Starting January 16, 2025, Indians and OCI cardholders can enjoy a faster and more secure immigration process at seven major airports in India. The Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, will inaugurate the ‘Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Program’ (FTI-TTP), marking a significant milestone in India’s commitment to improving international travel experiences. This initiative is designed to streamline the immigration process and make air travel more efficient for Indian citizens and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders.
This Immigration Clearance Program is part of the Viksit Bharat 2047 initiative, aiming to provide world-class immigration facilities. Here’s everything you need to know about the new FTI-TTP:
Indians and OCI Cardholders Immigration Clearance Program Key Features of the FTI-TTP Program
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | January 16, 2025, with further implementation at 21 airports nationwide. |
| Eligibility | Indian citizens and OCI cardholders who meet specific requirements (valid passport for at least 6 months). |
| How to Register | Online portal registration at https://ftittp.mha.gov.in, followed by biometric enrollment. |
| Biometric Enrollment | Fingerprints and facial image required, to be captured at designated airports or FRRO offices. |
| Program Duration | Membership valid for 5 years or until passport expiration. |
Seven Airports Initially Offering Fast-Track Immigration
The FTI-TTP will first be launched at seven airports:
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Kolkata
- Bengaluru
- Hyderabad
- Cochin
- Ahmedabad
By mid-2025, the program will expand to include 21 major airports across the country, allowing more travelers to benefit from faster immigration clearance.
Process of Enrolling in the FTI-TTP
- Register Online: Travelers must visit the official FTI-TTP online portal to fill out an application form. Applicants will need to provide personal details and upload necessary documents.
- Verify Identity: After filling out the form, applicants must authenticate their identity via OTP (One Time Password) sent to their mobile device and email verification.
- Submit Biometrics: Once identity verification is complete, applicants must visit a Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or an airport to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and facial recognition.
- Immigration Clearance: After successful biometric authentication, travelers can proceed directly to the e-gates at airports. Scanning the boarding pass and passport will automatically grant them immigration clearance.
Benefits for Indians and OCI Cardholders
- Faster Immigration: Enrolled travelers will enjoy quicker immigration clearance at designated e-gates, saving time at busy international airports.
- Seamless Travel Experience: With biometric authentication, the process becomes more secure and streamlined, reducing waiting times and ensuring a smoother travel experience.
- Security and Convenience: The program is designed to enhance both security and convenience for international travelers.
OCI Cardholder Program Explained
The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) program offers Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) a range of benefits without conferring full political rights. The key points regarding OCI are:
- Eligibility: OCI is available to individuals whose parents or grandparents were Indian citizens or to those who were Indian citizens on January 26, 1950, or who were eligible to become Indian citizens on that date.
- Not Dual Citizenship: OCI is often confused with dual citizenship, but it does not grant the right to vote or hold political office in India.
- Privileges: While OCI holders do not have the same privileges as Indian citizens under Article 16 of the Constitution, they enjoy many benefits, including visa-free travel and the ability to buy property in India.
A Major Step Towards Seamless International Travel
The Indians and OCI cardholders Immigration clearance program is a game-changer for Indian and foreign citizens with Indian heritage. By offering fast-track immigration at airports, the FTI-TTP significantly enhances the travel experience, making international air travel more efficient, secure, and convenient.
This initiative underlines India’s commitment to providing world-class facilities as part of its broader goal of becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.
Popular News Article Related Q&A
Q1: What is the new Immigration Clearance Program for Indians and OCI cardholders?
The Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP) allows Indian citizens and OCI cardholders to enjoy faster, secure immigration clearance at designated airports in India. The program started on January 16, 2025, with plans for expansion to 21 airports.
Q2: How can I register for the FTI-TTP program?
To enroll, applicants must visit the official FTI-TTP portal complete the application, and submit biometrics at a designated FRRO office or airport.
Q3: How long is the FTI-TTP membership valid?
The program membership lasts for 5 years or until the passport’s validity expires, whichever comes first.
Q4: Can OCI cardholders also benefit from this program?
Yes, OCI cardholders can register for the FTI-TTP program and enjoy faster immigration clearance at participating airports in India.
Q5: Which airports currently offer fast-track immigration clearance?
Initially, seven major airports—Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Ahmedabad—will offer the FTI-TTP. This will expand to 21 airports in the future.
