Centre launches fast-track immigration program to speed up airport clearance
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The Centre has introduced a new fast-track immigration program at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, aimed at reducing immigration clearance time from 30 minutes to just a few seconds.
The Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP), launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on June 22, uses biometric data to streamline the immigration process for pre-verified Indian nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders during both departure and arrival.
The program, already a success in Delhi, will soon be expanded to seven more major airports including Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Ahmedabad. A total of 21 airports across India are expected to implement FTI-TTP in the near future.
A senior MHA official stated that the initiative aims to make international travel smoother and more efficient for eligible passengers by allowing them to use automated e-gates, bypassing the regular immigration queues. The official added that over 18,400 people have already registered for the program in Delhi.
The FTI-TTP is managed by the Bureau of Immigration through an online portal.
After verifying the required details, travelers are added to a 'Trusted Travellers' White List, allowing them to use e-gates at the airport. Once at the gate, passengers scan their boarding passes and passports, and their biometrics are authenticated. If all the details match, the e-gate opens, and immigration clearance is automatically granted.
To apply, eligible individuals must register online at [www.ftittp.mha.gov.in](http://www.ftittp.mha.gov.in) and submit their details for verification.
Once approved, applicants will be prompted to schedule an appointment at the nearest international airport or the Foreigners Regional Registration Office to provide biometric data. The registration is valid for up to five years or until the expiration of the passport, whichever comes first.
A minimum passport validity of six months is required for registration.
The FTI-TTP will be rolled out in two phases: initially covering Indian nationals and OCI cardholders, with foreigners to be included in the second phase. The Union Home Ministry has also set up a helpdesk via email at [email protected] for any queries.
This initiative is expected to significantly reduce human intervention in the immigration process, making travel more efficient for frequent international flyers.
