In May 2025, the Government of India (GoI) has introduced chip-based e-passports across the country, with the aim of ensuring security of travellers and enhancing international travel.
- These passports are equipped with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and antenna embedded as an inlay.
- The key benefit of the e-passport is its enhanced ability to maintain the integrity of passport holder’s data.
About chip-based e-passports:
i.Thes e-passports were initially rolled out on pilot basis on April 01, 2024, as part of the Passport Seva Programme-Version 2.0 (PSP-V2.0).
ii.These chips store the passport holder’s data, including biometric information in encrypted form, which makes it harder to forge the passport.
iii.At present, these e-passports are being issued at select regional passport offices in various Indian cities like: Chennai (Tamil Nadu, TN); Jaipur (Rajasthan); Hyderabad (Telangana); Nagpur (Maharashtra); Amritsar (Punjab); Goa; Bhubanewar (Odisha); Jammu (Jammu & Kashmir, J&K); and Shimla (Himachal Pradesh, HP).
About Passport Seva Programme Version 2.0 (PSP-V2.0):
i.In January 2022, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Tata Consultancy Services Limited (TCS) for 2nd phase of PSP-V2.0.
ii.The PSP-V2.0 is a continuation and enhancement of previous version of PSP i.e. PSP-V1.0, an e-governance instrument launched in 2008, which introduced unprecedented transformation in delivery of passport related services to Indian citizens.
iii.The PSP-V2.0 includes new and upgraded e-passports, and is in alignment with the Prime Minister (PM)’s vision of enhancing the ‘Ease of Living’ for citizens.
- Such initiatives will bring in a new paradigm of “EASE”: E- Enhanced passport services to citizens, using a digital eco-system A: Artificial Intelligence (AI)- powered service delivery S: Smoother overseas travel using chip-enabled e-passports E: Enhanced data security.
New Passport Rules:
The GoI has introduced significant updates to passport regulations in 2025, focusing on enhancing security, privacy, and inclusivity. The new rules are
i.As per the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2025, individuals born on or after October 1, 2023, are required to submit a birth certificate as the sole proof of their date of birth when applying for a passport.
- For applicants born before this date, alternative documents remain acceptable, including:Permanent Account Number(PAN) card, driving licence, school certificate, or service records.
ii.The residential address will no longer be printed on the last page of the passport. Instead, this information will be stored digitally within a barcode, accessible only to authorized immigration or government officials.
iii.The names of parents will no longer be printed on the last page of the passport. This update is particularly beneficial for individuals from single-parent families or those who prefer not to disclose parental information.
About Ministry of External Affairs (MEA):
Union Minister- Subrahmanyam Jaishankar (Rajya Sabha member- Gujarat)
Minister of State (MoS)- Pabitra Margherita (Rajya Sabha member- Assam)
