Skip The Immigration Cues! Govt To Introduce Fast-Track Programme In 20 Cities Along With Delhi Airport

In a bid to streamline airport immigration and reduce waiting times, the Indian government has launched an initiative at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI). The Fast-Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP), introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), is designed to cut immigration processing times from the typical 30 minutes to just a few seconds. This program, initially rolled out in the nation's capital, is set to expand to 20 other cities.

The FTI-TTP, officially launched on June 22, 2024, leverages biometric technology to expedite immigration at both arrival and departure points. The program offers a more efficient and user-friendly system, allowing registered passengers to bypass regular immigration queues and use automated gates, commonly referred to as e-gates. The move aligns India with other global airports that use similar technologies for travel convenience.

According to a report by NDTV, this fast-track program is expected to revolutionize the way immigration is handled at Indian airports, not only in Delhi but also in other major hubs such as Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Ahmedabad. Expansion plans are already underway, and the program is expected to be operational at these locations in the coming months.

How does the FTI-TTP Work?

At the core of this program is the integration of biometric authentication. The FTI-TTP allows eligible passengers-currently limited to Indian passport holders and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders-to register online via a dedicated portal. Once approved, registered passengers can access the automated gates at participating airports.

Upon reaching the e-gates, travellers simply scan their boarding pass to retrieve flight details, followed by a passport scan for identification. Their biometrics are then authenticated to complete the immigration process in a matter of seconds, compared to the conventional method which can take up to half an hour.

A senior MHA official, quoted in the NDTV report, shared that over 18,400 individuals have already registered for the program. This group, consisting of both Indian citizens and OCI cardholders, represents the first wave of passengers who can now benefit from expedited travel.

How to Register for FTI-TTP?

The registration process for the Fast-Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Programme is straightforward. Eligible travellers can apply online at www.ftittp.mha.gov.in, where they must provide the required details for verification by the Bureau of Immigration. Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive a notification to schedule an appointment to submit their biometric information.

The biometric enrollment can be completed either at one of the participating international airports or at the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Upon successful enrollment, the FTI-TTP registration remains valid for up to five years or until the traveller's passport expires, whichever comes first. Notably, a passport must be valid for at least six years at the time of application for FTI-TTP.

Expanding the Scope of FTI-TTP

In its initial phase, the program is focused on Indian citizens and OCI cardholders. However, in subsequent phases, the FTI-TTP will expand its scope to cover foreign nationals. This phased approach is aimed at ensuring smooth implementation and adapting to the challenges of catering to a broader, international audience.

The introduction of the FTI-TTP comes at a time when international travel is rebounding after a period of global disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With airports becoming busier, India's new immigration fast-track program aims to prevent long queues, enhance traveller satisfaction, and reduce congestion at some of the country's busiest airports.

With major airports such as Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru set to adopt the FTI-TTP soon, the program is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the overall efficiency of India's airport infrastructure.