Latest news with #ePassports
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: .
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.'
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India launches chip-based ePassports: Colorplast is a proud partner to the Government to power the future of travel
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 one of India's foremost embedded technology companies 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'. - Ayussh Battra , Director, Colorplast Systems Pvt. Ltd. Colorplast is a card and technology company focused on the payments, connectivity, identity managed services, and print and packaging Sectors. Through their embedded technology products and services, they 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 recognised 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. Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
1News
02-06-2025
- Business
- 1News
Customs opens eGates to arrivals from 11 more countries
New Zealand Customs Service is allowing a further 11 countries with eligible passport holders to enter New Zealand using eGates. Several European countries now have access — as well as an initial group of countries from the Middle East — with the total list of countries eligible to 48. Arrivals from the United Arab Emirates, with 9381 touching down in New Zealand during the year to March 2025, was one of the countries now permitted to use the eGates. New Zealand Customs said the additional countries would help "make border processing systems more efficient, smart, and easy to use". The other newly selected countries were Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, Vatican City, and Macau (a Special Administrative Region of China). ADVERTISEMENT Acting group manager of Border Operations Paul Williams said around 70% of arriving and departing passengers were processed through the eGates. "The use of eGates, along with other digital options such as completing a New Zealand Traveller Declaration digitally, will help reduce screening times in airport terminals, making it easier and faster for travellers to move through border security," said Williams. Williams said eGates enabled Customs frontline officers to focus on high-risk travellers and baggage "as well as boosting airport patrols to target illegal activities such as drug smuggling". In a trial period, Customs worked with Immigration New Zealand to ensure ePassports from the countries met the necessary border security and technological biometric requirements. EGates were first introduced in New Zealand in 2009 and were available to ePassport holders aged 10 years and older.
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Customs Opens eGates To 11 More Countries And Territories
Press Release – New Zealand Customs Service Customs has now opened its eGates to 48 countries, in total, and will later this year enable further countries to use the gates, helping make border processing systems more efficient, smart, and easy to use. The New Zealand Customs Service is pleased to welcome eligible ePassport holders from a further 11 countries and territories to use its eGates as of today. Travellers from several European countries, including Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, and Vatican City, as well as Macau (a Special Administrative Region of China) and an initial group of Middle Eastern countries, including Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, are now able to use New Zealand's automated eGates nationwide. This follows a successful trial period, where Customs worked with Immigration New Zealand to ensure ePassports from these Visa-waiver countries met the necessary border security and technological biometric requirements. Customs has now opened its eGates to 48 countries, in total, and will later this year enable further countries to use the gates, helping make border processing systems more efficient, smart, and easy to use. Acting Group Manager Border Operations, Paul Williams, says around 70% percent of arriving and departing passengers are currently processed through eGates in New Zealand. 'As we open New Zealand's eGates to more countries, even more travellers will have the option of a self-service route through both arrivals and departures. We welcome the new passport holders and encourage them to give our eGates a try,' says Mr Williams. 'The use of eGates, along with other digital options such as completing a New Zealand Traveller Declaration digitally, will help reduce screening times in airport terminals, making it easier and faster for travellers to move through border security.' He adds that eGates use sophisticated biometric software and information from ePassports to carry out necessary checks within seconds, enabling Customs frontline officers to place increased focus on high-risk travellers and baggage, as well as boosting airport patrols to target illegal activities such as drug smuggling. Notes: eGates first opened for use in New Zealand in 2009 eGate access is now available to ePassport holders aged 10 years and older from the 48 countries and territories listed below:
