofed travel document. Several countries are progressively restricting automated entry lanes to biometric passport holders only. Getting an ePassport now means you will not have to scramble to upgrade later.
Stronger security. The chip is significantly harder to forge than a printed page, reducing the risk of passport fraud and identity theft.
Which Cities Currently Issue ePassports?
As of early 2026, ePassports are being issued at PSKs in the following cities:
- New Delhi
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Bengaluru
- Kolkata
The rollout is ongoing and expanding to additional cities. Always verify whether your specific PSK is issuing ePassports at the time of booking, as not every centre within a city may be equipped yet. Check the Passport Seva portal (passportindia.gov.in) when scheduling your appointment.
How to Apply for an Indian ePassport
There is no separate application process or form for an ePassport. The process is identical to a standard passport application — you simply receive an ePassport if your PSK issues them.
Step 1 — Apply online. Visit passportindia.gov.in. Fill in the passport application form. For renewals, select “Re-issue of Passport.” For fresh applications, select “Fresh Passport.”
Step 2 — Upload documents. Under PSP 2.0 (in effect from 15 February 2026), your photo must meet full ICAO standards: plain white background, no glasses, neutral expression, no head covering (except for religious reasons). Non-compliant photos result in immediate rejection with no correction window.
Step 3 — Book your PSK appointment. Select a PSK in your city. If ePassports are available at that centre, you will receive one automatically — there is no checkbox to tick or request to make.
Step 4 — Attend your appointment. Bring original documents and photocopies. Biometrics (fingerprints and photographs) are taken at the centre.
Step 5 — Track and collect. Track your application on the Passport Seva portal. Processing typically takes 7–15 working days under normal service, or 1–3 working days under Tatkaal.
Tip: Before your PSK appointment, triple-check your photo meets ICAO standards, upload all documents clearly, and verify every field — especially name spelling, date of birth, and address. Even a minor error will get your application rejected under PSP 2.0.
Indian ePassport vs Regular Passport: Key Differences
| Feature | Regular Passport | ePassport (Chip) |
|---|---|---|
| Biometric chip | No | Yes — stores fingerprints + photo |
| e-Gate compatible | No | Yes (Europe, UAE, Singapore, Australia) |
| Processing time | Standard | Same as regular |
| Cost | Standard fee | Same as regular |
| Recommended for | Infrequent travellers | Frequent international travellers |
| Validity (Adult) | 10 years | 10 years |
| Appearance | Standard | Chip symbol on cover |
The cost and validity are identical. You are not paying a premium for the ePassport — you simply receive it if your PSK is equipped.
Should You Renew Your Passport Early to Get an ePassport?
Not necessarily. If your current passport has several years of validity remaining, renewing early means losing those remaining years — there is no credit or extension. The practical advice is:
- If you are due for renewal in the next 1–2 years, it is worth timing your renewal now to get the ePassport, especially if you travel frequently to Europe, the UAE, or Singapore.
- If your passport has 3+ years of validity, wait until your natural renewal date unless you are a very frequent traveller who would benefit immediately from e-gate access.
- If you are applying fresh (first passport), you will receive an ePassport automatically if your city’s PSK issues them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is India’s ePassport, and should I get one?
An ePassport contains a biometric chip that stores your fingerprints and a facial photograph. It enables faster automated e-gate entry at airports in Europe, the UAE, Singapore, and Australia, and reduces the likelihood of manual secondary checks. If you are renewing your passport and your city’s PSK issues ePassports, it is strongly recommended to request one.
Q: Do I need to do anything special to request an ePassport?
No. If your PSK issues ePassports, you receive one automatically through the normal application process. There is no additional form, fee, or request needed.
Q: Will my existing passport stop working if I don’t upgrade?
No. Standard passports remain fully valid until their expiry date. Immigration officers continue to process them manually. The ePassport simply offers the added benefit of e-gate access where available.
Q: Can I use e-gates at international airports with my Indian ePassport?
Yes, at airports that support ICAO-standard biometric passports. This includes major airports in the EU, UK, UAE, Singapore, and Australia. Access to e-gates also depends on your visa type and the specific airport’s policy — not all e-gates are open to all nationalities regardless of passport type.
Q: What happens if the chip is damaged?
A damaged chip does not invalidate your passport for manual processing. You can still travel using the printed data pages. However, you will not be able to use e-gates until you renew your ePassport.
Q: Is the chip data accessible to anyone with an NFC reader?
No. The chip uses Basic Access Control (BAC) and Passive Authentication encryption. The chip can only be read by an authorised reader that first scans the Machine Readable Zone — so the passport must be physically open and presented to a reader for data access.