Delhi Airport: Fast Track Immigration system rolled out; find out who can apply

24/06/2024

In a bid to streamline international travel and enhance passenger convenience, the Indian government has launched the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. This initiative, inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Terminal 3, marks a significant step towards modernising immigration processes for Indian nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs).

The FTI-TTP is expected to expedite immigration clearance. Upon arrival at the airport, passengers enrolled in the programme can proceed through dedicated e-gates where their biometric data, including fingerprints and facial recognition, is instantly verified against a secure database. This automated verification process minimises the need for manual checks, significantly reducing wait times and enhancing overall travel efficiency.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the system captures and stores passenger biometrics securely, ensuring real-time authentication without compromising on security measures. The implementation of e-gates at Delhi's Terminal 3 is the first phase of a broader rollout that will extend to major airports across India, including Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Ahmedabad. Future phases will progressively include additional airports and eventually encompass foreign nationals, aiming to provide a seamless immigration experience for all international travellers.

Registration for the FTI-TTP is conducted through an online portal managed by the Bureau of Immigration. Eligible applicants, including Indian citizens and OCI cardholders, are required to upload necessary documents for verification. Once approved, travellers receive a "trusted traveller" status and gain access to the expedited immigration lanes equipped with e-gates.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the programme as a cornerstone of the government's commitment to enhancing travel convenience and efficiency under the 'Viksit Bharat at 2047' vision. By modernising immigration facilities and reducing bureaucratic hurdles, the FTI-TTP aims to promote India as a preferred destination for international travel and business.

At the e-gates, registered passengers undergo a straightforward process: they scan their boarding pass and passport, followed by biometric authentication. Upon successful verification, the gates open automatically, granting swift immigration clearance. The registration under FTI-TTP remains valid until the passport's expiry or up to five years, with provisions for easy renewal to ensure continuous benefits for frequent travellers.

The launch of the FTI-TTP at Delhi Airport represents a significant milestone in India's efforts to enhance its position as a global hub for tourism and business, promising a seamless and secure travel experience for travellers from around the world.

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