Launch of the programme
Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Scheme: The Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) was launched in September 2025 by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. It is designed to provide faster immigration clearance for pre-verified Indian nationals and OCI cardholders. The initiative reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of speed, scale, and scope in modernising airport facilities.
Static GK fact: The Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for India’s internal security and oversees immigration services through the Bureau of Immigration.
Expansion to major airports
Initially launched in July 2024 at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, the programme expanded to seven major airports including Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi and Ahmedabad. In the latest phase, it has been extended to five more airports – Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Kozhikode and Amritsar. The government plans to implement the facility across 21 airports, including upcoming hubs like Navi Mumbai and Jewar.
Features and benefits
The scheme enables immigration clearance in just 30 seconds through automated e-Gates. Travellers scan their passport and boarding pass, followed by biometric verification, after which instant clearance is provided. This facility ensures both efficiency and security. It especially benefits OCI cardholders, who often face long clearance times.
Static GK Tip: OCI cardholders are not citizens of India but enjoy multiple privileges such as visa-free travel and parity with NRIs in most fields except political rights.
Registration process
Applicants must register on the official portal by providing personal details and supporting documents. Biometric data is captured either at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or at designated airports. Authorities encourage enrolment during passport or OCI card issuance, which avoids duplication and simplifies participation.
Impact on international travel
Between 2014 and 2024, outbound Indian travellers rose by 73% to 6.12 crore, while inbound foreign visitors increased by 31% to nearly 2 crore. The combined international passenger traffic surged by 60% to 8.12 crore. With this sharp rise, FTI-TTP reduces immigration bottlenecks and improves the passenger experience.
Static GK fact: Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, is the busiest airport in India, handling over 70 million passengers annually.
Global significance
FTI-TTP is aligned with international best practices like the US Global Entry Programme, but customised for Indian travellers and OCI cardholders. It strengthens India’s position as a global aviation hub while maintaining strict national security protocols. The initiative also supports government efforts to modernise airport infrastructure and encourage seamless cross-border travel.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Scheme:
| Topic | Detail |
| Launch | September 2025 by Home Minister Amit Shah |
| First rollout | July 2024 at Delhi Airport |
| Coverage | Planned at 21 major airports |
| Latest additions | Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Kozhikode, Amritsar |
| Clearance time | Within 30 seconds via e-Gates |
| Target group | Indian nationals and OCI cardholders |
| Technology used | Biometric verification and automated e-Gates |
| Passenger growth 2014–24 | 73% outbound, 31% inbound, 60% overall |
| International model | Inspired by US Global Entry Programme |
| Key objective | Speed, scale, scope in immigration modernisation |
