On 22 June 2024, the Government of India launched the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP) to speed up immigration for pre-verified Indian nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI). Participants can now use dedicated e-gates to enter and exit the country, avoiding routine interaction with an immigration officer. The change reduces waiting times and human intervention at major airports.
Table of Contents
- Initial Launch
- Registration Process
- Immigration Process (e-gate)
- My Experience
- Are e-gates live?
- Bottomline
Initial Launch
The FTI-TTP rollout covers 21 major airports nationwide. In the first phase, it is available at eight key airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi and Ahmedabad. These locations will provide the initial infrastructure and support for the new trusted traveller lanes.
Registration Process
The Ministry of Home Affairs, together with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Bureau of Immigration, has defined the registration steps and technical roadmap for FTI-TTP.
- Step 1: Visit the FTI-TTP registration portal and complete the application. You will need a digital passport-size photo, scans of the first and last pages of your passport, and an address proof other than Aadhaar.
- Step 2: After submitting your application, wait for an approval email with instructions for the next step. Processing can take a few days to a week; if delayed, you can follow up by email.
- Step 3: When instructed, provide biometrics either while departing from India or at designated locations communicated to you.
- Step 4: After biometric capture, log in to the portal to check your application status and await final approval.
Immigration Process (e-gate)
Once you have your boarding pass, proceed to the dedicated TTP e-gates in the immigration area. The e-gate flow is simple and contactless:
- At the first e-gate, scan your passport and boarding pass. If they match the system records, the gate authorizes progression to the next step.
- At the second e-gate, a facial scan confirms identity. Successful verification completes the emigration process.
Arrivals follow the same sequence at immigration counters equipped with e-gates, enabling faster entry for pre-approved travellers.
My Experience
I have typically avoided long immigration lines by travelling Business Class, which grants access to fast-track lanes. Recently, after noticing faster clearances for FTI-TTP applicants, I decided to apply ahead of an upcoming trip.
A day after applying I was asked to re-upload a clearer photo. After submitting an improved image my application moved quickly and within two days I received approval to proceed with biometrics.
During departure from Mumbai Airport at the fast-track counter, I requested the officer to capture my FTI-TTP biometrics. After locating a dedicated counter marked “FTI TTP Biometrics,” the staff quickly assisted me. The biometric capture took under five minutes and the portal status updated to GRANTED the next day. A confirmation email followed a few days later.
At Mumbai Airport the FTI biometric counter is located on the far right and primarily serves Business and First Class passengers. Economy passengers can inform the immigration officer, who will direct them to the biometric counter and stamp passports as needed.
Are e-gates live?
E-gates are already operational at major metro airports across India. I have used them at Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai and found the experience smooth and efficient. Recent months have seen increased usage, and smaller international airports are likely to adopt e-gates over time.
Bottomline
The FTI-TTP is a positive step toward modernising passenger processing and aligning India with trusted-traveller schemes used internationally. The registration and biometric steps are straightforward, and the entire approval process can be completed quickly. Continued improvements to passport strength and visa facilitation for genuine, verifiable travellers would further enhance India’s global mobility.