If you’re a frequent international traveler from India, you’ve likely experienced the long queues at immigration counters. While programs like Global Entry in the US, SmartGate in Australia, and eGates in the UK have been making international travel smoother for years, India has now joined this elite club with its own Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP). This program offers a solution that can significantly improve your airport experience, bringing Indian airports up to par with their global counterparts in terms of immigration efficiency.
What is FTI-TTP?
The Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Program is a government initiative that uses biometric technology to transform the immigration process at Indian airports. Instead of the traditional method where officers manually verify your passport, check your visa, and stamp your documents, eligible travellers can now use automated e-gates. These gates use fingerprint and facial recognition for quick verification, allowing you to complete immigration clearance in seconds without any manual intervention.
Key Benefits
The FTI-TTP program offers several advantages that make international travel more convenient:
- Completely Free: Unlike similar programs worldwide that charge fees (Global Entry costs $120 for 5 years, UK Registered Traveller costs £70 per year), FTI-TTP is currently free for eligible travelers
- Skip Immigration Queues: Access dedicated e-gates instead of waiting in regular immigration lines
- Paperless Process: No physical passport stamps needed – all entry and exit records are maintained digitally
- Quick Clearance: Complete immigration formalities in minutes
- Digital Records: Access your travel history and e-stamps online whenever needed
- Wide Airport Coverage: Available at eight major international airports across India
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to:
- Indian citizens with valid passports
- Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders
How FTI-TTP Works
The program uses advanced biometric technology for quick and secure verification. When using the e-gates, travelers need to:
- Scan their passport
- Complete fingerprint verification
- Look into the camera for facial recognition
These biometric checks ensure security while offering a seamless experience that takes just a few seconds.
Similar Programs Worldwide
FTI-TTP is part of a global trend toward automated border control. Here are some comparable programs:
- Global Entry (USA): Allows expedited clearance for pre-approved travelers using kiosks
- SmartGate (Australia/New Zealand): Uses facial recognition technology for automated processing
- eGates (UK): Available to passport holders from select countries, using facial recognition
- APEC Business Travel Card: Facilitates business travel within APEC member economies
- CANPASS (Canada): Expedited border clearance using iris recognition
Like FTI-TTP, these programs aim to balance security with convenience through technology.
Current Airport Availability
FTI-TTP e-gates are currently operational at these international airports:
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Bengaluru
- Chennai
- Kolkata
- Hyderabad
- Cochin
- Ahmedabad
As the program expands, more airports are expected to implement this facility.
Registration Process
It’s a very simple process just to fill up your application and submit biometrics. Here is a step by step guide for FTI-TTP Registraion
Things to Note
- Registration is valid for five years, or until the passport expires, whichever comes first
- E-gate facility might not be available at all international airports in India
- Carry your passport even though physical stamps aren’t required
Is It Worth It?
Absolutely! With zero registration cost and the ability to save yourself from long immigration queues, there’s no reason not to enroll. Being able to breeze through immigration in seconds instead of standing in lengthy queues makes this program a no-brainer for any Indian traveler.
Have you used FTI-TTP at Indian airports? Share your experience in the comments below!
Great Blog. Covers all the information, i have registered and used an E-gate for one my travel in delhi, i wanted to use it multiple times at Mumbai but gates were not operational. There is a recent news that gates are inaugurated by amit shah at mentioned airports so looking forward to use them.
This program is really great and helped me to catch my connecting flight since there was a huge queue for immigration at delhi airport international arrival.
Thanks Yash. It will indeed save time for a lot of travellers.