India launched chip-based e-passports nationwide on April 1, 2024, under Passport Seva Programme 2.0. These passports store biometric data on RFID chips and aim to improve travel security, reduce fraud, and streamline immigration. The move aligns India with global e-passport adopters like the USA, UK, and Germany. New passport rules will apply from 2025.

BulletsIn

• Chip-based e-passports launched across India on April 1, 2024
• Part of Passport Seva Programme 2.0 for digital transformation
• RFID chip stores biometric, personal data securely
• Boosts security, harder to forge or duplicate
• Scannable barcode for address access by immigration
• Issued in 12+ cities including Chennai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Goa
• Birth certificate mandatory for post-Oct 2023 births (from 2025)
• Printed address, parents’ names removed from passport
• Supports Digital India, paperless governance goals
• Aligns India with global passport tech leaders