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India Unveils Chip-Enabled Biometric E-Passports

India has launched chip-enabled biometric e-passports under the Passport Seva Programme 2.0, aiming to enhance travel security and streamline immigration processes

The official rollout began on April 1, 2024, with nationwide implementation expected to be completed by mid-2025

Each e-passport includes an embedded RFID chip storing biometric data such as facial images and fingerprints, protected by international security standards like BAC, PA, and EAC

India joins over 120 countries, including the U.S. and Canada, in adopting e-passports, facilitating smoother international travel

The first phase includes cities like Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Delhi, with plans to expand nationwide

Chennai began issuing e-passports on March 3, 2025, with over 20,700 e-passports issued by March 22, 2025

Existing passport holders can apply for the new e-passport during renewal or fresh applications through the Passport Seva Portal

The e-passports are produced at the India Security Press in Nashik, aligning with the government's 'Make in India' initiative

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