New Fast Track Immigration Trusted Travellers Programme (FTI-TTP) introduced at Delhi Airport- soon to expand to 21 cities

In a bid to enhance passenger convenience and reduce congestion, the Centre has introduced the Fast Track Immigration Trusted Travellers Programme (FTI-TTP) at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. 

This initiative aims to streamline the experience for both international arrivals and departures by cutting down on wait times at immigration counters. The fast-track service is designed to expedite the clearance process for eligible travelers, leveraging advanced technology for document verification and biometric identification.

The Indian government has also announced that this fast-track immigration process will soon be rolled out to 21 other major cities. Preparations are already on for the expansion of this program across 7 major airports including Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Cochin, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad. The expansion is expected to cover several other key international and domestic airports, making air travel more efficient for pre-verified Indian nationals and OCI cardholders.

The FTI-TTP, has already proven successful at Delhi airport, with 18,400 individuals, including Indian passport and OCI cardholders, signing up for the program. The Fast-Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP) is implemented online, with the Bureau of Immigration serving as the nodal agency. It facilitates fast-track immigration for various categories of travelers. Once verified, passengers are added to a "Trusted Travellers" White List, granting them access to e-gates for quicker processing. Traveler information is collected either at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or directly at the airport.

Eligible individuals can apply online at www.ftittp.mha.gov.in by submitting the required information, which will be verified by the Bureau of Immigration. Upon approval, applicants will be notified to schedule an appointment for biometric collection, either at international airports or the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).

FTI registration is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Applicants must provide their biometrics and ensure their passport is valid for at least six months at the time of applying for the FTI-TTP.

The move is in line with India gradually emerging as an international aviation hub. With the implementation of this system, the government hopes to minimize airport bottlenecks, particularly as international travel continues to rise post-pandemic. The fast-track service is expected to significantly cut down waiting times, offering a more seamless experience for travelers arriving or departing from India.