What Is E-Passport and How It Is Different From Physical Passport? Check FAQs

In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of enhancing the Ease of Living' for citizens, India will soon embark on new and upgraded e-passports.

These initiatives will usher in a new paradigm of 'ease'," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday. stated said that this 'ease' stands for 'E': Enhanced passport services to citizens, using a digital eco-system, 'A': Artificial Intelligence-powered service delivery, 'S': Smoother overseas travel using chip-enabled e-passports, and 'E': Enhanced data security.

People are now curious to know how these e-passports will work. Here are some faqs about it.

What is an e-passport?
The e-passport is a chip-enabled passport with a biometric identification card that will be powered by advanced security features strengthening the transparency and security of travel documents. This passport will have smart card technology, including an embedded Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip embedded in the front or back cover or page of the passport.

Responding to a question in Parliament, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan had earlier said the "chip characteristics" are in line with guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialised agency of the United Nations which defines standards for travel documents.

How Are an Individual's Data Stored?
The applicants' personal particulars would be digitally stored in the chip, which would be embedded in the physical passport booklet.

What Happens If the chips are tampered with?
In case, anyone tampers with the chip, the system shall be able to identify it, resulting in the failure of the passport authentication, according to the Centre.

Are they safe?
Not India, but over 100 countries are also using the e-passports. According to V Muraleedharan, "The data of the citizens for e-Passport would be used for the specific purpose only, i.e. issuance of the passport and related services. There is no secondary use of the data, thereby safeguarding the privacy concerns. Digital certificates authenticate further transaction processes and are cryptographically signed."

Is an e-passport different from a normal passport?
The e-passports function similarly to traditional physical passports but incorporate a compact electronic chip akin to a driver's license. This embedded chip securely stores essential information about the passport holder, such as their name, date of birth, address, and other details.

It is beneficial?
Yes, because it can be scanned quickly and will not make travellers stand in a long queue for security checks. Also, it will also eliminate the chances of forged passports.

Who Is Behind The e-passport?
Tata Consultancy Services and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) have joined hands for this effort. Following a formal agreement made by the two entities in January 2022, this collaboration was established.