The FTI-TTP aims to offer Indian nationals and OCI cardholders a quicker and smoother travel experience, akin to the Global Entry Program in the United States
Delhi International Airport, operated by GMR, has become the first airport in India to introduce the Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP). This government-initiated programme is available for Indian passport holders and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders. The Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Bureau of Immigration, launched this initiative to streamline and secure the travel process.
The FTI-TTP aims to offer Indian nationals and OCI cardholders a quicker and smoother travel experience, akin to the Global Entry Program in the United States. The programme facilitates expedited immigration and security clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Programme at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi on June 22. Shah stated that this initiative will speed up and simplify the travel process for Indian citizens and OCI cardholders, potentially reducing airport congestion by offering expedited clearance for pre-verified travellers.
To enrol in the programme, applicants need a passport with at least six months of validity. Delhi Airport’s Terminal 3 is equipped with eight electronic gates—four for arrivals and four for departures—dedicated to TTP passengers. According to a statement from Delhi Airport, “Membership in the programme will be co-terminus with passport validity. The application process requires applicants to submit their biometrics along with other required information as specified in the application form. Registration under FTI-TTP will be completed after necessary verifications and confirmation of eligibility.”
The initiative is set to roll out at 21 major airports across India, including Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Ahmedabad, in its first phase. Initially, it will cover Indian citizens and OCI cardholders, with plans to extend to foreign travellers in the second phase.
The Ministry of Home Affairs said the programme will utilize e-gates, or automated border gates, to minimize human intervention during the immigration process. The FTI-TTP will be managed through an online portal, with the Bureau of Immigration acting as the nodal agency. To enroll, applicants must register online and provide the necessary documents. After verification, a whitelist of trusted travellers will be created and integrated into the e-gate system.
The process involves capturing the biometrics of trusted travellers at the Foreigners Registration Office or during their passage through the airport. The registration is valid until the passport expires or for five years, whichever comes first, and can be renewed afterward.
Upon arrival at the e-gate, registered passengers will scan their boarding pass to retrieve flight details, followed by passport and biometric scans for authentication. Once identity verification is completed, the e-gate will open, and immigration clearance will be granted automatically.