The Ministry of External Affairs has commenced the launch of e-Passport as pilot project along with the rollout of the Passport Seva Program (PSP) Version 2.0 on 1-4-2024 and right now 12 cities are issuing e-Passports to Indian citizens.
What is an e-Passport?
E-Passport is a combined paper and electronic passport, with an embedded Radio Frequency Identification (‘RFID’) chip and antenna embedded as an inlay.
Key- Features of e-Passports
The chip will contain personal details and biometric information of the passport holder.
Cities offering e-Passport Services:
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Nagpur;
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Bhubaneswar;
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Jammu;
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Goa;
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Shimla;
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Raipur;
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Amritsar;
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Jaipur;
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Chennai;
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Hyderabad;
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Surat;
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Ranchi.
Benefits of e-Passports
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The ability to maintain integrity of its data as the data is printed on the booklet and encrypted in chip, hence, it makes it harder to forge.
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This facility will facilitate:
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ease of travel by enabling automated identity verification process;
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Making interface with immigration authorities easier.
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