New Delhi, September 11, 2025 — The Indian government has taken a major step toward making travel easier. The Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) is being expanded to more airports. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced that this programme will now be active at five more international airports: Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Tiruchirappalli, and Amritsar.
This expansion is part of the ongoing effort under FTI-TTP to reduce delays at immigration counters, use more technology, and offer a smoother experience to travellers—especially Indian citizens and holders of the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card.
Fast Track Immigration: Trusted Traveller Program makes immigration simpler, faster and hassle-free. Speaking at the inauguration of this service at Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Trichy, Calicut, and Amritsar airports via video conferencing. https://t.co/bn8CsD7OV0
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 11, 2025
Table of Contents
What is the FTI-TTP?
The Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) is a government initiative, run by the Bureau of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
It is designed to streamline and speed up immigration for travellers who are pre-verified and considered “trusted” under certain checks. The programme uses automated e-gates and biometric technology (fingerprints, facial recognition) to allow eligible people to pass through immigration more quickly without long queues.
Who Can Use Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP)?
The programme is currently open for:
- Indian citizens
- OCI cardholders (Overseas Citizens of India)
Foreign nationals (other than OCI holders) are expected to be part of later phases, as roll-out continues.
How Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) Works
Here’s how travellers can make use of the FTI-TTP:
- Registration
Eligible travellers must register online through the official portal (e.g. ftittp.mha.gov.in). They need to give personal details, upload documents, and agree to biometric data collection. - Biometric Data Collection
You will need to provide fingerprints and a facial photograph. This can be done at designated locations such as certain international airports or Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRRO). - Verification & Approval
The Bureau of Immigration will verify the information. Once approved, you become part of a “trusted travellers” list. - Use of e-Gates
At airports where FTI-TTP is operational, travellers can use automated e-gates. These gates authenticate identity via boarding pass/passport + biometric check. Once verified, the gate opens, letting you bypass the regular immigration queue. - Validity
Registration remains valid typically for up to five years or until the passport’s validity ends—whichever is earlier.
Where Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) is Already Available
The programme was first launched in June 2024 at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. After that, it was rolled out to seven more airports: Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Ahmedabad.
New Airports Added
As of September 11, 2025, FTI-TTP coverage is being extended to five more airports:
- Lucknow
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Kozhikode
- Tiruchirappalli (Trichy)
- Amritsar
With this extension, the number of airports offering the Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme keeps growing, bringing convenience to more travellers across India.
Benefits of Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP)
Here are the key advantages that make this programme worth noting:
- Reduced wait times: Travellers who qualify skip long queues at immigration, thanks to e-gates and faster verification.
- Smooth, tech-driven process: Using biometrics and automation makes the system more efficient and less reliant on manual checking.
- Better travel experience: For frequent flyers, OCI holders, and citizens alike, the process will be less stressful and more predictable.
- Enhanced border security: Even while speeding up, the programme still relies on strong verification processes, so security isn’t compromised.
Comparison with Other International Models
The government has likened FTI-TTP to programmes in other countries, such as the Global Entry scheme in the United States. Like Global Entry, FTI-TTP is for pre-approved, low-risk travellers who can use special lanes or gates for quicker immigration clearance.
What Travellers Should Know & Tips
To make the best use of FTI-TTP, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Check eligibility before applying — make sure you have a valid passport, or OCI card, and meet the other criteria.
- Ensure that documents are correct and up to date (passport validity, photographs etc.), to avoid delays during verification.
- Apply well ahead of travel, so that the verification process is completed. It may take time.
- When at the airport, make sure to use the correct gate (the e-gate) for trusted traveller clearance.
- Keep biometric and personal data secure — since this involves personal biometric information, make sure the submission portal is legitimate (official government website), and you follow required security measures.
Challenges and Considerations
While FTI-TTP is a welcome move, there are some challenges and things to watch out for:
- Infrastructure readiness at every airport: setting up e-gates, integrating biometric systems, training staff.
- Public awareness: Many travellers may not know about FTI-TTP or how to register, so there’s need for awareness campaigns.
- Data privacy: Collecting biometric data raises questions around data security, consent, misuse. Proper safeguards are essential.
- Equity: Some travellers may not have easy access to required documentation or FRROs to complete enrolment. The government will need to ensure inclusivity.
Where the Programme Is Heading
According to official sources, FTI-TTP is planned to be expanded in phases. The eventual goal is to roll the system out at 21 major international airports across India.
Phase One focuses on Indian citizens and OCI cardholders. Later phases will include other foreign nationals.
Statement from the Government
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has described Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme as making immigration “simpler, faster, and hassle-free.” He emphasized that travellers—especially Indian citizens and OCI cardholders—will get the maximum benefit from the system.
Conclusion
The Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) is a forward-looking initiative by the Indian government aimed at modernizing immigration at airports. By introducing biometric technology and automated e-gates, FTI-TTP promises to reduce delays, improve security, and deliver a better travel experience.
With the recent expansion to Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Tiruchirappalli, and Amritsar, more travellers across India will be able to access this facility. As more airports come online, the benefits will touch more people—including frequent flyers, overseas travellers, and citizens returning home.
If you are planning international travel, checking whether your departure or arrival airport has FTI-TTP could save you time and stress. With registration, you might just walk through immigration instead of waiting in long lines.
