Fast Track Immigration Programme
The Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) was launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in September 2025. This initiative accelerates immigration for pre-verified Indian nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders at designated airports. The programme aims to reduce waiting times and streamline immigration procedures in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of speed, scale and scope.
Recent Expansion and Implementation
After its initial launch in July 2024 at Indira Gandhi International Airport, the FTI-TTP was extended to seven major airports including Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Cochin and Ahmedabad. Recently, it was further expanded to five additional airports – Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Kozhikode and Amritsar. The programme is planned to cover 21 major airports across India, including upcoming hubs like Navi Mumbai and Jewar.
Features and Benefits
FTI-TTP offers immigration clearance within 30 seconds, eliminating long queues and manual checks. Registered travellers scan their boarding pass and passport at e-Gates where biometric verification is done. Successful verification grants instant clearance. The system is designed to enhance both convenience and national security by enabling seamless and secure processing. OCI cardholders stand to benefit the most from this facility.
Registration and Process
Travellers must register on the official portal by submitting personal details and documents. Biometrics are collected either at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office or during airport transit. Home Ministry officials advocate registration during passport or OCI card issuance to avoid repeated fingerprinting and documentation. This integration aims to simplify enrolment and maximise user participation.
Impact on International Travel
International passenger traffic in India has seen substantial growth. From 2014 to 2024, outbound Indian travellers increased by 73% to 6.12 crore, while inbound foreign visitors rose by 31% to around 2 crore. The total international passenger volume increased by 60% to 8.12 crore. The FTI-TTP supports this rising mobility by reducing immigration delays and improving traveller experience.
Significance
The programme leverages advanced biometric verification and automated e-Gates to expedite immigration. It mirrors global models like the US Global Entry Programme but is tailored for Indian citizens and OCI cardholders. The initiative aligns with national goals to modernise airport infrastructure and promote India as a global travel hub while maintaining robust security standards.
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