India Launches Passport Seva 2.0: All You Need to Know About e-Passports, Eligibility & Application Process

Most people don’t think much about their passport—until they need one. Whether for a long-awaited trip, a new job abroad, or an emergency, the process of getting a passport can be smooth or stressful. But in recent years, passport services in India have quietly transformed in the background, becoming faster, more efficient, and far more user-friendly.

On June 24, 2025, during the 13th Passport Seva Divas, this transformation was officially acknowledged with the launch of Passport Seva 2.0, a major upgrade to India’s passport service ecosystem. Built on the principles of Seva (service), Sushasan (good governance), and Garib Kalyan (welfare), the program reflects the broader vision of building a more developed and digitally connected India.

What is Passport Seva 2.0?

The Passport Seva Programme (PSP), initiated by the Ministry of External Affairs, is designed to make passport services more accessible, transparent, and efficient. What once involved standing in long queues, dealing with delays, and navigating red tape has now evolved into a streamlined digital experience.

One of the biggest highlights of Passport Seva 2.0 is its reach. Services are no longer limited to metro cities. Through Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs), passport facilities have expanded to Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns, making it easier for students, migrant workers, and rural residents to access services without long-distance travel.

Applicants can now book appointments online, receive SMS/email updates, and visit clean, well-managed centres that offer efficient service with minimal wait times.

Introduction of e-Passports: What’s New?

A standout feature of Passport Seva 2.0 is the rollout of e-passports across India. These passports aren’t just physical documents—they’re embedded with a secure electronic microchip that stores critical personal and biometric data.

Key Features of e-Passports:

• Secure Chip: Embedded in the cover, containing details like name, passport number, date of birth, photo, and fingerprints.
• Contactless Verification: Allows faster and safer scanning by immigration officers without needing to open the passport fully.
• Globally Recognised: Fully compliant with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, making them usable at global borders.
• Tamper-Proof: Advanced encryption ensures protection against counterfeiting and unauthorised access.

These e-passports are part of a broader effort to bring India’s travel documentation up to international standards, ensuring smoother immigration processes and enhanced safety for citizens.

Benefits of e-Passports

• Faster Border Checks: Electronic scanning speeds up immigration procedures.
• Greater Security: Difficult to forge, thanks to digital encryption.
• International Acceptance: Recognised worldwide due to ICAO compliance.
• Digital Storage: Personal and biometric details are safely stored in the embedded chip.

e-Passports are being rolled out in phases and will eventually become standard for all new applicants across the country.

Faster Police Verification with mPassport Police App

One of the most time-consuming parts of the passport process used to be police verification. Depending on the area, this step could take several weeks. That has now changed with the mPassport Police App, a mobile-based system introduced to speed up verifications.

Currently operational in 25 states and Union Territories, the app allows police officers to receive assignments digitally, upload documents instantly, and send real-time status updates to passport offices.

As a result, the average verification time has dropped to just 5–7 days in many areas—an immense relief for students, professionals, and first-time applicants.

How to Apply for an e-Passport in India

Getting an e-passport is a straightforward process. Here’s how to apply:

1. Visit the official passport portal: passportindia.gov.in
2. Register or log in with your details (name, date of birth, mobile/email).
3. Select the e-passport option during application.
4. Fill in personal, address, and travel details.
5. Choose a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or POPSK for your appointment.
6. Pay online using UPI, credit/debit cards, or net banking.
7. Book a time slot—early morning slots are usually less crowded.
8. On appointment day, carry original documents for verification and provide biometric data (photo & fingerprints).
9. Track your application online until the passport is delivered to your address.

The Future of Passport Services in India

With Passport Seva 2.0, the process of getting a passport has become faster, safer, and far more convenient. By embracing digital tools like e-passports and police verification apps, India is moving towards a future where global travel becomes easier for all its citizens—regardless of where they live.

As the rollout continues, these services are expected to improve even further, making passports not just documents for travel, but symbols of a more connected, efficient, and empowered nation.