Latest news with #ePassport
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
ePassport in India: How to apply, and watch out for these fake websites
Many don't give importance to their passports or give it a second thought in terms of a valid identity document, until they desperately need one. Whether it's for that long-awaited Eurotrip, a dream job abroad, or a last-minute travel plan, applying for a passport can either be a breeze or a hassle if you don't pay attention to details. On June 24, 2025, as reported earlier, during the 13th Passport Seva Divas, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar highlighted this and announced the launch of Passport Seva Programme (PSP) 2.0. This upgrade brings emerging technologies, improved transparency, and faster processing times to India's passport system. The global rollout of the PSP 2.0, including in Indian embassies and consulates, is already underway, further extending the benefits of ePassports to Indian citizens abroad. Read more: So, what is an ePassport? Is it different from the conventional passport? Well, an ePassport is essentially a smarter version of the conventional paper passport. It looks very similar to the standard passport, but comes equipped with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and an embedded antenna. These components are inserted into the back cover of the passport as an inlay. What sets it apart visually is a small gold-colored chip symbol printed below the front cover. This RFID chip securely stores personal details and biometric information of the passport holder, like photograph and fingerprint data, in a digital format. Why is the ePassport beneficial? One of the biggest advantages of the ePassport is its ability to prevent forgery and tampering. While the passport holder's information will still be printed on the physical booklet, the same data will also be digitally stored and signed on the chip. Immigration officers across the globe will be able to electronically verify the authenticity of this information using advanced systems. The technology behind this security is known as Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). It ensures that the data on the chip has not been altered and truly belongs to the passport holder. This makes it extremely difficult for criminals to create fake passports or tamper with existing ones, greatly enhancing international travel security. Additionally, ePassports speed up immigration checks, as contactless scanning of the chip allows for faster processing at eGates in many airports. Do you need to replace your current passport? If you already hold a valid Indian passport, there's no need to rush to replace it. Existing passports will remain valid until their expiry date. As the ePassport rollout continues, applicants who apply at ePassport-enabled Passport Offices will automatically receive the upgraded version. The government is implementing the ePassport system in phases, and full nationwide coverage will take a few more months. How to apply for an ePassport Applying for an ePassport is straightforward and follows the same steps as a regular passport application — with a few added digital upgrades: Visit the official Passport Seva website: Create an account or log in if you're an existing user. Fill in the ePassport application with accurate details. Choose your preferred Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office PSK (POPSK). Pay the application fee online. Schedule an appointment for biometric capture and document verification. Visit the chosen center at your scheduled time slot. Beware of fake passport service websites The Ministry of External Affairs has issued a warning about fraudulent websites mimicking official passport services. These websites often operate under domains like *.org, *.in, or *.com and may charge extra fees or steal user data. Some known fake websites include: To stay safe, always use the official portal: .
Zawya
14-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan submits e-passport encryption keys to ICAO
AMMAN — Jordan on Saturday submitted its public encryption keys for the electronic passport to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), marking a 'key milestone' in the Kingdom's digital transformation efforts. The handover took place during a special ceremony at ICAO headquarters in Montreal, Canada, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, the event represents a 'major' step in the implementation of Jordan's e-passport project. Jordan's Ambassador to Canada Sabah Rafii represented the Kingdom during the handover ceremony, which was attended by ICAO Deputy Director of Aviation Security and Facilitation Sylvain Lefoyer. Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Sami Smairat said that uploading the digital certificate to ICAO's servers will allow member states in the Public Key Directory (PKD) to verify Jordanian e-passports electronically and in real time. This will enhance global authentication systems and facilitate smoother border crossings for Jordanian passengers at airports and land ports in countries that participate in the directory, the minister added. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Hindustan Times
03-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
India Launches Chip-Based ePassports: Colorplast Partner to the Government to Power the Future of Travel
New Delhi, 1st July 2025: India has officially taken a significant step forward in modernising travel documentation with the rollout of chip-based ePassports, a landmark initiative supported by Colorplast Systems Pvt. Ltd. in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of External Affairs. India Launches Chip-Based ePassports: Colorplast Partner to the Government to Power the Future of Travel As India's leading embedded technology company for secure identity solutions, Colorplast has played a pivotal role in developing the technological foundation of these next-generation ePassports. The launch signifies the beginning of a digitally secure, efficient, and globally recognised passport experience for Indian citizens. 'This isn't just a new document; it's a reflection of how India is transforming itself to meet global benchmarks in identity and security. The ePassport strengthens the identity of every Indian citizen, and we are honoured to be part of this national project that will positively impact every Indian traveller'. Mr. Ayussh Battra, Director, Colorplast Systems Pvt. Ltd. About Colorplast Systems Pvt. Ltd. Colorplast is a leading Card and technology company focused on the Payments, Connectivity, identity managed Services, and Print and Packaging Sectors. Via our embedded technology products and services, we connect, transact, and authenticate over 150 million people/products each year. Colorplast is today present in 5 continents and has supplied over 3 billion products globally, including in India. Colorplast works with Industry leaders globally for the provision and supply of secure SIM/eSIM, Dual interface technology bank cards, including but not limited to Prepaid cards, Debit cards, Credit cards, Metal cards, along with Electronic Driving Licenses, Vehicle Registration Certificates, and allied technology services associated with the aforesaid products. Colorplast is also recognized by its partners for delivering trusted, secure and innovative products and solutions across its various verticals. The company's vision is closely aligned with the Government of India's Digital India mission and the successful rollout of the ePassport is a testament to that journey. Note to readers: This article is part of HT's paid consumer connect initiative and is independently created by the brand. HT assumes no editorial responsibility for the content, including its accuracy, completeness, or any errors or omissions. Readers are advised to verify all information independently. Want to get your story featured as above? click here!
The Hindu
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
India Launches Chip-Based ePassports: Colorplast proud Partner to the Government to Power the Future of Travel
24th June 2025 New Delhi India has officially taken a significant step forward in modernising travel documentation with the rollout of chip-based ePassports, a landmark initiative supported by Colorplast Systems Pvt. Ltd. in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of External Affairs. As India's leading embedded technology company for secure identity solutions, Colorplast has played a pivotal role in developing the technological foundation of these next-generation ePassports. The launch signifies the beginning of a digitally secure, efficient, and globally recognised passport experience for Indian citizens. 'This isn't just a new document; it's a reflection of how India is transforming itself to meet global benchmarks in identity and security. The ePassport strengthens the identity of every Indian citizen, and we are honoured to be part of this national project that will positively impact every Indian traveller'. Mr. Ayussh Battra, Director, Colorplast Systems Pvt. Ltd. About Colorplas t Systems Pvt. Ltd. Colorplast is a leading Card and technology company focused on the Payments, Connectivity, identity managed Services, and Print and Packaging Sectors. Via our embedded technology products and services, we connect, transact, and authenticate over 150 million people/products each year. Colorplast is today present in 5 continents and has supplied over 3 billion products globally, including in India. Colorplast works with Industry leaders globally for the provision and supply of secure SIM/eSIM, Dual interface technology bank cards, including but not limited to Prepaid cards, Debit cards, Credit cards, Metal cards, along with Electronic Driving Licenses, Vehicle Registration Certificates, and allied technology services associated with the aforesaid products. Colorplast is also recognized by its partners for delivering trusted, secure and innovative products and solutions across its various verticals. The company's vision is closely aligned with the Government of India's Digital India mission and the successful rollout of the ePassport is a testament to that journey. 'This is a company press release that is not part of editorial content. No journalist of The Hindu was involved in the publication of this release.'
Indian Express
27-06-2025
- Indian Express
e-Passport in India 2025: Know the launch date, how to apply, eligibility, fees, registration process & benefits
e-Passport in India 2025: At the 13th Passport Seva Divas, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar revealed significant developments in the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) and affirmed the national adoption of e-Passports. In a post on X, Jaishankar praised passport officials both in India and overseas, noting their contribution in what he described as a 'remarkable transformation' in service delivery over the previous decade. The e-passport initiative, part of the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0, has started as part of a pilot program in India. Regional Passport Offices in Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Jammu, Goa, Shimla, Raipur, Amritsar, Jaipur, Chennai, Hyderabad, Surat, and Ranchi are now equipped to issue e-passports, with plans for further expansion. The Minister announced the nationwide commencement of the Passport Seva Programme Version 2.0, which incorporates advanced and emerging technologies that will enhance system efficiency and transparency. Greetings to all Passport Authorities in India and abroad on the occasion of the 13th Passport Seva Divas. Your commendable efforts, guided by 'Seva, Sushasan and Garib Kalyan', are instrumental to ensuring ease of travel, deepening access to global workplace and empowering the… — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 24, 2025 An Indian ePassport will be a paper and electronic passport which includes a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Chip and an antenna implanted in the passport's inlay and holds the passport holder's personal and biometric information. It will be immediately recognised as a little supplementary gold colour insignia printed beneath the passport's front cover. The key benefit of the ePassport is the increased ability to safeguard the integrity of the passport holder's data. It will have the data printed on the booklet as well as digitally signed in the electronic chip, which can be securely authenticated by immigration officials, protecting the passport from forgery and potential fraudulent activities such as fake passports, while confirming its authenticity at border controls. The cost of an e-passport is expected to be the same as an ordinary Indian passport. Source: Clear Tax To get an e-passport, one can go to the official Passport Seva platform and follow the steps mentioned below: Step 1: Go to the official Passport Seva website: Step 2: New users have to sign up for an account, and existing users can log in using their credentials. Step 3: Fill in the e-passport application by providing accurate personal and travel information. Step 4: Now choose the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) as per your convenience. Step 5: Payment of the applicable charges, which is the e-passport fee, has to be made through available payment options. Step 6: Schedule an appointment by selecting a date and time slot for the selected service centre. Step 7: Visit the PSK or POPSK at the scheduled time for biometric capture and document verification. No, all passports issued by the Government of India will stay valid till the expiry date. Citizens who apply at a Passport Office that is technically capable of issuing ePassports will receive their ePassport. The phased rollout of the ePassport to all Passport Offices across India may take a few months.
