India Rolls Out Chip-Based E-Passports

The introduction follows an extensive pilot project launched in 2022, which saw the issuance of 20,000 official and diplomatic e-passports

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

In a landmark move poised to modernize international travel for its citizens, India has officially begun rolling out chip-based e-passports.

Designed to enhance security and streamline immigration procedures, these next-generation documents mark a significant technological advancement in the country's current travel infrastructure.

The e-passport, embedded with a microprocessor chip, holds the traveler's biometric and demographic information digitally. The chip conforms to standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), ensuring global compatibility and tamper resistance. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), is being implemented in phases, beginning with new passport applicants and selected renewals.