India has started issuing e-passports with RFID chips and biometrics via its upgraded Passport Seva Programme, aligning with over 120 countries adopting digital passports to enhance travel security and efficiency globally
India has joined the ranks of leading countries adopting e-passports at a time when global travel is moving towards faster verification and stronger identity controls. Passports have shifted from paper-based booklets to digital documents that rely on chips, biometrics and encrypted systems. More than 120 countries issue some form of these passports today, but only a few stand out for early, large-scale adoption. These nations set the pace for secure modern travel and show how digital identity has become part of everyday mobility. The examples below highlight the world's most prominent users of e-passports and offer a sense of where India fits within this global transition.
Also Read: 6 Hidden UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Asia That Whisper History, Not Hype
What An E-Passport Means Today
An e-passport, or electronic biometric passport, contains a small RFID chip and antenna embedded within the booklet. The chip holds important information such as name, nationality, date of birth and biometric identifiers like facial images or fingerprints. At border control, officers scan the chip wirelessly and check it against the printed page and live verification. Encryption technology such as Basic Access Control works in the background to block unauthorised access and limit tampering. This digital structure has become an essential part of modern travel, especially as global movement grows more interconnected.
Benefits Of E-Passports For Travellers
The switch to e-passports offers several improvements for passengers and border officials.
Travellers experience quicker immigration processing because automated e-gates reduce the need for manual checks.
Biometric data, digital signatures and compliance with ICAO standards strengthen document security and limit the risk of forgery.
Border agencies benefit from clearer identity verification, fewer errors and smoother management of cross-border traffic. These systems also make interoperability between countries more efficient, giving passengers a safer and more reliable international travel experience.
Top 7 Countries Leading The E-Passport Shift
1. United States
The United States began issuing chip-embedded passports in 2007 and became one of the earliest major adopters. These passports store a digital photograph and personal data on an RFID chip, which improves border checks and supports automated processes at several international airports.
2. France
France introduced biometric passports in April 2006, following ICAO standards for secure identification. French passports include facial images and, when required, fingerprint biometrics. As a Schengen member, France's move to digital passports improved travel within Europe and raised the bar for document integrity across the region.
3. Japan
Japan launched e-passports in 2006 and continues to refine its technology with stronger chip encryption and integrated biometrics. Japanese passports are widely recognised and allow citizens to use automated immigration gates at major airports, reducing waiting times and supporting smooth travel.
4. Brazil
Brazil began issuing e-passports in 2010, embedding biometric data such as facial images and fingerprints to match global security standards. This shift improved the credibility of Brazilian travel documents and aligned the country with international practices for identity verification.
5. Mexico
Mexico is a recent adopter, introducing e-passports around 2021. These documents meet ICAO standards and include RFID chips designed for global compatibility. By 2022, Mexico aimed to expand issuance across consular offices worldwide, improving the consistency and security of its passport system.
6. Germany
Germany issued its first biometric passports in 2005 and maintains strict standards for encryption and document security. As a major European travel market, Germany's adoption supports smooth movement across the Schengen region. German passports use advanced chips and biometric features that integrate easily with automated border systems, making them highly trusted.
7. Australia
Australia transitioned to e-passports around 2005 and linked them to its SmartGate automated border control system. These ICAO-compliant passports support a digital-first immigration process. Travellers across the Asia-Pacific region benefit from quicker clearance and reduced manual intervention, especially during frequent international trips.
Also Read: 7 New Tourist Taxes That Could Make Your Holiday Abroad More Expensive
India's Progress In E-Passport Rollout
India has now begun issuing e-passports through the upgraded Passport Seva Programme (PSP V2.0), which launched in May 2025. The global rollout of GPSP V2.0 followed in October 2025. The new passports include RFID chips and antennas that meet international security standards. Older non-electronic passports remain valid until their expiry, and applicants in several regions do not face additional biometric requirements or higher fees. The application process continues through the familiar Passport Seva Portal, maintaining ease of use while introducing a more secure and efficient document. With these upgrades, India aligns itself with global practices and moves towards a smoother, technology-led travel experience.
