India launches e-passports with security features & RFID Chip, Gold Colour Symbol

India launches e-passports with security features & RFID Chip, Gold Colour Symbol

All you need to know about their benefits, security and how to apply online

India has officially joined the ranks of over 120 countries, including the United States, Canada, France, Japan, and Australia, in issuing biometric e-passports to its people. The move is a significant step toward improving national security, facilitating international travel, and keeping up with ICAO international requirements. As global travel returns and border security becomes a global issue, India’s transition to biometric e-passports positions it at the forefront of the technical change of identity management.

What is an e-passport.

A biometric e-passport, often known as an electronic passport or e-passport, is a more modern version of the traditional passport. It uses sophisticated digital technology to securely include the passport holder’s personal and biometric information.

• An e-passport’s back cover contains an embedded Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip. It holds:
• Demographic information about the holder (name, date of birth, passport number, etc.)
• Biometric facial data for facial recognition.
• Fingerprints are used to verify identity.
• A little gold rectangular mark on the cover signifies that the passport includes electronic features.

How to Apply for E-Passports Online?

Indian citizens can apply for a biometric e-passport using the Passport Seva Online Portal or in person at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).

• Register online: Go to the Passport Seva Portal and register.
• Log into your dashboard: Use your login credentials to access the application portal.
• Complete the form: Select “Apply for a New Passport/Reissue of Passport.” Select the appropriate category.
• Make an online payment. Pay the payment to complete your application.
• Book an appointment: Reserve a spot at your local PSK or RPO.
• Visit in person: Come in person with your original documents to be verified and biometrically enrolled.
• Track status: You can use the portal to check the status of your passport processing.

E-passport security features

To protect data and conform to international standards, biometric e-passports use various digital encryption and authentication approaches, such as:

• Basic Access Control (BAC) prevents unauthorized access to the chip by restricting scanning equipment to authorized devices.
• Passive Authentication (PA): authenticates stored data and detects tampering.
• Extended Access Control (EAC): Provides an extra layer of security for biometric data like fingerprints.

The advantages of e-passports

Improved security

Biometric e-passports provide higher levels of security than traditional passports. The incorporation of biometric information such as fingerprints and face recognition assures that the passport can only be used by the owner, reducing the risk of fraud and identity theft.

Prevention of Identity Fraud

Individuals will find it difficult to replace or duplicate biometric e-passports due to the sophisticated security procedures in place. This helps to prevent identity fraud and keeps the passport holder’s personal information secure from abuse.

Convenience for Travelers

E-passports make travel easier by allowing users to pass through automated e-gates at airports, eliminating the need for manual examination. This saves travel time and makes travel more convenient, especially during peak travel hours.

Improves national security.

E-passports improve national security by adding biometric information. They allow for better tracking of people crossing borders, and the secure information discourages activities like illegal immigration and identity theft, which improves overall border control procedures.

Simple data management and updating.

E-passports make it easier and more convenient to update or renew personal information. The electronically recorded data can be easily retrieved and updated, making the renewal process faster and more efficient.