Why in news?

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) at seven airports: Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Ahmedabad, on January 16 from Ahmedabad.

Initially launched at Delhi’s IGI Airport seven months ago, FTI-TTP aims to simplify and secure international travel.

The programme will provide world-class immigration facilities with accelerated pathways, including automated gates for faster screening of international travellers.

What’s in today’s article?

• Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) 
• Global Fast-Track Immigration Programmes

 Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP)

• FTI-TTP and 'Viksit Bharat @2047' Vision
  • The FTI-TTP aligns with the Centre's agenda for 'Viksit Bharat @2047,' aiming for India to become a developed nation by its independence centenary.
• Launch and Objectives
  • It was First introduced in June 2024 at IGI Airport Terminal 3.
  • The programme facilitates faster, smoother, and secure immigration clearance for Indian Nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) passengers arriving from abroad.
• Key Features
  • Initially offered free of cost (gratis basis) for Indian nationals and OCI cardholders.
  • Focus on enhancing international mobility with automated, streamlined immigration processes.
• Implementation
  • The Bureau of Immigration, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is the nodal agency responsible for implementing the programme.
• Working
  • FTI-TTP Enrollment Process
    • Applicants register online via the portal (https://ftittp.mha.gov.in).
    • Required details and documents are uploaded for verification.
    • Approved applicants are added to the ‘Trusted Travellers’ whitelist for implementation through e-gates.
  • Biometric Verification
    • Biometrics are captured at the Foreigners Registration Office (FRRO) or during airport passage.
    • Registration is valid until the passport’s expiry or five years, whichever comes first, with an option for renewal.
  • Immigration Clearance Process
    • Boarding Pass Scan: Registered travellers scan their boarding pass at the e-gates to retrieve flight details.
    • Passport is scanned to confirm the traveller’s identity.
    • Biometric Authentication at the e-gates.
    • Automated Clearance: Once verified, the e-gate opens, completing the immigration process automatically.
• Implementation Phases
  • Phase 1:
    • Covers Indian citizens and OCI cardholders.
    • Initially implemented at 7 airports, including Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Ahmedabad.
  • Phase 2:
    • Expands coverage to foreign travellers.
    • Total implementation across 21 major airports nationwide.

Global Fast-Track Immigration Programmes

• United States: Global Entry Programme (2008)
  • Offers expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers.
  • Self-service kiosks for passport and fingerprint scans at designated airports.
  • Includes citizens from select countries, including India.
  • Approval requires a detailed background check and in-person interview.
• United Kingdom: Registered Traveller Service (2015)
  • Targets frequent visitors from specific countries, including India.
  • Enables use of eGates or fast-track channels at major UK airports.
  • Eligibility criteria: valid visa or frequent visits to the UK within a set timeframe.
• European Union: Smart Borders Initiative (2016)
  • Modernises border checks for non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area.
  • Uses the Entry/Exit System (EES) to pre-register traveller data, including biometrics.
  • Enhances security and efficiency, especially with rising international travel demands.
• Australia: SmartGate System (2007)
  • Streamlines immigration for eligible travellers, initially Australian and New Zealand passport holders.
  • Expanded to include select foreign citizens.
  • Automated kiosks verify identity through passport scans and photographs.
• Saudi Arabia: Smart Travel System (2019)
  • Utilises automated e-gates for faster immigration clearance.
  • Covers Saudi nationals and select foreign travellers with pre-verified documents.
  • Biometric verification, including facial recognition and fingerprints, ensures security.
  • Expanded under the Vision 2030 initiative to accommodate rising international visitors, especially during peak seasons like the Hajj pilgrimage.