Chennai became the first city in Tamil Nadu to issue e-passports on 3 March 2025.
India has begun issuing e-passports, integrating electronic features into the traditional paper booklet in a move to modernise travel documentation. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the initiative is part of the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0, launched on 1 April 2024.
The e-passports contain a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and an embedded antenna within a secure inlay, marked by a gold-coloured symbol on the front cover. Officials say the passports are safeguarded by robust encryption protocols and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), which protect biometric and personal data while verifying its authenticity.
Initial issuance is being carried out through selected Regional Passport Offices including those in Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Jammu, Goa, Shimla, Raipur, Amritsar, Jaipur, Chennai, Hyderabad, Surat, and Ranchi. A broader national rollout is expected to follow.
Chennai became the first city in Tamil Nadu to issue e-passports on 3 March 2025. By 22 March, over 20,000 had been distributed in the state, signalling both public interest and administrative readiness.
Authorities have underlined that obtaining an e-passport is voluntary. Existing passports will remain valid until their expiry, ensuring a gradual transition. Officials say improved data security and forgery prevention are among the chief benefits, particularly for international travel and border control.
