Ever since, e-passports have been launched by the government of India. Individuals across the country are scrambling to get their own. Since this new modern and advanced version of the passport has been designed to keep the data of passport holders secure. It is being demanded by citizens because it is embedded with a contactless RFID or Radio Frequency Identification chip.
So far, 80 lakh (8 million) have been issued domestically, with another 62,000 handed out by Indian missions overseas. If you are among those looking to get your hands on one here below is mentioned the application fees and procedure for applying an e-Passport.
What Is an e-Passport?
An e-passport is very similar to the traditional Indian passport but comes equipped with an embedded electronic chip inside its back cover. This chip securely stores the passport holder’s personal and biometric details, that includes various details like fingerprints, facial recognition data, and digital signatures.
Additionally, this technology ensures that the information printed on the passport matches the data stored in the chip. Therefore, making it nearly impossible to forge or tamper with.
Moreover, e-passports carry a special gold symbol on the cover, making them easily recognizable at airports and border security checkpoints. The chip embedded in the passport allows for quicker scanning and verification, reducing waiting times for travelers.
What is the fee for getting an e-Passport?
In India, the price of a new e-Passport under the regular application process is Rs 1,500 for a 36-page booklet and Rs 2,000 for a 60-page booklet. The expedited or Tatkal fees are additional and not included in these amounts.
It is also important to note that the e-Passport is not an alternative to the standard passport. It is simply an upgraded version, or more advanced version, meant to increase security, increase transparency, and improve the smoothness and efficiency of international border travel.
Who Can Apply for an e-Passport?
Well, any Indian citizen who is eligible for a regular passport can now apply for an e-passport. Although initially, the facility is being offered at some limited Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) across India.
Therefore, interested applicants should confirm whether their local passport office has started issuing e-passports before applying.
Considering the scale of this process, the government plans to gradually expand the service nationwide. This will help in ensuring that both new applicants and those renewing their passports can benefit from the upgrade