Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurated the ‘Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme’ (FTI-TTP) at Terminal-3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport on June 22, 2024, making Delhi International Airport the first in India to launch this innovative initiative.
Shri Amit Shah emphasised that under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, the FTI-TTP is a visionary initiative designed to benefit Indian citizens and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders. “This initiative will provide more facilities for Indian Nationals and OCI passengers coming from other countries,” he stated, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing travel convenience and efficiency as part of the Viksit Bharat @2047 agenda. This facility will be available free of cost for all passengers and is aimed at faster, smoother, and safer immigration clearance for international travellers.
The programme will be implemented in two phases. Initially, it will cover Indian citizens and OCI cardholders, with plans to include foreign travellers in the second phase. The FTI-TTP, which operates through e-gates or automated border gates, aims to minimise human intervention in the immigration clearance process, thereby enhancing security and efficiency.
How the FTI-TTP Works
The Bureau of Immigration will oversee the implementation of the FTI-TTP through an online portal (ftittp.mha.gov.in). Applicants must register online, submit required documents, and undergo necessary verification. Successful applicants will be added to a White List of ‘Trusted Travellers’ and their biometrics will be captured at the FRRO office or during their passage through the airport. The registration will remain valid for the duration of the passport or five years, whichever is shorter.
Upon arrival at the e-gates, registered travellers will scan their boarding passes and passports, followed by biometric authentication. Once the traveller’s identity is confirmed, the e-gate will open automatically, granting immigration clearance.
Expansion to Major Airports
The FTI-TTP will initially launch at seven major airports in the first phase, including Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Ahmedabad, alongside Delhi Airport. It will eventually expand to 21 major airports across India.
Application Process and Requirements
Applicants must ensure their passports have at least six months of validity at the time of application. Required documents include a passport-size photograph, a scanned copy of the passport, proof of present address, and an OCI card. The application may be rejected if incorrect or false information is provided, material facts are concealed, or if the uploaded documents are not clear or as per specifications.
Upon successful submission, applicants will receive an acknowledgment via their registered mobile number and email address. Approved applicants will be asked to schedule an appointment for biometric enrolment at designated international airports or FRRO offices in India. The registration process may take up to one month.
Processing Charges
Processing charges for the FTI-TTP are non-refundable. Indian nationals will pay Rs 2000, minors will pay Rs 1000, and OCI cardholders will be charged $100.
“This programme underscores our commitment to making international travel easy and secure by developing world-class immigration facilities,” added Shri Amit Shah. “It represents a significant step towards realising our vision of a developed India by 2047.”
The programme is expected to significantly improve the travel experience for millions of international passengers, ensuring a seamless and efficient process at India’s busiest airports.
