What is an Indian ePassport?

An Indian ePassport is a passport with a microchip embedded in the cover that stores the holder's encrypted details, including biometric information like fingerprints and a digital photo.

Are Indian ePassports more secure than traditional ones?

Yes, ePassports are significantly more secure as they use encryption and biometric authentication protocols to prevent forgery and identity theft, making them virtually impossible to tamper with.

How do Indian ePassports improve travel?

ePassports enable faster immigration clearance at international airports by allowing electronic scanning of the holder's details stored on the embedded microchip.

Home / Technology / India's New Digital Passport: Security & Speed

India's New Digital Passport: Security & Speed

24 Jan

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Summary

ePassports store encrypted biometric data on an embedded microchip.
These digital passports enhance security against forgery and identity theft.
ePassports enable faster immigration clearance at international airports.

India's New Digital Passport: Security & Speed

India has begun issuing electronic passports, or ePassports, integrating a microchip that stores encrypted holder details like fingerprints and digital photos. This advancement, launched in April 2024 under Passport Seva Programme (PSP 2.0), aims to bolster security and streamline international travel.

The ePassport features a small gold symbol on its cover, indicating the embedded chip, which complies with ICAO standards. These digital passports offer superior security against tampering and forgery due to advanced encryption and biometric authentication protocols, including BAC, PA, and EAC.

Beyond enhanced security, ePassports facilitate quicker immigration clearance. Where implemented, electronic scanning of the chip significantly reduces passenger wait times. India joins over 120 countries, including the US and Japan, in adopting this technology, preparing citizens for evolving global border control systems.