Archive · 21 Nov 2025
India Launches e-Passports: Eligibility, Fees, Benefits, and Security Upgrades
India has started giving out new, more secure passports called e-Passports.
They have a special chip that stores your personal info and helps keep it safe.
You can get one if you're an Indian citizen and need a passport.
It costs a bit more than the regular one, and you can apply at some passport offices.
The government plans to make them available everywhere soon.
e-Passports launched in India with embedded RFID chips for enhanced security
8 million issued domestically, 62,000 overseas; recognizable by gold symbol on cover
Fees: Rs 1,500 for 36-page, Rs 2,000 for 60-page booklet; Tatkal fees extra
Available at select Passport Seva Kendras; expansion planned nationwide
Any Indian citizen eligible for a regular passport can apply
- Who
- Indian citizens eligible for a regular passport
- What
- e-Passports with embedded RFID chips
- When
- Launched recently, with gradual nationwide expansion planned
- Where
- Select Passport Seva Kendras and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras
- Why
- To enhance security, transparency, and efficiency in international border travel
- Chip Type
- Contactless RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)
- Storage
- Personal and biometric details, digital signatures
- Recognition
- Gold symbol on cover
- Fee (36-page)
- Rs 1,500
- Fee (60-page)
- Rs 2,000
- Tatkal Fees
- Additional (not included in above amounts)
- Eligibility
- Any Indian citizen eligible for a regular passport
- Initial Availability
- Select PSKs and POPSKs
- Planned Expansion
- Nationwide