India Expands Fast Track Immigration to 7 Major Airports for Seamless Travel

The Indian government has expanded its Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP) to seven additional airports, ensuring quicker and more secure immigration clearance for Indian citizens and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cardholders.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the program on January 16, 2025, at an event in Ahmedabad. The newly included airports are:

1. Mumbai
2. Chennai
3. Kolkata
4. Bengaluru
5. Hyderabad
6. Cochin
7. Ahmedabad

Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP) will eventually be rolled out to 21 major airports across the country as part of the government’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ 2047 initiative, aimed at providing world-class immigration facilities.

Background of the FTI-TTP

The program was initially launched on June 22, 2024, at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in New Delhi. Designed to make international travel seamless and efficient, the facility was introduced free of cost for Indian citizens and OCI cardholders.

Key Features of the FTI-TTP

• Membership Duration: 5 years or until the validity of the passport, whichever is shorter.
• Eligibility: Available to Indian citizens and OCI cardholders with a passport valid for at least six months.
• Enrollment Process: Applicants must register online at FTI-TTP Portal, complete identity verification via mobile OTP and email, and provide the necessary documentation.
• Biometric Authentication: Includes fingerprint and face image capture, either at a Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or designated international airports.

How the System Works

1. Registered passengers scan their boarding pass at e-gates.
2. Passports are scanned for verification.
3. Biometrics are authenticated, allowing the e-gate to open automatically for seamless immigration clearance.

Enrollment Steps

1. Register online and submit the required documents.
2. Schedule an appointment at an FRRO or designated airport for biometric submission.
3. Await verification and approval to activate membership.

Benefits of FTI-TTP

The program provides faster immigration clearance for members, minimizing waiting times and enhancing the travel experience. This initiative aligns with India’s broader goal of modernizing infrastructure and simplifying processes for international travellers.

Understanding OCI Cardholders

The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Card scheme is open to Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who were Indian citizens on or after January 26, 1950 or were eligible for Indian citizenship on that date.

While OCI is not equivalent to dual citizenship, it offers several benefits, though it does not include political rights or privileges under Article 16 of the Constitution.

Conclusion

The expansion of FTI-TTP marks a significant milestone in improving immigration processes in India. With more airports adopting the system, Indian citizens and OCI cardholders can expect a hassle-free travel experience. For more details and enrollment, visit the FTI-TTP portal.