The High-Tech Passports

India has launched e-passports to enhance security features, joining over 140 such countries. Know more...

- REWATI KARAN

In an age where security, speed, and seamlessness are the benchmarks of global mobility, the passport has become more than a mere travel document. It's on its way to becoming a digital identity instrument and India has made a crucial move in that direction. In 2025, India officially became part of 140 countries, such as the United States, Canada, France, Japan, and Australia, by issuing biometric e-passports to its citizens. This important upgrade is not cosmetic; it facilitates India to enhance identity authentication and provide streamlined global travel.

In appearance, the new e-passport seems no different from a normal passport. But hidden behind the usual navy blue cover is a tiny technological entity: a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip, embedded in the back cover. The chip contains not only the owner's demographic information such as name, passport number, and date of birth but also biometric facial information and fingerprints.

A small gold rectangle symbol on the front communicates this upgrade, showing that electronic functionality is included. These passports are globally accepted and are aligned with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) requirements which mandate secure, interoperable identification procedures for use during international travel. India's use of biometric e-passports is based on a multifaceted approach. The government is seeking to improve national and border security, streamline immigration and visa processes, prevent identity fraud, document forgery and be in step with global digital identity standards.