In a groundbreaking move to enhance the travel experience for Indian nationals and OCI passengers, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Fast Track Immigration — Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) at Terminal-3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. The primary goal of the programme is to streamline international travel and ensure security by providing top-notch immigration facilities through an accelerated immigration pathway for international travellers screened through automated gates (e-Gates). The best part is that this facility will be available free of cost for all passengers.
The FTI-TTP is designed to offer faster, smoother, and safer immigration clearance for international travellers. It will operate on e-gates or automated border gates to minimize human intervention in the immigration clearance process. The programme will be rolled out in two phases, with Indian citizens and OCI cardholders covered in the first phase, followed by foreign travellers in the second phase. It will be implemented at 21 major airports in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Ahmedabad.
The process for registering for the FTI-TTP involves the applicant registering online on the portal with their details and necessary documents. After verification, a White List of ‘Trusted Travellers’ will be generated and fed for implementation through e-Gates. Biometrics of the ‘Trusted Traveller’ will be captured at the FRRO office or during the passage through the airport. The TTP registration will be valid until the passport expires or five years, whichever comes first, with an option for renewal thereafter.
Upon reaching the e-gates, the registered passenger will scan their boarding pass to retrieve flight details. The passport will also be scanned, and the passenger’s biometrics will be authenticated at the e-gates. Once the passenger’s genuine identity is confirmed, and biometric authentication is successful, the e-gate will automatically open, indicating that immigration clearance has been granted. This streamlined process aims to enhance the overall travel experience for passengers.
Overall, the Fast Track Immigration — Trusted Traveller Programme is a significant step towards simplifying and expediting the immigration process for international travellers in India. With the implementation of e-Gates and online registration, the programme aims to enhance security measures while providing a seamless travel experience for passengers. As the programme expands to various airports across the country, it is expected to benefit a large number of Indian nationals, OCI cardholders, and foreign travellers, making international travel more convenient and efficient.
