Fast-track immigration clearance for Indians, OCIs to be extended to five more airports

The government will expand its Fast Track Immigration–Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) to five more international airports from Thursday, officials said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will virtually launch the service at Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Trichy, Kozhikode and Amritsar.

The initiative, first introduced at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport in July 2024, is already operational at Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin and Ahmedabad airports.

The programme offers faster and more secure immigration clearance for pre-verified Indian nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders. Several thousand passengers have already used e-gates under the facility, according to officials.

In its first phase, FTI-TTP is available on a gratis basis for Indian citizens and OCI cardholders. A second phase will later cover foreign travellers. The model is similar to the United States’ Global Entry Program that allows expedited clearance for low-risk travellers.

Travellers must apply online at www.ftittp.mha.gov.in, submit biometrics including fingerprints and a facial image, and provide other required details. The Bureau of Immigration will verify the information before applicants are invited to schedule a biometric appointment at designated airports or Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs).

Membership is valid for up to five years or until the expiry of the passport, whichever is earlier. A valid passport with at least six months’ validity is mandatory for applying.

Under the system, passengers will scan their boarding pass and passport at automated e-gates. Once biometric verification is completed, the gate will open automatically and immigration clearance will be granted.

The Union home ministry has also shared a support help desk for queries at india.ftittp-boi@mha.gov.in.