Source :NEWS18 NEWS
Last Updated:May 13, 2025, 09:29 IST
Biometric e-passports are now the international standard for secure and seamless travel
With the launch of chip-enabled biometric passports, India joins the world’s most advanced nations in reshaping the future of travel.
India has officially joined a global cohort of over 120 nations—including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, France, Italy, Japan, and others—in adopting chip-based biometric e-passports, marking a major leap toward modernizing international travel. This transformative move aims to enhance border security, prevent identity fraud, and expedite immigration processing for Indian citizens.
A New Era in Indian Passport Technology
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The nationwide rollout of India’s e-passports began in April 2024 under the revamped Passport Seva Programme 2.0, with pilot implementations in key cities such as Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Jammu, Goa, Shimla, Raipur, Amritsar, Jaipur, Chennai, Hyderabad, Surat, and Ranchi. Full-scale deployment is expected by mid-2025.
These next-generation passports feature a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and an antenna embedded in the back cover. The chip securely stores the holder’s biometric and personal data—including facial images, fingerprints, name, date of birth, and passport number. The data is encrypted and protected under international security protocols such as Basic Access Control (BAC), Passive Authentication (PA), and Extended Access Control (EAC).
Global Travel, Redefined
Biometric e-passports are now the international standard for secure and seamless travel. The embedded chip allows real-time authentication at immigration checkpoints, enabling automated, contactless border control through e-gates. These systems drastically reduce wait times and eliminate manual verifications, offering greater convenience for global travelers.
India’s shift to e-passports aligns it with the security standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), placing Indian travelers on par with those from digitally advanced nations and enhancing the country’s credibility on the global stage.
A Global Movement: Countries with E-Passports
India’s transition mirrors a worldwide trend. Here’s how major countries have implemented chip-enabled passports:
Americas
United States: In use since 2007 with facial and fingerprint biometrics.
Canada: Introduced in 2013, supports automated border kiosks.
Mexico: Launched in 2021 to bolster border security.
Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru: Rolled out between 2010–2016; ICAO-compliant and widely accepted.
Europe
France, Italy, UK, Germany: Early adopters since 2005–2006, integrated with Schengen e-gates.
Ukraine, Russia: Fully biometric with digital ID integration.
Asia
Japan, China, South Korea: In operation since the mid-2000s with continual upgrades.
Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal: South Asian countries with active e-passport programs.
Malaysia: A pioneer since 1998, upgraded to ICAO standards by 2010.
Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Indonesia: Fully integrated into global border control systems.
Africa
Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda: Biometric passports rolled out to align with regional and global guidelines.
Oceania
Australia, New Zealand: Among the earliest adopters, seamlessly integrated with smart e-border systems.
With India’s inclusion, its citizens can now enjoy faster and more secure entry into visa-on-arrival and e-gate enabled countries, reinforcing India’s position in the global mobility landscape.
Streamlined Application and Indigenous Production
The application process for e-passports remains user-friendly. Citizens can apply via the Passport Seva Portal, book an appointment at their local Passport Seva Kendra or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra, and provide biometric data during their visit.
All e-passports are printed and chipped at the India Security Press in Nashik, ensuring that passport production remains within the country. This supports the government’s Make in India initiative and bolsters national data sovereignty.
Why This Upgrade Matters
As international travel rebounds post-pandemic—with over 1.5 billion global arrivals in 2023—countries are rapidly upgrading to biometric systems to handle rising passenger volumes efficiently and securely.
Traditional machine-readable passports are susceptible to duplication and tampering. E-passports provide a robust solution, combining biometric verification with cryptographic encryption to make identity fraud virtually impossible while ensuring smoother immigration experiences.
What Lies Ahead: The Future of Smart Travel
India’s e-passport initiative is just one step in a broader vision to digitize global mobility. Future innovations may include:
Mobile passport wallets
Blockchain-based identity verification
Integration with DigiLocker and Aadhaar
Digital visas stored directly on the chip
These advancements could eventually eliminate paper-based documentation entirely, paving the way for a truly contactless and intelligent travel ecosystem.
With the launch of chip-enabled biometric passports, India joins the world’s most advanced nations in reshaping the future of travel. This digital leap not only secures India’s borders but also places its citizens at the forefront of a global, tech-driven transformation in mobility. As biometric systems become the new normal, India is not just keeping pace—but helping set the standard for what comes next.
- First Published:
May 13, 2025, 09:26 IST
SOURCE : NEWS 18
