India’s E-Passport Revolution: 80 Lakh Issued, All Citizens to Get Them by 2035
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has launched a nationwide rollout of e-passports, a major security upgrade for Indian travellers. Over 80 lakh e-passports have already been issued domestically as of May 2025.
Key Features of the New E-Passport
- Contains an embedded RFID chip storing personal and biometric data.
- Compliant with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.
- Uses Public Key Infrastructure for digital signatures, making it highly resistant to forgery and tampering.
- Identified by a small gold-coloured symbol on the front cover.
Benefits for Travellers
The new e-passport enables faster immigration clearance at international e-gates and automated border control systems, supporting global “trusted traveller” programmes. Officials have compared this technological leap to moving from “3G to 5G” in telecom.
Transition and Future Goals
While all newly issued or renewed passports are now the chipped version, existing non-electronic passports remain valid until their expiry date. The government aims for all Indian passports in circulation to be chipped by 2035.
The rollout is part of the upgraded Version 2.0, which includes a revamped digital platform with AI-powered assistance and simplified application processes.
