NEWS – Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) at several airports in India on January 16. The programme aims to simplify and secure international travel for passengers by utilizing advanced immigration technologies.

HIGHLIGHTS

 Launch of FTI-TTP

• Initial Launch: The FTI-TTP was first launched in June 2024 at Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi. It was introduced to enhance international mobility for Indian Nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI).
• Expansion: After the initial launch, the programme is being expanded to other major airports, including Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Ahmedabad.

Objectives of FTI-TTP

• Easier Travel: The programme aims to make international travel smoother by offering an expedited and secure immigration process.
• World-Class Immigration Facilities: The system uses automated gates for faster screening of international travellers.

How FTI-TTP Works

• Registration Process: Applicants must register online through the FTI-TTP portal by submitting their details and required documents.
• Biometric Authentication: Once registered, travellers will be authenticated using biometrics when passing through e-gates at the airport.
• E-Gates Functionality: Upon scanning their boarding pass and passport at the e-gates, passengers will undergo biometric verification. Upon successful verification, the e-gate will automatically open, granting immigration clearance.
• Validity: The registration will remain valid until the traveller’s passport expires or for five years, whichever comes first.

Required Documents for FTI-TTP Registration

• Photograph: A passport-size photograph (must meet Indian passport standards, no older than six months, with a simple white background).
• Passport: A scanned copy of the passport with at least six months’ validity.
• OCI Cardholders: In addition to the passport, OCI cardholders need to submit a scanned copy of their OCI card (both biographic and family details pages).

Phases of Implementation

• Phase 1: Initially, Indian citizens and OCI cardholders will be eligible to use the FTI-TTP. This will be implemented at 21 major airports, starting with the seven airports mentioned.
• Phase 2: In the second phase, foreign travellers will also be included in the programme, further expanding the programme’s reach.

Key Points to Remember

• The FTI-TTP will provide faster, smoother, and more secure immigration clearance for registered travellers.
• It will enhance India’s global mobility and is part of the country’s vision for becoming a developed nation by 2047 (Viksit Bharat @2047).