New Delhi/IBNS: In an attempt to cut down the long time taken to complete the immigration process from a minimum of 30 minutes to mere seconds, the Centre has introduced a fast-track programme at the Delhi airport, which will be expanded to 20 other cities soon.

The Ministry of Home Affairs introduced the Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi on June 22 which enables biometrics to grant pre-verified flyers a seamless experience for immigration both during departure and arrival.

The programme will be expanded to seven major airports - Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Ahmedabad.

It will be available in 21 airports across the country soon.

The FTI-TTP is being implemented through an online portal and the Bureau of Immigration is the nodal agency for fast-track immigration of various categories of travellers under this programme.

After necessary verification, passengers are added to a White List of 'Trusted Travellers' who can avail the facility of e-gates.

Biometrics of the 'Trusted Traveller' passing through the gates are captured at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office office or airports.

Along with scanning their boarding pass issued by the airlines, registered passengers can also scan their passports at the e-gates and their biometrics are authenticated.

Once the passenger's identity is authenticated, the e-gate opens automatically and immigration clearance is granted.

How to apply?

Eligible individuals will need to apply online at www.ftittp.mha.gov.in and provide their details, which will be verified by the Bureau of Immigration.

Once approved, they will receive a message to schedule an appointment to provide their biometrics at international airports or the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office.

The FTI registration will be valid for a maximum of five years or until the validity of the passport, whichever comes first.

According to officials, providing biometrics is compulsory and applicants must ensure a minimum passport validity of at least six months while applying for the FTI-TTP.