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Source– This post on Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Programme has been created based on the article “Amit Shah inaugurates ‘Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Programme’ at Delhi IGI airport” published in “Times of India” on 22 June 2024.
Why in the news?
Recently, Union home minister Amit Shah inaugurated the ‘Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Programme’ (FTI-TTP) at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport.
About Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP)
1. About: The Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) is a new initiative by the Central Government to make immigration faster, smoother, and safer.
2. Aims: It aims to reduce crowding at airports by providing quicker immigration clearance for pre-verified travelers.
3. Created by: The Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and the Bureau of Immigration worked together to create the FTI-TTP.
4. How Does It Work: FTI-TTP is similar to the Global Entry Program in the United States. It allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to go through immigration and security checks faster.
5. Where Is It Available: In the first phase, FTI-TTP is available at airports in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Ahmedabad.
6. How Is It Implemented: The program uses e-gates or automated border gates to minimize human involvement in immigration checks.
It will be rolled out in two phases:
i) First phase: Indian citizens and OCI cardholders
ii) Second phase: Foreign travelers.
7. How to Enroll: Travelers need to register online through an official portal managed by the Bureau of Immigration. After providing the necessary details and documents, applicants wait for approval. Once approved, travelers can avoid long immigration lines when arriving in India.
8. Validity: The FTI registration is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
9. The Process at the Airport: When a registered traveler reaches the e-gate, they scan their boarding pass to get flight details. The passport is scanned, and the traveler’s biometrics (like fingerprints) are checked. If the identity is confirmed, the e-gate opens, and immigration clearance is granted.
The FTI-TTP makes traveling easier and quicker for pre-approved travelers by using advanced technology to speed up immigration checks.
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