e-Passport Services at the Consulate General of India, Birmingham

The Consulate General of India, Birmingham is pleased to announce the launching of e-Passport (electronic passports) services to Indian citizens residing in the UK, under the Passport Seva Programme 2.0.

Dr. Venkatachalam Murugan, Consul General of India in Birmingham launched the services by presenting an e-Passport to Bishop Benny Mathew, widely known as Bishop Joseph Srampickal of the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain on 23rd December 2025, at the Consulate General of India, Birmingham.

An e-Passport is a hybrid passport combining both paper and electronic elements. It features an embedded Radio Frequency Identification RFID chip and antenna that securely stores the holder’s biometric information, including fingerprints and facial data, in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. This enables enhanced security, authentication, and faster verification at immigration checkpoints worldwide.

The introduction of e-Passports reflects India’s commitment to leveraging technology for secure, modern, and citizen-friendly passport services, ensuring convenience and safety for all Indian passport holders.