Last year, India launched its own version of expedited immigration services. However, initially, the service was only available at New Delhi airport, the country’s capital. Now, the government of India is rolling out fast track immigration to 7 more airports in the country. One of them is Mumbai airport, one that I frequent. So what is this service and how does it work?
Fast Track Immigration
Like me, if you’ve used Global Entry to enter the US, then fast track immigration in India is a trusted traveler program that runs on similar lines. Firstly, you’ll need to visit the Indian Bureau of Immigration website to get started.
Fast Track Immigration: Sign-up process
I signed up for the program as soon as the online applications were active late last year. Even though the e-gates were not active at Mumbai airport (BOM) back then, I decided to sign up and get approved given my frequency of travel in and out of BOM.
Creating an account
I created an account on the website and started filling out basic details like name, phone, address, etc. While you’re filling out your application, you need to make sure that you have the following information and documents readily available:
- An active phone number to receive an OTP (one time password)
- Email for email verification to set up the account
- Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months when you submit your application
Documentation
In addition to that information, you will also need to upload scanned copies of the following:
- Passport size photo (same specification as used for Indian Passport)
- The photo should not be more than 6 months old and the applicant’s face and ears should occupy 3/4ths of the photograph’s space
- The photo should have a plain white background
- Copy of the first and last page of your passport (which includes your name, passport number and address)
In case you have a different address on your passport, you can also upload any of the following documents as additional proof of address:
- Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) issued by the Election Commission of India
- Telephone (landline or post-paid mobile bill)of the last 3 months preceding the date of application
- Electricity bill of the last 3 months preceding the date of application
- Driving License
- Spouse’s passport copy (First and last page including family details mentioning applicant’s name as spouse of the passport holder), (provided the applicant’s present address matches the address mentioned in the spouse’s passport)
- Parent’s passport copy, in case of minors (First and last page)
- In case the present address is of a country outside India, you may upload a government issued identity proof bearing your current address in the foreign country.
- Aadhar card is not acceptable as proof of address.
Fast Track Immigration: From Application to Approval
While I’m yet to use the e-gates at any of the airports, the application process was very quick.
- I created an account on Oct 27, 2024, completed all the details, uploaded the relevant documents and submitted the application on the same day
- On October 28, I got an approval right away! The only thing I had to do next was to get my biometrics captured at Mumbai airport and then I would be eligible to use the e-gates once they became operational
- On Nov 18, while I was going through immigration at Mumbai airport, I asked the immigration officer about my Fast Track Immigration application. He asked me to show my approval email. Upon verification, he requested me to proceed to a counter in the right hand corner of the immigration section, where my biometrics were successfully captured
- I was taking a 3 hour flight to Abu Dhabi (AUH) from BOM. Upon landing in Abu Dhabi, I immediately got an email that I was approved and was eligible to use the e-gates at eligible airports
Fast Track immigration – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
At which airports in India can you use the e-gates?
As per the latest press release by the Ministry of Home Affairs, you can use Fast Track Immigration e-gates at the following airports:
- Mumbai (BOM)
- Delhi (DEL)
- Kolkata (CCU)
- Chennai (MAA)
- Ahmedabad (AMD)
- Cochin (COK)
- Bengaluru (BLR)
- Hyderabad (HYD)
The Indian government is planning to launch this program at an additional 14 airports in the coming months and years, bringing the total tally to 21 airport eventually.
Who is eligible to sign up for this program?
The best part of the program is that it’s not just limited to Indian citizens. If you’re an overseas citizen of India (OCI) holding a valid OCI card, you’re also eligible to apply for the program.
Once approved, how long is my membership in the program valid for?
Once approved, your membership is valid for 5 years.
Where can I get my biometrics done?
Even if you’re based out of Mumbai, you can get a biometrics appointment at any of the eligible airports in India from the drop down list. However, in my case, I was traveling internationally anyway and took the quickest option available. If you’re traveling in or out of India and want to get your biometrics done, you don’t need an appointment. Simply show up at immigration and request the officer that you need to get biometrics done. They will take you to the counter and your biometrics and picture will be captured at the airport itself.
How much does the program cost?
The best part is that this program is currently free of cost. There’s no application fee, but that may change in the future.
I need more information, where can I find it?
If you need more information, you can directly email the official customer service email ID of the Ministry of Home affairs at india.ftittp-boi@mha.gov.in
The Pundit’s Mantra
Like me, if you make multiple international trips each year, then this program is set to save you a ton of time upon arrival. Indian airports can get very busy during peak arrival and departure times, so having this feature can save you valuable time during these busy hours.
Have you used the fast track immigration e-gates? What has your experience been like? Tell us in the comments section.
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