Explained: What is e-passport, how to apply for it and benefits - All you need to know

e-passports: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently announced issuance of e-passports during budget 2022 speech.  e-passports with embedded chips will be rolled out in India in 2022-2023 to enhance convenience for citizens. The e-passports will serve the same purpose as traditional passports but will come with embedded chips and futuristic technology.

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What are e-passports: 

e-passports or electronic passports are passports that have a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-based chip fitted into them at the back or in the front. This chip would store the passport holder’s biometric data. It would also store other details such as passport holder’s name and other detail, the BGR India reported.

Citizens will get chip-enabled e-Passports with additional security features from the Ministry of External Affairs. The applicants' personal information would be digitally signed and kept in a chip that would be integrated in the passport booklet. If the chip is tampered with, the system will be able to detect it, resulting in the passport authentication failing.

“The ministry is planning to issue chip-enabled e-passports to citizens with advanced security features. The e-passport features contactless smart card technology, including an embedded Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip embedded in the front or back cover or page of the passport,” Muraleedharan said in a written reply to a question on e-passports.

“The personal particulars of the applicants would be digitally stored in the chip, which would be embedded in the physical passport booklet,” the minister added.

e-passports will increase security and ensure smoother passage at immigration posts globally. In addition to that, it will also help in preventing passport frauds. The minister said, “In case, anyone tampers with the chip, the system shall be able to identify it, resulting in the failure of the passport authentication.”

To apply for an e-passport - The e-passport is similar to that of the printed booklets. The same online procedure needs to be followed by the applicants to obtain an E-passport. Once the process of issuance is completed, the applicants will receive E-passports.