By Avni Arya
New Delhi: Say goodbye to long queues and paperwork, India is stepping into the future of travel with the launch of e-passports. Marking the 13th Passport Seva Divas, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced the nationwide rollout of the much-awaited e-passport initiative, which promises to make international travel faster, more secure, and more convenient for Indian citizens. This move comes under the upgraded Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0, which is already live across the country and uses cutting-edge technology to boost efficiency, transparency, and user experience. What Is an e-Passport?An e-passport is a smart, chip-enabled document that contains biometric and personal data of the passport holder. It uses contactless chip technology to store information and will significantly speed up immigration procedures and reduce the risk of forgery or identity theft. The embedded microchip will store biometric information like fingerprints and the holder鈥檚 photograph, ensuring added layers of security and ease during international travel. This digital upgrade aims to make passport services in India more accessible, transparent, and reliable, all while being supported by a specially trained workforce. Global Push UnderwayWhile Indian citizens within the country will soon enjoy the benefits of e-passports, the Ministry of External Affairs is also preparing for a global rollout. A pilot programme of Global PSP V2.0 is currently being tested and will be implemented in a phased manner across all Indian embassies and consulates worldwide. How to Apply for an e-PassportApplying for an e-passport is a smooth online process. Here鈥檚 a step-by-step guide: Visit the official Passport Seva website. Create an account if you鈥檙e a new user, or log in if you already have one. Fill in the e-passport application form with the required details. Choose your preferred Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK). Pay the applicable fee for the e-passport service. Book an appointment by selecting a convenient date and time slot. Visit the selected centre at the scheduled time for biometric capture and document verification.