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How India’s Biometric Immigration Programme Is Transforming Cross-Border Travel?

Komal Bajpai

Author

Updated: 30-01-2026 at 5:30 AM

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500K+ Users

Border processing at airports has traditionally presented lengthy queues for international travellers. To modernise this process and provide transit passengers with a better experience, in 2024, the Government of India implemented the Fast Track Immigration- Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP). This Program allows Indian and OCI nationals to pre-enrol biometric data, to then use automated e-Gates at participating airports and clear immigration in seconds instead of minutes.

By eliminating long wait times associated with a manual identity verification system and replacing it with a secure and efficient biometric verification system, the FTI-TTP will reduce the time needed for travellers to clear immigration while providing participating airports with the ability to more effectively manage their increasing volumes of international traffic. The FTI-TTP represents a major step forward toward the complete digitisation of the Indian Border Control system and is aligned with global best practices.

Overview

Below is a concise snapshot that summarises the biometric Fast Track Immigration programme and its core components.

Feature	Details
Programme Name	Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP)
Launched	June 22, 2024 (Delhi)
Implemented By	Government of India (Bureau of Immigration & Ministry of Home Affairs)
Eligibility	Indian passport holders and OCI cardholders
Biometrics Required	Fingerprints & facial image
Application Mode	Online registration via ftittp.mha.gov.in
Validity	Up to 5 years or until passport expiry
Cost	Free
Current Coverage	13+ major airports (expansion to 21+)
Typical Clearance Time	~20–30 seconds at e-gates

What Is The FTI-TTP?

Fast Track Immigration - Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP) is a biometric-based immigration program that allows pre-screened travellers to bypass the normal process at certain Indian International Airports. The standard immigration process involves an officer reviewing documents after manually inspecting the passenger. In contrast, FTI-TTP passengers will instead be physically verified using biometric data (both fingerprints and photo).

The primary goal of the program is to decrease wait times for travellers (by improving the overall traveller experience) while modernising the immigration process as passenger numbers continue to increase each year.

Also Read: The HBOCWWB Scheme: Free Travel For Construction Workers

Features Of The FTI-TTP

These defining characteristics provide evidence of its advantage to the technical and operational aspects of travel, as well as its user-centric approach.

Pre-registration and verification: Travellers will register via the web and verify their registration through a mobile device and an email sent with an OTP id.
Mandatory Biometric Verification: The capturing of all biometrics (fingerprints + scans) is required for secure e-gate access.
Automated E-Gates: Automated entry/exit clearance via self-service kiosks located in International airports.
Rapid Processing Time: The time required for immigration clearance can be completed in ~ 20 -30 seconds.
Airport Coverage: Initially, the system was activated in 8 international airports; it now operates in 13 and anticipates growing to 21 or more.
No cost associated with Activation of the Programme: There will be no cost associated with registration or use of the FTI-TTP.
Biometric Registration Option: Biometric data will be accepted for registration at selected International airports and at FRRO offices.
When taken together, these characteristics will create the FTI-TTP as a fast, effective and forward-looking immigration solution.

Advantages Of The FTI-TTP

FTI-TTP has many practical benefits that will benefit both international visitors and the airports that service those customers:

Reduced wait times: Registered travellers are able to bypass long lines at the immigration manual inspection category.
Speed of service: Passengers can be processed through the automated e-gates in approximately 20 to 30 seconds.
Reduced stress: Allows for much less stressful travel when compared to the traditional lengthy wait at immigration.
Free program: Eligible applicants can manage to receive the benefits of the scheme at no cost.
Increased capacity: This program allows airports to efficiently serve more passengers.
Superior security: Biometric authentication provides an additional layer of protection as a reliable way of identifying people.

Combined, these advantages make FTI-TTP extremely desirable for frequent and/or business travellers.

What Are The Eligibility Criteria Of The FTI-TTP?

To be considered for enrollment in the FTI-TTP, you must:

Be an Indian citizen with a valid Indian passport.
OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders are also eligible.
Provide necessary biometric information (fingerprints and facial images).
Possess a valid passport (usually a minimum of six months' validity remaining) at the time of enrolment.

These requirements ensure that only eligible, low-risk travellers are enrolled in FTI-TTP.

Also Read: The AirSwea App By DGCA Addressing Air Travel Greviances

What Is The Application Process Of The FTI-TTP?

Here are instructions on how to register as an applicant in the FTI-TTP. Read the steps below to get the benefits of this government scheme:-

Step 1: Open the FTI-TTP website.

Step 2: Create an account using an email address and mobile number that are both legitimate and accurate.

Step 3: Accurately give passport details and provide legal identification to obtain FTI-TTP.

Step 4: File the name of proof of identity/ residence or other required court documents and passport sized image online.

Step 5: Receive an acknowledgement by way of e-mail confirming you have sent in your application.

Step 6: Create appt for a biometric session at participating airport locations or at an FRRO location.

Step 7: Processing of FTI-TTP applications usually takes 15 to 30 days to complete.

After successful completion of the registration process, you will have use of automated e-gates located at each airport that is a part of FTI-TTP.

List Of Documents Required Of The FTI-TTP

Generally speaking, these are the required documents to complete your application for FTI-TTP:

Valid Passport (minimum six months).
Recent (digital upload) passport-sized photo.
E-mail address and Mobile number (for OTP).
Proof of identity or residence (only if requested in limitation by the applicant).

Upon collection of biometric data, it will be permanently associated with your passport for e-gate access.

Designated International Airports (FTI-TTP)

FTI-TTP is operational at the following major international airports in India:

Delhi
Mumbai
Ahmedabad
Kolkata
Chennai
Bengaluru
Hyderabad
Cochin
Lucknow
Amritsar
Calicut
Trivandrum
Trichy

The programme is slated to expand to a total of 21 airports in future phases, including hubs like Navi Mumbai and Jewar.

Conclusion

The Advanced Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP) represents a significant advancement in the process of immigration by combining a secure biometric verification process with world-class automation. FTI-TTP allows pre-registered, trusted passengers access to automated e-gates, allowing trusted travellers to bypass manual immigration lines, significantly shortening wait times and enhancing the overall travel experience, and modernising the border.

With expansion to several international airports, as well as a clear digital process from start to finish, the FTI-TTP has the potential to become standardised and the norm for both Indian citizens and OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cacardholdershen travelling internationally to meet the increasing demand for global travel.

Why Choose JB To Apply For FTI TTP?

If you prefer step-by-step assistance, Jaagruk Bharat provides guided support for FTI-TTP registration. This includes:

Clear instructions on filling out the application form.
Help with document preparation and upload.
Tips to avoid common errors (such as blurry photos or incorrect details).

By following the guided checklist from Jaagruk Bharat, applicants can reduce the risk of delays and easily navigate the process from start to finish.

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