India now issues e-Passports with biometric chips for faster and secure travel. Learn the updated 2025 fees (₹1500/₹2000), application process, docume
e-Passport in India: Cost, Process, Benefits & Full Guide (2026)
India is now moving towards faster and more secure international travel—and the new e-Passport is one of the biggest steps in that direction.
If you are planning to apply for a fresh passport or renew an old one, you must have seen people searching:
“Is India issuing e-passports now?”,
“How to get an e-passport?”,
“What is the cost of e-passport in India?”
In this detailed guide, we will answer all these questions in a simple, conversational, and human-friendly way.
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| Indian e-Passport 2026: Fees, Benefits, How |
What Is an e-Passport? (Simple Explanation)
An e-Passport, also known as a biometric passport, is a modern passport that contains a microchip embedded inside the back cover.
This chip securely stores your personal details such as:
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Your name
Date of birth
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Passport number
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Photograph
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Fingerprint details
The chip makes the passport harder to forge, much more secure, and super fast during immigration scanning.
Is India Issuing e-Passports Now?
Yes!
India has officially started issuing e-Passports, and gradually all new passports will be upgraded to e-Passports.
The rollout began in 2022 and by 2025 most new passports are being issued in the e-Passport format.
If you apply today, your passport will very likely be an e-Passport.
Features of the New Indian e-Passport
The e-Passport looks similar to the regular passport from outside but includes some powerful features:
✔ 1. Secure Embedded Chip
The chip carries biometric and personal data, protected by advanced digital encryption.
✔ 2. Faster Immigration
Automated e-gates at airports will read your data instantly—reducing long queues.
✔ 3. Global Acceptance
Most countries already follow ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards.
Indian e-Passports match these standards.
✔ 4. Impossible to Fake or Tamper
The chip cannot be altered without breaking the cover, ensuring top-level security.
✔ 5. Improved Identity Verification
The e-Passport includes:
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Machine Readable Zone (MRZ)
Which makes identity verification seamless.
What Is the Cost of e-Passport in India? (2025 Updated Price)
The government has not increased the cost for e-Passports.
The fee is the same as normal passports.
Regular Application Fees
| Type of Passport | Pages | Validity | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh / Renewal | 36 pages | 10 years | ₹1,500 |
| Fresh / Renewal | 60 pages | 10 years | ₹2,000 |
| Minor (under 18) | 36 pages | 5 years | ₹1,000 |
| Pages | Fee |
|---|---|
| 36 pages | ₹3,500 (₹1,500 + ₹2,000 tatkal) |
| 60 pages | ₹4,000 (₹2,000 + ₹2,000 tatkal) |
Note: These charges are the same whether you get a normal passport or an e-passport.
How to Apply for an e-Passport in India? (Step-by-Step Guide)
Applying for an e-Passport is exactly like applying for a regular passport.
You do not need to submit any special form.
Step 1: Register on Passport Seva Portal
Visit the website: passportindia.gov.in
Create a new account.
Step 2: Login and Select "Apply for Fresh Passport / Re-Issue"
Choose the appropriate option:
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
You can:
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Fill online OR
Download PDF → Fill → Upload back
- Details needed:
Name, address
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Family information
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Employment
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Criminal history (if any)
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Passport history
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Emergency contact
Step 4: Upload Documents
Basic documents required:
Date of birth proof
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Address proof
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Old passport (for renewal)
Step 5: Pay the Fees
Pay online using UPI, net banking, card etc.
Step 6: Schedule Appointment
Choose the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
Step 7: Visit PSK for Biometrics
You need to carry original documents.
At PSK, they will take:
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Biometrics (fingerprints)
Photograph
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Signature
These will be stored in your e-Passport’s chip.
Step 8: Police Verification
If needed, local police will verify your address.
Step 9: Passport Printing + Delivery
After verification, the passport is printed with the embedded chip and sent by speed post.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Let’s answer the exact questions users search the most:
1. Is India issuing an e-Passport now?
Yes. India has started issuing e-Passports for all new applications and renewals.
You will automatically get an e-Passport—no separate request required.
2. How do I get an e-Passport for India?
Follow these steps:
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Visit Passport Seva Portal
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Apply for fresh or reissued passport
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Upload documents
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Pay fees
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Book appointment
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Visit PSK for biometrics
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Complete police verification
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Receive your passport by post
There is no separate form for e-Passports.
3. What is the cost of an e-Passport in India?
Same as regular passport:
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₹1,500 → 36 pages
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₹2,000 → 60 pages
No extra charges.
4. Can I convert my old passport into an e-Passport?
No conversion is available.
You will get an e-Passport only when you apply for renewal or a new passport..
5. How long does it take to get an e-Passport?
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Regular: 7–21 days
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Tatkal: 1–3 days
Benefits of e-Passport for Indian Travelers
✔ Faster Airport Immigration
At foreign airports with e-gates, your passport will be scanned in seconds.
✔ More Secure
Chip cannot be easily tampered or forged.
✔ Globally Recognized
E-Passport is accepted in 120+ countries.
✔ Convenience for Frequent Travelers
Scanning is faster than manual checking.
✔ Better Protection Against Identity Theft
Digital encryption protects your personal data.
Who Should Definitely Apply for an e-Passport?
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Frequent international fliers
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Students traveling abroad
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Business travelers
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People planning to work abroad
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Anyone whose passport is expiring soon
If your passport expires in 1–2 years, upgrading to an e-Passport is a smart move.
Tips to Avoid Delays
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Make sure address proof is updated
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Keep all documents ready
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Don’t hide any information
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Attend police verification quickly
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Book PSK appointment early morning
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