Passport Seva 2.0: Here’s how to apply for e-Passport in India, check eligibility, key benefits, application fee and more

India has started offering e-Passports, a new type of passport that people can now apply for across the country. These were first introduced on April 1, 2024, through a pilot program by the Ministry of External Affairs. Right now, only a few passport offices can issue them, but more centres will be added soon. e-Passports look similar to regular ones but have a small gold-colored emblem below the title on the front cover. This mark helps tell them apart. The new passports aim to improve security and speed up immigration checks at airports.