The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has launched a major overhaul of its passport issuance system, bringing in the next-generation “e-passport” and version 2.0 of the Passport Seva Programme (PSP V2.0) along with its global extension Global Passport Seva Programme (GPSP V2.0) for overseas Indian citizens.
This new document is a hybrid travel booklet embedded with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and antenna, compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. It securely stores encrypted biometric and personal data, including photographs, fingerprints and demographic details, to significantly raise security and reduce forgery risks.
Additional features include micro-lettering, relief tints and other design elements that make tampering much harder.
The MEA states that all newly issued passports will now automatically be this e-passport version, while older passports remain valid until their expiry. A full migration of all passports is targeted by 2035.
Alongside the new passport itself, the broader service ecosystem has been upgraded. PSP V2.0 was rolled out across 37 Regional Passport Offices, 93 Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and 450 Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) in India from May 26 2025. GPSP V2.0, which covers Indian missions abroad, became operational from October 28 2025.
The new system brings features such as AI-powered chat/voice bots for application support, auto-filled forms, UPI/QR code payments, integration with DigiLocker/Aadhaar/PAN, and enhanced document verification via Robotic Process Automation.
These upgrades aim to make the passport application, issuance and verification process more efficient, transparent and user-friendly.
For travellers and citizens, the new system promises faster processing at home and abroad, better data security, fewer cases of forgery or multiple passports, and smoother immigration through e-gates for those with biometric-capable passports.
From a governance perspective, the changes reflect India’s commitment to digital first and secure travel documentation aligned with global norms. The MEA emphasises the move as enhancing both “Ease of Living” and national security.
What applicants should know
- If you apply for a new passport or renewal, you will receive the e-passport version.
- Current passports remain valid until their expiry, no immediate replacement required.
- Biometric verification, digital uploads and online payments are part of the updated system.
- The e-passport is marked by a gold-coloured chip symbol on the cover (in many cases) to distinguish it.
- Citizens living abroad will also be served under GPSP V2.0, ensuring consistent service globally.
