 "What is the Centre's new programme that lets you clear immigration faster?")
Imagine breezing through immigration in minutes, with no long queues or time-consuming manual checks.
Well, this seamless experience could soon be a reality with the Centre’s new Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP).
Introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, this initiative aims to transform the travel experience by ensuring faster, more convenient, and more secure immigration procedures for frequent flyers, reports ANI.
Since its launch in 2022 at Delhi Airport, 18,400 people have registered themselves for the service, which might soon be expanded to 21 different airports in the country.
Curious about how it works and how to register? Let’s break it down.
What is the FTI-TTP programme ?
The Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) is an initiative by the Indian government, created specifically for Indian nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders.
The OCI card allows foreign nationals of Indian origin to visit India freely for various purposes, excluding political participation and land ownership.
Much like the Global Entry Programme in the United States, which allows pre-approved, low-risk travellers to bypass regular immigration lines, the FTI-TTP aims to provide a hassle-free journey through e-gates, significantly reducing immigration wait times during both departure and arrival, an official told PTI.
.@DelhiAirport becomes India's first airport to launch the Government’s Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (TTP) — which allows Indian passport holders & #OCI cardholders to utilise e-gates, and bypass regular emigration/immigration queues.
— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18News) June 22, 2024
It was inaugurated by… pic.twitter.com/FCigLDfpgh
Initially launched at Delhi’s IGI Airport, the programme is now expanding to other major airports, including Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Ahmedabad. Eventually, it will be available across 21 major airports nationwide, according to an NDTV report citing a senior MHA official.
How does the FTI-TTP programme work?
The Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) operates through an online portal, overseen by the Bureau of Immigration, which manages fast-track processing for verified travellers.
According to NDTV, after verification, passengers are added to the ‘Trusted Travellers’ White List. This enables them to use e-gates, which rely on biometric data captured either at Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRRO) or airports.
As per CNBC, travellers first check in at the airline counter to receive their boarding pass, following visa verification. They then proceed to the dedicated TTP e-gates at immigration.
The passenger will scan their passport and boarding pass at the first e-gate. If both are verified and the identity of the passenger is established, they proceed to the next e-gate.
At the second e-gate, the passenger will go through biometric authentication, including facial scanning. If successfully verified, the passenger’s immigration process will be demeed completed.
Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of Delhi Airport, explained to CNBC, “This programme will offer a world-class and seamless travel experience to all international passengers opting for this facility. This technology-driven initiative is designed to make the emigration/immigration clearance process faster and simpler."
How much will it cost and how to register?
Initially, the government had planned to charge Rs 2,000 per adult, Rs 1,000 for minor Indian nationals, and $100 for OCI cardholders to access the programme. However, it was later announced that the service would be free of cost during its initial phase.
Eligible travellers must apply online at www.ftittp.mha.gov.in by providing the necessary details, which will be verified by the Bureau of Immigration. Once the application is approved, applicants will receive instructions to schedule an appointment for biometric registration at international airports or the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
The programme will be rolled out in two phases. The first phase will cover Indian citizens and OCI cardholders, while the second phase will extend the service to foreign nationals, minimising human intervention in the immigration process.
The FTI-TTP registration will remain valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Officials have emphasised that biometric submission is mandatory, and passports must have at least six months’ validity at the time of application. They also advise that providing a current residential address is essential to avoid rejection of the application.
With input from agencies
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