Electronic Passport Service Upgrade: Eligibility Criteria, Necessary Documents, and Steps for Applying for E-Passports in India
The Indian government's e-Passport initiative is simplifying travel and expediting immigration procedures with its contactless chip-based technology. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to apply for an e-Passport in India.
The national adoption of e-Passports took place on the 13th Passport Seva Divas, and as of now, they are available at various locations across the country, including Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Jammu, Panaji, Shimla, Raipur, Amritsar, Jaipur, Tamil Nadu, Chennai, Hyderabad, Surat, and Ranchi.
To start the application process, individuals must first register on the Passport Seva Online Portal. After registration, applicants should log in to the portal and click on the 'Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport' link.
For first-time applicants, the Fresh Issuance category should be selected, as they shouldn't have held any Ordinary Passport, Diplomatic Passport, or Official Passport in the past.
Next, fill out the online application form accurately with all necessary personal and travel information. Upload scanned copies of required documents such as proof of identity, address, date of birth, and photographs in the specified formats.
Make the required payment for the e-passport fee online using available payment options like net banking, UPI, or credit/debit card. Choose your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) as a convenient service center and schedule an appointment by selecting a date and time slot.
On the appointment day, visit the selected PSK or POPSK with original documents along with self-attested photocopies, the appointment receipt, and any additional letters if applicable. Your biometric data (fingerprints and facial photograph) will be captured, and your documents verified.
After verification, your application is processed. Once the e-passport is printed, it is dispatched to your registered address via speed post. You can track the status of your application online using the application reference number provided when you print your application receipt.
It's important to note that the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) 2.0 has been introduced in India, reducing police verification time to just 5-7 days. The physical verification process takes place at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)/Regional Passport Office (RPO).
For those who prefer offline application, the option is available by obtaining the passport application form at District Passport Cells (DPC), Passport Seva Kendras, or Citizen Service Centres, submitting the filled form along with required documents, and making payment via Demand Draft. However, for e-passports, online registration and appointment are preferred for efficiency.
In summary, the process is: register online → fill application → upload documents → pay fees → book appointment → visit PSK/POPSK for biometrics and verification → await passport dispatch.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar shared that the rollout of e-Passports is underway, making international travel more seamless and convenient for Indian citizens. With e-Passports becoming increasingly accessible, it's an excellent opportunity for those planning to travel to streamline their immigration procedures and enjoy a hassle-free journey.
To apply for an e-passport, visit the official Passport Seva website at https://services1.passportindia.gov.in/psp and follow the steps outlined above.
Individuals applying for an e-Passport can make use of their smartphones to access the Passport Seva Online Portal and follow the steps outlined, starting from registration, filling out the application form, paying the e-passport fee, scheduling an appointment, and tracking the status of their application. This new technology integrated into the e-Passport initiative offers an opportunity to simplify international travel for Indian citizens, allowing them to expedite immigration procedures and enjoy a more hassle-free journey.
With the active use of technology and smartphones in the process, the nationwide availability of e-Passports through various locations such as Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, and Chennai ensures that this convenient method of travel documentation can be accessed by citizens across India.
