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India’s e-passports mark an important step toward digital and secure travel
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For Indian expats worldwide, they offer greater security, smoother journeys, and a future-ready way to travel across borders with confidence
PRAVASISAMWAD.COM
India has begun rolling out a new generation of chip-enabled e-passports, and many Indian expatriates around the world are starting to adopt them. These passports are designed to make international travel safer, faster, and more convenient, especially for frequent travellers, professionals, students, and families living overseas.
The new e-passport looks similar to the current Indian passport but contains a small electronic chip embedded in the back cover. This chip securely stores key personal details and biometric data, such as the holder’s photograph and fingerprints. Immigration authorities can read this information quickly, helping confirm the traveller’s identity with high accuracy.
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One of the biggest advantages of e-passports is faster immigration clearance
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Many airports across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia now use automated e-gates
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These systems can reduce waiting times from several minutes to just a few seconds
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Indian airports, including major hubs, are also expanding automated border controls, which will benefit returning travellers
Security is another major benefit. The chip uses advanced encryption to prevent tampering, forgery, and identity theft. This makes e-passports more reliable than traditional paper-based passports and helps protect travellers from fraud.
E-passports are also designed to meet global standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This means they are recognised by many countries and are compatible with future digital travel systems, such as electronic travel authorisations and automated visa checks.
Indian missions abroad are gradually issuing e-passports for new and renewed applications. Existing passports will remain valid until they expire, and switching is optional. However, frequent travellers and those with passports expiring within the next 12 to 18 months may benefit from renewing early and opting for an e-passport.
