India’s first Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme: Since June this year, more than 19,000 Indian and foreign nationals with Overseas Card of India (OCI) have registered for India’s inaugural Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP).
Officials confirmed that whilst initially available only at Delhi airport, the service has expanded to 31 international airports, including Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin and Ahmedabad.
Officials indicated that whilst the programme mirrors the US global entry programme, it has been adapted for Indian requirements. This initiative followed the US’s offer to include India in its trusted travellers programme. The US Global Entry offers precheck benefits and expedited US Customs and Border Protection screening for international travellers entering the US with valid documentation.
Officials familiar with the development told ET that the Global Entry Programme (GEP), by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), registered 1,491 individuals in August and 515 in September. They anticipate the total enrolments to exceed 20,000 by year-end.
The programme mandates biometric submission for all applicants, without which enrolment is not possible.
A senior government official informed ET, “For any one between 12 and 18 years, email id and mobile number of parents or guardians may be used for the purpose of FTI-TTP registration and those below 12 years or above 70 are not eligible for trusted travellers programme. The registration process usually takes a month with verification done by the field agencies.”
The programme has attracted frequent global travellers, OCI card holders, high net worth individuals, chief executive officers and businessmen. Officials report that the e-Gates have achieved 60-65% faster immigration clearance for passengers.
According to the programme guidelines: “Eligible individuals can apply online for the fast-track immigration facility. Those with approved applications are called to submit their biometrics (fingerprint and facial image) at the international airports in India or the Foreigners Regional Registration Offices.”
Registration validity extends to five years or until passport expiry, whichever occurs first.
Another official explained, “FTI-TTP aims to facilitate international mobility with faster, smoother, secure immigration clearance. In the initial phase, it has been started for Indian nationals and OCI cardholders on a gratis basis.”