An e-Passport is a chip-enabled passport that includes a biometric identification card, which improves the transparency and security of travel documents. However, in terms of application, verification, and information, it is identical to a regular passport.
Benefits of an e-Passport
The unique benefits of e-Passport in India are –
• Passengers with an e-passport do not have to stand in queue for a long time as it can be scanned in a few seconds.
• It has a biometric record of individuals. Therefore, it will prevent fraudsters from conducting data piracy and making duplicate passports.
• On tampering, the chip passport authentication will fail.
• No one can wipe data from it.
Features of e-Passport
There are 41 security features of e-passport. It is valid for 5 or 10 years based on the age of the applicant.
Some of these features are –
• Embossed holographic images in a laminated film that appear to change colour and move under light.
• Demographic information of the bearer.
• Biometric information of the bearer.
• Fingerprints of all 10 fingers of the bearer’s hand.
• Iris scans of the bearer.
• Colour photograph of the bearer.
• Digital signature of the bearer.
How to Apply for an e-Passport?
The process of applying for an e-passport in India is the same as regular or MRP. The procedure is –
• Go to the Passport Seva website and click on “Register Now” or log in with your existing ID.
• Click on “Apply for Fresh Passport” or “Re-issue of Passport”.
• Provide all the details and hit “Submit”.
• Click on “Pay and Schedule Appointment” to make payment.
Upon completing this process, print the receipt or show the acknowledgement SMS at PSK/POPSK/PO.
What Are the Documents Required for an e-Passport?
Documents required for an e-passport are the same as a regular passport. First-time applicants need the following documents –
• Address proof – Any of the following documents will serve as address proof –
• Aadhar card
• Telephone bill
• Electricity bill
• Water bill
• Proof of gas connection
• Rent agreement
• Passbook of running bank account with attached photon it(account with any scheduled private sector, public sector, or rural, regional banl0
• Passport copy of spouse with first and last page with mentioned applicant name as a spouse. Also, the applicant’s present address should match with the spouse address mentioned on the passport.
• Date of birth proof – You can provide any one of the following documents can be given as proof of birth date –
• Birth certificate from a legitimate authority.
• Matriculation, transfer, or school leaving certificate issued the authority of leave and educational board stating the last date of school attending
• Pan card
• Aadhar card
• Driving license
• Voter Id Card
• Life insurance policy in the applicant’s name
Those with regular passports applying for re-issuance have to submit the following documents –
• Original passport
• Copy of the first and last page of the passport.
• Observation page
• ECR or non-ECR page
How Is an e-Passport Different from a Regular One?
In India, an e-passport with an electronic data chip provides an additional layer of security over a regular passport. It improves the link between a passport and its original owner and helps to prevent counterfeiting.
Generally, a regular passport or machine-readable passport (MRP) has data pages with printed information about the owner that an optical reader can scan.
Where Can You Use an e-Passport?
Currently, e-Passport is used in approximately 120 countries around the world. Individuals can use it for international travel or as proof of identity.
Now that you know what an e-Passport is, you have understood how it is helpful for both the government and citizens. The issuance of this electronic chip-embedded document will enhance security and expedite the passport verification procedure during travelling.
Also Read: INDIA INTENDS TO BEGIN ISSUING E-PASSPORTS TO ITS PEOPLE THIS YEAR SAYS MR. V MURALEEDHARAN
