OCI holders can now register for faster immigration clearance through e-gates in India (How to Register)

LONDON Oct 21: India has launched a biometric system to allow Indian citizens and OCIs to enter the country on their return without waiting to go through manual immigration/passport control. The system was inaugurated on June 22, 2024, and the Fast Track Immigration—Trusted Traveller Programme is open for registration.

The Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP), initially launched at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on 22 June, will now expand to Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Ahmedabad.

The FTI-TTP programme provides passengers with faster immigration clearance through e-gates, minimising human intervention and simplifying the process.

Eligible passengers will no longer have to wait in regular immigration queues. Instead, they can use dedicated e-gates, ensuring a smoother, faster, and more secure immigration process. The programme is currently being offered on a gratis basis for Indian nationals and OCI cardholders.

The FTI-TTP programme will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will cover Indian nationals and OCI cardholders, while the second phase will eventually extend to foreign travellers.

The e-gates will automatically open once a passenger’s boarding pass and passport are scanned and their biometric data is authenticated. This seamless process ensures faster immigration clearance with minimal human involvement.

Registration process and eligibility

To enrol in the FTI-TTP, passengers must apply online through the government’s portal (www.ftittp.mha.gov.in) and provide biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images. The registration is valid for a maximum of five years or until the passport’s expiry date, whichever comes first.

Eligible individuals must apply online and submit their biometrics (fingerprint and facial image) and other required information as specified in the application form. The FTI registration is valid for a maximum of five years or until the validity of the passport, whichever comes first.

Approved applications would receive a message to schedule an appointment to provide their biometric details.

The applicant may provide their biometrics at a designated international airport in India or the nearest FRRO office as per the prior appointment schedule. Biometrics are compulsory for the application processing to be completed. While applying for FTI-TTP, the applicant must ensure a minimum passport validity of at least six months.

Registration under FTI will be completed after the necessary verifications and eligibility confirmation. While a price was initially attached to it, no money is currently being charged for the FTI-TTP service.

Registration for FTI-TTP

Click www.ftittp.mha.gov.in/fti to apply for FTI-TTP registration.

Step 1: You need to sign up on the website. You need an email address and a phone number (both need to be OTP validated).

Step 2: Once you’ve signed up, you’ll be in the protected area of the website, where you need to start a new application using the ‘apply online’ button.

Step 3: You have to choose if you are going to apply using an Indian Passport or an International Passport (along with an OCI Card). In my case, I used my Indian passport for this application.

Step 4: You need to fill in some details, as would be customary, for your application to be submitted. For an Indian passport, this information is not very detailed. Some more details flow under the screenshot, largely around the residential address.

Step 5: Applicants must upload one passport-sized photograph and the passport’s first and last pages containing the passport holder’s information. For OCIs, a scanned copy of documents like the OCI card is needed in case Indians settle overseas. Present Proof of address in PDF format is also required. It is important to note that the front and the back pages must be uploaded separately, and resizing it will take some effort to bring it to the appropriate size.

After all of that, you sign this declaration.

Step 6: Throughout the process, you receive a temporary application number; once you recap all the information and submit it, you receive an email with a permanent file number.

Step 7: You need to select the option where you sign up to submit your biometrics. This could be at the airport or one of the many FRRO offices across India.

Here are all the airports around India where you can submit your biometrics. While the preference is being recorded, you can submit your biometrics at any other airport in India, which would also work. You need to do this before departing from India.

Step 8: You will now receive your application number (via an SMS and email as well).

Finally, you need to wait for your application to be approved. This manual process cross-refers your submitted information (passport/OCI) and your photo with the one on the server. I applied on the day of the opening of the application system, and I got my approval the following week.

Step 9: You can enroll your biometrics at specific counters at passport control before departing India, or you can head to your nearest Foreigners Registration Office (FRRO) to submit them.

Upon approval, applicants will receive a notification to schedule an appointment for biometric verification at designated international airports or Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRRO).

Click to Visit website Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Program