New Delhi: The Indian government has officially introduced the electronic passport (e-passport), which is a significant move towards adapting the travel documentation system of the country. To enhance the safety, speed and efficiency of travel of the Indian citizens to foreign countries, the e-passport endeavours to introduce biometric technology into the conventional passport design. The government believes that not only will national security be enhanced through this digital upgrade, but the immigration process will also be made easier at the points of entry into the country.
This new e-passport has a microchip within the cover as opposed to the normal passport. This chip is watertight and holds biometric information like the fingerprints and the face recognition characteristics of the holder. It is secured through a tamper-proof design, and it is marked by a special gold insignia on the cover, thus making it easy to identify against a traditional passport.
Key features and benefits of e-Passport
The e-passport also contributes greatly to the security measures, as instances of forgery and identity theft are minimised. Chip scanning can help immigration officials to identify a traveller in seconds, and this saves time that would have been lost in queues at the airport and border points. The e-passport will be accepted in the global arena since it complies with international standards. It is also a safer means of storing personal information, and thus chances of data misuse are reduced.
Who is eligible to get an e-Passport?
Any Indian national who is eligible to receive a normal passport can apply to receive an e-passport. At present, the service is offered in few Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and the Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs). This facility will soon be extended to other parts of the country by the government.
How to apply for an e-Passport?
The applicants have the option to enrol themselves through the Passport Seva portal, where they fill out the e-passport application form and pay the fee through the Internet and then make an appointment at their nearest PSK or POPSK to give biometric information.
The e-passport project is one of the greatest strides towards safe and hassle-free travelling for Indian citizens, and this will be a step towards a more integrated and effective travelling life across the world.