NRI e-Gate registration now open at Indian airports
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can now fast-track their immigration process at 13 major Indian airports by enrolling in the government’s Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP). However, Aadhaar cards are not accepted as proof of address during registration.
The e-Gate facility is currently available at airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Amritsar, Kochi, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, and Trichy.
What is the e-Gate service?
The system, introduced by the Bureau of Immigration (BoI), enables pre-verified passengers to pass through immigration via self-service kiosks by scanning their passport and verifying biometrics—similar to the smart gates at UAE airports.
Who can apply?
The programme is open to Indian citizens and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders.
Why Aadhaar isn’t accepted
Although Aadhaar is a key identity document, it is not valid for address verification under the FTI-TTP scheme. Instead, NRIs can use the passport page showing their address as proof.
Accepted address proofs
- Election photo ID card
- Recent electricity or telephone bill (within 3 months)
- Driving licence
- Spouse’s or parent’s passport (if address matches)
- Government-issued ID showing foreign address
How to register
- Visit ftittp.mha.gov.in/fti.
- Sign up using your email and mobile number for OTP verification.
- Fill in personal and passport details.
- Upload a passport-size photo and passport scans (front and back).
- OCI holders must upload OCI card copies.
- Provide biometric data at one of the 13 designated airports or FRRO offices.
After verification, applicants will receive confirmation via email or SMS. Processing can take 10 days to one month.
Key points
- Passport must be valid for at least six months.
- Membership lasts 10 years or until passport expiry.
- Applicants with ECR passports or under 7 years old are not eligible.
This initiative aims to simplify and speed up immigration for frequent travellers between India and abroad, especially from the Gulf region.
