India to Roll Out Chip-Enabled E-Passports by 2025

Strategic Insights -

India is gearing up to introduce a new generation of passports, incorporating advanced digital technology to strengthen security and speed up immigration checks. The chip-enabled e-passports will be designed to ensure worldwide acceptance and will feature enhanced security features, including biometric data and advanced encryption. The rollout of the new passports is part of the Passport Seva Programme 2.0, which aims to introduce emerging technologies to enhance transparency and operational efficiency.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Indian government plans to roll out chip-enabled e-passports by 2025, designed to strengthen security and speed up immigration checks.
  • The new passports will feature a built-in electronic chip that stores biometric records such as fingerprints, facial photo, and iris details, as well as personal information including name, date of birth, and passport number.
  • The e-passport will contain a digital certificate, serving as a secure electronic signature to authenticate the passport owner's identity.
  • The new passports will be designed in accordance with ICAO international guidelines and will be resistant to forgery or duplication.
  • The rollout of the new passports is part of the Passport Seva Programme 2.0, which aims to introduce emerging technologies to enhance transparency and operational efficiency.
  • The programme will introduce trial runs of the Global Passport Seva Programme 2.0, which will be gradually introduced across Indian embassies and consulates in multiple phases.

Statistics:

  • By 2025, India plans to roll out chip-enabled e-passports nationwide, designed to strengthen security and speed up immigration checks.
  • The new passports will feature a built-in electronic chip that can store up to 128 KB of data.
  • The e-passport will contain biometric data, including fingerprints, facial photo, and iris recognition patterns.
  • The digital certificate in the e-passport will be based on Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) technology.

Sources:

  • IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd.
  • Contify.com