Indians and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders will soon benefit from quicker immigration processes at seven more airports across India. On January 16, 2025, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah will officially launch the ‘Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Program’ (FTI-TTP) at airports in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Ahmedabad, with the inauguration event taking place in Ahmedabad. The program will later be extended to 21 major airports nationwide.
First introduced on June 22, 2024, by the Home Ministry at Terminal-3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport at New Delhi, This initiative aligns with the government’s ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision to provide world-class facilities for international travellers, ensuring smooth and secure immigration processes. First and foremost, the Fast Track Immigration service is available at free-of-cost for Indian citizens and OCI card-holders.
Faster and Hassle-Free Immigration
The program allows Indian citizens and OCI cardholders to enroll as members of the FTI-TTP. Once enrolled, members will experience faster, easier, and more secure immigration clearance.
How to Enroll
Applicants can register through the official portal: https://ftittp.mha.gov.in. The process involves:
Filling out an online form with personal details and uploading necessary documents.
Authenticating identity via mobile OTP and email verification. (A valid passport with a minimum of six months' validity is required for registration.)
After verification, eligible applicants must provide their biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images. Biometrics can be submitted at a designated Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or at the time of travel through airports with FTI-TTP facilities.
Seamless Immigration Process at Airports
At the airport, passengers enrolled in the FTI-TTP will scan their boarding pass and passport at designated e-gates. The system will authenticate their biometrics, and upon successful verification, the e-gates will open automatically, granting immigration clearance.
Key Features for OCI Cardholders
The OCI scheme allows registration for individuals of Indian origin who were citizens of India on or after January 26, 1950, or who were eligible to become Indian citizens at that time. However, it is important to note that OCI status does not provide dual citizenship or political rights. Registered OCI cardholders are not entitled to the privileges granted to Indian citizens under Article 16 of the Constitution.