Cochin International Airport introduces fast-track immigration

Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) has rolled out fast-track immigration programme, an initiative by the Home Affairs Ministry to expedite immigration procedure. Leveraging biometric technology, the programme enables travellers to complete the process in just 20 seconds.

The Digi-Yatra system, enabling seamless boarding for domestic passengers is already operational at CIAL. With the launch of the FTI-TTP system, international travellers can complete immigration procedures in seconds after one-time registration at the Ministry’s dedicated portal. Indian citizens and overseas citizens of India (OCI) cardholders are eligible to submit applications through the portal.

Once documents, including passports, are successfully uploaded, applicants can proceed to biometric enrolment. Enrolment for facial and fingerprint scanning has been set up at the FRRO office and immigration counters at Kochi Airport. Once registration is completed successfully, travellers can use the smart gates for future international arrivals/departures, bypassing long queues at immigration.

A total of eight biometric e-gates, with four each installed in the arrival and departure areas, facilitate the fast-track immigration services. At the gate, travellers who completed prior registration can scan their passports, and the gate opens. The process is completed once the second camera recognises the face of the passenger.