A special programme aimed at fast-tracking immigration for pre-verified Indian nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders will soon be implemented at seven major airports across India, officials announced on Wednesday. The programme, known as the Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP), will soon be rolled out in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Ahmedabad.

The initiative was first introduced at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on June 22, 2023, and has since seen 18,400 registrations from Indian and OCI travellers. So far, 1,500 passengers have benefited from the expedited clearance through e-gates in Delhi.

Officials explained that the FTI-TTP is designed to make international travel faster, smoother, and more secure by providing a streamlined immigration clearance process. In the initial phase, the programme is free of charge for Indian nationals and OCI cardholders.

Similar to the Global Entry Program offered in the United States, which allows pre-approved low-risk travellers to bypass regular immigration queues, the FTI-TTP aims to deliver a seamless journey through e-gates, reducing the time spent in immigration lines.

Key Features of the FTI-TTP:

  • Eligibility: Open to Indian nationals and OCI cardholders in the first phase. In the second phase, it will be extended to foreign travellers.
  • Registration: Eligible individuals must apply online through the government portal www.ftittp.mha.gov.in, submitting biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images.
  • Validity: The registration is valid for a maximum of five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
  • Biometric Submission: Applicants are required to provide their biometrics at designated international airports or Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs) by appointment.

The programme’s goal is to enhance international travel security and convenience by developing world-class immigration facilities. Eventually, the FTI-TTP will be expanded to 21 major airports in India.

Once a traveller reaches the e-gates, their boarding pass and passport will be scanned, and biometric authentication will be conducted. Upon successful verification, the e-gate will open, completing the immigration process.

For support or further queries, the Union home ministry has provided a help desk email: india.ftittp-boi@mha.gov.in.

(With media inputs)