Why Bollywood Celebrities Are Turning to Fast-Track Immigration — And How You Can Too
Why Bollywood Celebrities Are Turning to Fast-Track Immigration — And How You Can Too
Long airport queues and extended immigration checks are something most international travellers have learned to tolerate. But with the Indian government’s new Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP), that wait may soon become a thing of the past. The initiative has recently gained widespread attention after several well-known celebrities, including Sushmita Sen and Rani Mukerji, publicly enrolled in the programme.
The Bureau of Immigration confirmed their participation through posts on its official Instagram account. One video showed Rani Mukerji completing her biometric registration, accompanied by a caption celebrating her registration under the programme. Another clip featured Sushmita Sen providing her fingerprints, with a message encouraging travellers to skip queues by signing up for FTI-TTP. Veteran Malayalam actor Mohanlal has also been seen using the programme’s e-gates to breeze through immigration, further boosting its visibility.
What Is the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP)?
Introduced in 2024, the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme is a government-backed initiative aimed at simplifying and speeding up immigration procedures for eligible travellers. Registered users can avoid traditional immigration counters and instead use automated e-gates to complete entry or exit formalities — often in as little as 30 seconds.
The programme was first launched at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport in June 2024 and has since expanded across major airports in the country.
Currently, FTI-TTP is operational at 13 Indian airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Lucknow, Amritsar, Calicut, Trivandrum, and Trichy. More airports are expected to be added in the future.
How Does the Fast Track Immigration System Work?
Once registered and approved, travellers do not need to stand in regular immigration queues. Instead, they can use self-service e-gates available at participating airports. The process involves:
Scanning the boarding pass and passport at the first e-gate
Completing biometric verification (fingerprints and facial recognition) at the next gate
Proceeding automatically once verification is successful
This automated system significantly cuts down waiting time, even during peak travel hours.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for FTI-TTP?
The programme is open to:
Indian citizens
Foreign nationals holding Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards
Applicants must hold a passport with at least six months of validity remaining. Eligible individuals are also required to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a facial image.
Once approved, registration remains valid either for five or ten years (as specified by authorities) or until the passport expires — whichever comes first — making it a long-term benefit for frequent international travellers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for FTI-TTP
The application process is largely online and user-friendly:
1. Online Registration
Visit ftittp.mha.gov.in and submit a recent passport-sized photograph, scanned passport pages, proof of address, and OCI card (if applicable). A QR code is generated after submission.
2. Acknowledgement
Applicants receive confirmation via SMS and email once the application is successfully submitted.
3. Biometric Registration
Visit a Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) during working hours or a designated international airport. Carry your passport and the generated QR code.
In some cases, biometric appointments can be booked online.
At the centre, fingerprints and facial data are collected.
4. Approval Timeline
Final approval may take up to one month after biometric enrolment.
Reasons an Application May Be Rejected
While the process is straightforward, applications may be declined due to:
Incorrect or false information
Concealment of important details
Blurred or incomplete documents or photographs
Missing or inaccurate residential address information
If rejected, applicants are informed and may reapply after correcting the errors.
How Does FTI-TTP Benefit Travellers?
The programme offers several advantages:
Significantly faster immigration clearance
Reduced stress and waiting time at airports
Smooth arrivals and departures, even during busy hours
No additional fee for eligible applicants
Long-term validity once approved
With the entire application process available online, FTI-TTP is designed to be accessible, efficient, and convenient.
