Travel to India is becoming more convenient thanks to the government's new Trusted Traveler Program. Learn all about FTI-TTP expedited immigration: how to register, who can participate, what documents are required, and how to get through airport security quickly and without queues

Traveling to India is always associated with vivid impressions, but even before leaving the airport, travelers face one of the biggest problems - long queues at immigration control. According to statistics, tens of millions of passengers pass through the country's international airports every year, and the load is constantly increasing. During peak hours, the wait can last from 40 minutes to an hour and a half.

To make your stay at the airport more comfortable, the Indian government introduced the Fast Track Immigration - Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) in 2024. Its official launch took place on June 22, 2024 at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi with the participation of Home Minister Amit Shah.

The program aims to provide verified passengers with the opportunity to pass through control several times faster and without unnecessary queues. Let's take a closer look at how it works, who can use it and what is required for registration.

What is FTI-TTP in India?

FTI-TTP is a government initiative aimed at simplifying immigration procedures for Indian citizens and OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders.

The essence of the program is simple: participants complete a preliminary online registration, confirm their identity and provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo). After that, they gain access to automated electronic gates at airports that read their passport and biometrics, opening the entrance without the intervention of immigration officers.

This allows you to reduce the time of passing the control from an hour to a few minutes. The program is valid for five years or until the expiration of the passport (whichever comes first).

What are the benefits of the FTI-TTP program in India?

FTI-TTP is designed for those who value time and comfort. Here are its key advantages:

1. Speed

Thanks to the electronic gate, the entire process is reduced to scanning your passport and face. It takes a few minutes, while in regular queues you have to wait much longer.

2. Convenience

FTI-TTP operates 24/7 at the country's largest international airports. This means that even on night flights or peak flows, you can go through control without stress.

3. Free of charge

Unlike some international counterparts (for example, Global Entry in the USA, where participation costs more than $ 100), in India this service is completely free.

4. Security

The use of biometrics minimizes the risks of document forgery. The system automatically verifies your data, which increases the level of protection.

How to apply for FTI-TTP in India?

The registration process is quite simple, but requires attention.

Step 1 - Go to the website: www.ftittp.mha.gov.in.

Step 2 – Verify your identity via a one-time password (OTP) sent to your mobile phone or email.

Step 3 – Fill out the application form: enter your personal details, upload your photo and documents.

Step 4 – Receive confirmation – SMS and email with information about your application.

Step 5 – Wait for verification: Verification of data takes 15 to 30 days. If there are any questions, the authorities may request additional documents.

Step 6 – Submit biometrics: Once approved, you will be scheduled for an appointment at the nearest FRRO office or you can go through the procedure directly at the airport during an international trip.

Important! Do not leave your application to the last minute. Many travelers submit documents 2-3 days before departure and face the fact that the system simply does not have time to process them.

Who can participate in the FTI-TTP program in India?

The program is not open to everyone. It is aimed at “trusted travellers” who meet certain requirements:

- Nationality: Applicant must be an Indian citizen or an OCI cardholder.

- Age: Above 7 years.

- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months.

- Restrictions: Passports requiring ECR (Emigration Clearance) are not eligible.

- Legal background: Applicants will be rejected if they are under investigation or have legal obligations.

These criteria are designed to ensure security and minimize the risk of abuse.

What documents are required to participate in the FTI-TTP program in India?

For successful registration, you should prepare the following materials:

- Passport-sized photo: recent, taken no later than 6 months ago, on a white background, face occupies 3/4 of the frame, ears are clearly visible.

- Passport: scanned copy of the first page with photo and personal details, as well as the last page with family information.

- Proof of address (one of the options): voter ID, telephone or electricity bill for the last 3 months, driver's license, passport of spouse or parents for minors, government ID (for those living abroad).

- OCI card (if available): scanned copy of the first and last pages.

Please note! Aadhar card is not suitable as proof of address. This is one of the most common mistakes made by applicants.

Tips for Successful Registration in the FTI-TTP Program in India

To increase your chances of quick approval, follow these tips:

1. Use a current mobile number and email address - they are tied to your profile.

2. Remember that you can submit up to 6 applications from one email and number - convenient for family trips.

3. Apply in advance - at least 3-4 weeks before the trip.

4. Check the quality of the documents - blurry photos or unclear copies will be the reason for rejection.

5. Make sure that Adobe Acrobat Reader is installed on your computer, otherwise the documents may not open correctly.

How to use FTI-TTP at the airport?

Passing through the electronic gate looks like this:

Step 1 - Go to the immigration area and choose a special FTI-TTP gate.

Step 2 – At the first gate, scan your passport and boarding pass – the system will grant you access.

Step 3 – At the second gate, a camera will take a biometric scan of your face and fingerprints.

Step 4 – If everything matches, the gate opens automatically and you are through immigration.

Instead of waiting for a long time, you only spend a few minutes.

Where is the FTI-TTP program available in India?

FTI-TTP is currently available at 13 international airports: New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Amritsar, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli and Kozhikode.

This covers both the country’s major “air gates” and important regional airports. Navi Mumbai and Jhuara will be added to the list in the future, further expanding the geography of the program.

FTI-TTP is a significant step for India to modernize its travel system. The program allows citizens and OCI cardholders to avoid long queues, save time and travel with greater comfort.

Since participation in the program is free of charge, and the registration procedure itself is simple, it is recommended that all frequent travelers apply in advance and take advantage of this opportunity.

Travel faster, more conveniently and safely with FTI-TTP!

Want to use the FTI-TTP program without unnecessary stress? Our migration lawyers will advise you, help with registration and tell you how to quickly go through all the formalities. Travel easily and safely!

Let us remind you! Are you planning to obtain Indian citizenship in 2025? We have already told you how to do it, what changes in the legislation you should familiarize yourself with and what documents you will need.

Photo – Freepik

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