Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has launched a fast-track immigration programme, an initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Home Affairs, aiming to speed up the procedure. By harnessing biometric technology, the initiative enables travellers to complete immigration procedures in 20 seconds.
While the Digi-Yatra system has already streamlined domestic boarding processes at CIAL, the newly introduced Fast-Track Immigration (FTI-TTP) system extends similar convenience to international travellers. Eligible Indian citizens and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders can register through the Ministry of Home Affairs' dedicated portal to benefit from this service.
The process begins with applicants uploading necessary documents, such as passports, on the portal. This is followed by biometric enrolment, which includes facial and fingerprint scanning, available at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) and immigration counters at Kochi Airport. Upon successful registration, travellers gain access to smart e-gates for international arrivals and departures, effectively bypassing lengthy queues.
To facilitate the service, eight biometric e-gates have been installed at the airport, with four each in the arrival and departure areas. At these gates, passengers simply scan their passports to initiate the process. Once the gate opens, a second camera verifies the passenger’s identity through facial recognition, completing the procedure in seconds.
This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing efficiency and passenger convenience, setting a new benchmark for modern air travel in India.