India Unveils Next-Generation E-Passports for Secure Travel

• Written by Gungun Bhatia

  Reviewed by Ritika Malik

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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has officially started the rollout of next-generation electronic passports across India. This marks an important step in the country’s efforts to improve travel security and modernise its digital infrastructure.

What has changed?

The new e-passport meets International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, enabling global compatibility and faster immigration processing. Under the upgraded Passport Seva Programme V2.0 (PSP V2.0), all new and renewed Indian passports will include:

• An RFID chip that stores digitally signed biometric and demographic data.
• Improved security measures, including interlocking micro-letters and relief tints to prevent forgery.
• A redesigned digital service platform that offers AI chatbots, auto-filled forms, UPI/QR payments, and integration with Aadhaar, DigiLocker, and PAN.

>> Read More: Everything You Need to Know About E-Passports

Existing Passports & Transition

Holders of current, non-e-passports do not need to rush for replacement. The MEA confirms that existing passports will stay valid until their expiry.

However, any new application or renewal, whether in India or at an Indian mission abroad, will be in the e-passport format.

Why This Matters?

The move puts India on par with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) for machine-readable travel documents.

By embedding secure chips and digitally signing data, the new passports aim to improve immigration, increase durability, and strengthen identity verification to address fraud and duplication.

Looking Ahead

With the nationwide rollout already in progress, India’s passport system is now more secure and digital. For travellers and residents, the change brings fewer challenges at international checkpoints and greater confidence in identity security.

Current passport holders can continue using their existing booklets until they expire. When it’s time to renew, they will switch to the new e-format.