How It Works?

The FTI-TTP leverages advanced biometric technology to simplify and speed up the immigration process. Registered passengers can use automated gates (e-gates) to bypass regular immigration queues. Upon reaching the e-gates, travellers scan their boarding passes and passports, and their biometrics are authenticated. Once verified, the e-gate opens automatically, granting immigration clearance.

Eligible individuals can apply for the programme online through the official FTI-TTP portal. After submitting the required details and undergoing verification by the Bureau of Immigration, applicants receive a notification to schedule an appointment for biometric enrolment at either international airports or the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). The registration is valid for five years or until the passport’s validity expires, whichever comes first.

Expansion Plans

Following its successful implementation at Delhi Airport, the FTI-TTP is set to expand to 20 other cities, including major airports in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Ahmedabad. This expansion aims to make international travel more seamless and efficient across India.

Benefits and Impact

The FTI-TTP offers numerous benefits, including faster immigration processing, reduced congestion at airports, and a more secure travel experience. By automating the immigration process, the programme not only saves time for travellers but also addresses staffing issues at immigration counters. As of now, 18,400 individuals have registered for the programme, highlighting its growing popularity and effectiveness.

The programme’s implementation is particularly timely, given the increasing volume of international travellers. The traditional immigration process often involves long queues and significant waiting times, which can be stressful for passengers. The FTI-TTP aims to alleviate these issues by providing a more efficient and user-friendly alternative. The use of biometric technology ensures that the process is both secure and swift, reducing the risk of human error and enhancing overall security.

Moreover, the programme is designed to be inclusive and accessible. It is available free of cost to all eligible travellers, making it an attractive option for frequent flyers and occasional travellers alike. The online application process is straightforward, and the requirement for biometric enrolment ensures that only verified individuals can benefit from the expedited service.

In addition to its immediate benefits, the FTI-TTP is expected to have a long-term positive impact on India’s aviation sector. By improving the efficiency of immigration processes, the programme can enhance the overall passenger experience, potentially attracting more international travellers to Indian airports. This, in turn, could boost the country’s tourism industry and contribute to economic growth.

The Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Programme is a ground-breaking initiative that promises to transform the travel experience for Indian nationals and OCI cardholders. With its expansion to more cities, the programme is set to enhance the efficiency and security of international travel across India. The FTI-TTP represents a significant step forward in modernizing India’s immigration processes and ensuring a smoother, more enjoyable journey for all travellers.

The Supreme Court’s decision has led to the reinstatement of the previous Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, operated by Mobitel, a local telecommunications company. The suspension, effective from August 2, 2024, impacts travelers from 167 countries, who had been using the e-Visa platform for tourism, business, and medical purposes.

Sri Lanka e-Visa Suspension: A Response to Allegations and Legal Scrutiny

The e-Visa system had promised to streamline visa applications but quickly became embroiled in controversy. Allegations of corruption, involving over a billion dollars, and dissatisfaction among local tour operators fueled legal action, leading to the suspension. Travelers who had applied for e-Visas after the suspension have been assured refunds.As the country navigates these challenges, the previous ETA system is expected to resume operations soon, while visa-on-arrival remains an option for many international visitors, including Indian nationals.

New Rules for Red Passport Holders

Since the Brexit transition, UK citizens are now classified as “third-country nationals” by the European Union. This classification brings several new passport validity rules into play, affecting entry into EU and Schengen Area countries. Passports must be less than 10 years old on the date of arrival in the EU and have at least three months remaining before expiry at the end of the trip. This rule applies not only to EU countries but also to Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland​.

Common Travel Disruptions

Daily, approximately 200 UK travellers are denied boarding due to non-compliance with these rules. Issues typically arise at check-in or at the departure gate, causing significant travel disruptions. Travelers like Nathan Barnes, who was recently barred from flying to France despite having a valid boarding pass, illustrate the importance of these new rules​.

Validity Requirements by Country

The rules are not uniform across all destinations. While the EU and Schengen Area enforce the 10-year issue date and three-month validity rule, other countries have different requirements:

• Six-Month Validity Rule: 70 countries, including popular destinations such as Thailand and the United Arab Emirates, require passports to be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.
• Three-Month Validity Rule: 41 countries, including Finland, New Zealand, and Switzerland, require passports to have at least three months remaining on the date of entry​​.

What You Should Do

Before traveling, it’s crucial for UK passport holders to verify the validity of their passports. The UK Passport Office recommends checking the expiry date and ensuring compliance with the specific entry requirements of the destination country. For those with passports issued before October 2018, extra months added during renewal could affect the validity calculations​

By staying informed and proactive, UK travellers can avoid unexpected disruptions and enjoy a smooth summer holiday season. Make sure your passport meets all the necessary requirements before you pack your bags..

Revolutionary Security Scanners Now in Use

Previously, passengers were restricted to carrying liquids in containers of 100ml or less, all packed in a clear plastic bag. The new state-of-the-art scanners installed at Dublin Airport now allow passengers to carry liquids of any size in their bags without the need to remove them for separate screening. This technological upgrade also extends to electronic devices like laptops, e-readers, and tablets, which no longer need to be taken out of bags during the security check.

Currently, all the scanners in Terminal 2 are updated, enabling passengers to keep both liquids and electronics in their bags. In Terminal 1, only four of these advanced scanners are operational. Therefore, passengers going through Terminal 1 may still need to follow the old rules, depending on the security line they pass through.

Transition Period and Full Implementation

During this transition phase, passengers are advised to adhere to the old regulations for liquids and electronics, as it is uncertain which security lines are equipped with the new scanners. This cautious approach ensures a smooth passage through security without delays or issues. It’s also important to check the rules of other airports for return journeys, as regulations may differ.

Dublin Airport aims to complete the installation of new scanners in both terminals by October 2025, well ahead of the December 31, 2025 deadline. The update process in Terminal 1 will take longer due to the size and weight of the new scanners.

Understanding Liquid Restrictions

Dublin Airport defines liquids, gels, and pastes comprehensively. Items considered under this category include:

• Water, drinks, soups, syrups
• Pastes like toothpaste, butter, margarine, jams (over 100ml not allowed)
• Creams, lotions, oils (including lip balm and moisturizer)
• Perfumes
• Make-up items like lipsticks and mascaras
• Sprays, including suntan lotion
• Gels, including hair and shower gels
• Pressurized container contents, like shaving foam and deodorants
• Liquid-solid mixtures
• Similar items

For liquids over 100ml, passengers are advised to check them in with their hold luggage. If unsure about specific items, it’s best to place them in checked baggage to avoid any inconvenience at security.

The Little-Known Rule

The regulation in question involves the use of mobile devices during flights. While many passengers are aware that mobile phones must be set to airplane mode during the flight, the lesser-known aspect is that some airlines strictly enforce this rule even more rigorously than others. Not adhering to this requirement can lead to significant fines and other consequences.

Airline Policies

Ryanair, Aer Lingus, and TUI have clear policies about the use of electronic devices. These policies stipulate that all devices must be either turned off or set to airplane mode from the moment the aircraft doors are closed until the plane has safely landed and arrived at the gate. This measure is in place to prevent any potential interference with the aircraft’s communication and navigation systems, which, although rare, is a risk that airlines take seriously.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with this rule can result in fines that may come as a shock to unsuspecting travellers. According to reports, fines can reach substantial amounts, which can add an unexpected financial burden to the cost of travel. Passengers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the specific regulations of the airline they are flying with to avoid these penalties.

Passenger Responsibility

It is the responsibility of each passenger to ensure their devices are in the correct mode throughout the flight. Cabin crew members typically remind passengers of this rule before takeoff, but it remains the traveller’s duty to adhere to these instructions. Ignorance of this rule is not considered a valid excuse and can still result in fines.

Tips for Travellers

To avoid falling foul of this rule, passengers should:

1. Pay Attention to Announcements: Always listen to the cabin crew’s announcements regarding electronic device usage.
2. Check Airline Policies: Review the airline’s guidelines on mobile device usage before boarding.
3. Set Devices Early: As soon as you board the plane, set your mobile devices to airplane mode or switch them off.
4. Double-Check: Ensure that all devices remain in airplane mode until the flight has completely ended.