September 21st, 2024 at 10:26 am

India Introduces Fast-Track Immigration Services at 7 Key Airports

With the expansion to seven major airports, India’s Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) provides pre-verified Indian nationals and holders of OCI cards with faster and more secure immigration processing via e-gates.

India is preparing to launch the Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) at seven of its busiest airports, making the immigration procedure easier for Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders and pre-verified Indian citizens.

The program, which was first introduced in Delhi, will soon be accessible at seven significant Indian airports, including

• Chennai
• Mumbai
• Bengaluru
• Kolkata
• Ahmedabad
• Cochin
• Hyderabad

Delhi’s Success Encourages National Expansion

Since its June 22, 2023, launch at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, more than 18,400 Indian and overseas corporate passengers have registered for the FTI-TTP. Among them, 1,500 travelers have effectively used e-gates to expedite immigration processing and cut down on wait times.

Simplifying Foreign Travel

The goal of the FTI-TTP is to improve the security and efficiency of international travel. Travelers can avoid standing in lines by taking advantage of e-gates, which provide a simplified immigration clearance process. For the time being, OCI cardholders and Indian nationals can participate in this project at no cost.

How Does the FTI-TTP Work?

Comparable to the US Global Entry initiative, the initiative expedites the immigration procedure for low-risk, pre-approved travelers. Indian citizens and holders of OCI cards are eligible to apply online and register by submitting their biometric information.

Important details include:

• Eligibility: The first phase is open to citizens of India and holders of OCI cards; later, international visitors will be added.
• Application Procedure: Register online at www.ftittp.mha.gov.in by providing biometric information, such as a fingerprint image and a picture of your face.
• Validity: The registration is good for either the passport’s expiration date or five years.
• Biometric Submission: Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs) and international airports accept biometric submissions.

Increased Efficiency and Security in Immigration

In addition to expediting immigration, this fast-track program seeks to improve airport security in India by reducing the amount of time that people must spend in the clearance procedure. In the long run, the FTI-TTP will be extended to 21 airports nationwide.

The E-Gates Procedure for Registrants

Travelers can proceed through certain e-gates at participating airports after registering. The passport and boarding pass are scanned by the system, and then biometric authentication is performed. The e-gate opens and the immigration process is finished if the verification is successful.

How to Register for the FTI-TTP

The procedures listed below can be used by OCI cardholders and eligible Indian nationals to register:

• Please fill out the online form at www.ftittp.mha.gov.in
• Await the Bureau of Immigration’s verification.
• Once approved, schedule a time to submit your biometrics at the closest international airport or FRRO.
• When applying, make sure your passport is good for at least six months.
• The FTI registration is good for five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

Phase-wise Implementation

There will be two stages to the program’s launch:

• OCI cardholders and Indian nationals are included in the first phase.
• Foreign nationals will be able to use the service in the second phase.

If travelers have any questions or need any additional help, they can email india.ftittp-boi@mha.gov.in.

Millions of traveler journeys could be transformed by this ground-breaking innovation, which offers faster and more effective immigration procedures at India’s largest airports.