India has begun issuing chip-embedded e-passports under its Passport Seva 2.0 programme. Here’s everything travellers need to know..An e-passport resembles a regular passport but features a gold-coloured symbol and an embedded RFID chip that stores encrypted biometric data..The chip-enabled passport enhances security, reduces fake documents, and speeds up immigration at e-gates around the world..Any Indian citizen eligible for a standard fresh or reissued passport can apply for the e-passport; no special category is required..The steps, online registration, payment, appointment, and biometrics at a PSK/POPSK, remain unchanged; the form doesn’t say “e-passport.”.If your current passport is valid, you don’t have to switch to an e-passport immediately; it will remain usable until expiry..The rollout has begun in select cities (Nagpur, Goa, Ranchi, Delhi, Chennai, etc.), and the goal is nationwide availability by the end of 2025..For Indian expatriates in the UAE, authorities confirmed that there will be no additional fee or biometric requirements for the e-passport rollout..The new chip-enabled Indian e-passport is a tech upgrade aimed at the future of travel, apply smart, travel smoother, stay secure..Read More Stories.Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp