A passport is a statement provided by a state to an individual confirming his or her identity and nationality. It serves as a travel document permitting the individual to travel abroad and come back home to exit from his or her country.
It contains the individual’s name, date of birth, gender, place of birth, photograph and passport number. It is more than just a travel document and it is also a declaration of citizenship and a passport to protection while abroad.
What is an e-Passport in India?
The e-passport (electronic passport) in India is an improved version of the regular passport handed over to individuals. Most of the old features were retained but it included additional digital elements. It consists of an RFID (Radio-frequency Identification)-chip and the antenna for data captured in a biometric manner like fingerprints and digital photo along with personal data.
An e-passport does not replace normal passports but facilitates better security and efficiency in both travel documentation and checks at borders.
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Features of E-passport of India
The e-passport is the next generation for e-passport of India and is empowered with some of the latest features. It contains a contactless chip embedded in its cover that retains the biometric identifiers like fingerprints, facial image, possibly iris scan, personal information and metadata.
Designed to ICAO norms, it will resist any form of tampering or duplication. The design will include strong encryption and safeguarding against misuse, and one particular feature is a small gold emblem at the front cover below the passport title and marking the fact of the RFID chip being present.
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How to Apply an E-Passport in India?
- Go to the Official Portal on Passport Seva and Visit the website https://services1.passportindia.gov.in/psp
- If a new user, then register with email and create a login ID and password then login to your Account. The credentials can be entered to log into your official Passport Seva account.
- Choose Application Type and Select Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport. You must choose e-Passport if available in your regional center.
- Fill the Application Form with an accurate personal information on the online form. Save and preview all information before proceeding.
- Process the Application Fee where you may select the fees paying options available like credit/debit card, net banking or UPI for the payment. Download the receipt of your payment and print it.
- Fix an Appointment for booking a visit to the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office PSK. Select the available date and time slot.
- Visit Passport Office or the center on the mentioned date. Carry along all original documents like ID, address proof, birth certificate, old passport, if any). He or she shall also have biometrics captured fingerprints and photograph.
- Police Verification is depending on the type of application; a police verification process could be initiated.
- You can also track real-time status for your application through the Passport Seva portal. You Will Get Your E-Passport in Due Course
It shall be printed upon approval with an embedded RFID chip and India Post shall deliver it to your registered address.
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Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute official government advice or policy.
