In News:

The Government of India is launching the Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP) to streamline immigration at seven major airports.

Key Highlights:

• The initiative, inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, aims to enhance the travel experience for Indian nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders.
• This comes seven months after the programme was first introduced at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, New Delhi. The airports included in this initial phase are: Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin and Ahmedabad

Objectives of FTI-TTP

• Provide seamless and secure immigration services.
• Reduce human intervention using automated e-gates.
• Align with the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision for modern infrastructure.

How the Programme Works

The FTI-TTP simplifies immigration with automated e-gates. Travellers must complete a one-time online registration to enroll. The process involves:

• Online Registration: Submit personal details and upload necessary documents via the official portal (https://ftittp.mha.gov.in).
• Biometric Submission: Fingerprints and facial images must be submitted at an airport or Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
• Immigration Clearance via E-Gates:
  • Passengers scan their boarding passes and passports at e-gates.
  • Biometrics are automatically verified.
  • Upon authentication, the e-gate opens, granting clearance.

Validity: Registration is valid for five years or until the registered passport expires, whichever comes first.

Who is Eligible?

The first phase of the FTI-TTP is open to:

• Indian nationals.
• OCI cardholders aged between 12 and 70 years.
• Children aged 12-18 can register using their parents’ email/phone number.
• ECR (Emigration Check Required) passport holders are not eligible.

Documents Required for Registration

• Passport-sized photograph (as per Indian passport specifications).
• Scanned copy of passport (front and back pages).
• Proof of current address.
• OCI card details (if applicable).

Key Points to Note

• Registration may take up to a month due to verification by field agencies.
• Applications with incorrect or outdated information may be rejected.
• In case of passport loss or expiry, travellers must reapply and submit fresh biometrics.
• Passports must have at least six months’ validity at the time of applying.
• For support, travellers can reach out via email at india.ftittp-boi@mha.gov.in.

Implementation Phases

The FTI-TTP will be implemented in two phases:

• Phase 1: Covers Indian citizens and OCI cardholders.
• Phase 2: Will extend to foreign travellers.
• The programme will be expanded to 21 major airports across the country.

Comparison with Similar Global Programmes

Several countries have implemented similar fast-track immigration systems:

United States: Global Entry

• Introduced in 2008.
• Offers self-service kiosks for pre-approved travellers.
• Requires background checks and in-person interviews.

United Kingdom: Registered Traveller Service

• Launched in 2015.
• Allows frequent visitors from select countries, including India, to use e-gates.
• Requires visa eligibility or multiple prior visits.

European Union: Smart Borders Initiative

• Implemented in 2016, with full deployment expected by 2024.
• Pre-registers biometric data for faster processing at Schengen Area borders.

Australia: SmartGate

• Started in 2007 for Australian and New Zealand passport holders.
• Uses automated kiosks for identity verification via passport scans and photos.

Saudi Arabia: Smart Travel System

• Launched in 2019.
• Uses automated e-gates for faster immigration clearance.
• Expanding as part of Vision 2030 to improve travel experience, particularly for Hajj pilgrims.