Kochi Airport rolls out fast-track immigration process to speed up international travel

Starting Thursday, Kochi will become one of the cities offering the fast-track immigration process known as the Trusted Traveller Programme. The scheme, designed to reduce long waiting times at airports, will be available to international travellers. It was first launched at Delhi airport in June and has now been expanded to six other airports, including Kochi.

The new system will be inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Ahmedabad. In addition to Kochi, the scheme will also be introduced at major airports in Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. This facility aims to streamline the immigration process, making international travel more convenient for eligible travellers.

How to apply for the Trusted Traveller Programme

Indians and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders are eligible to apply for the fast-track immigration scheme through a special portal created by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Applicants will need to provide advance information to register. Once registered, the system will allow faster entry and exit for travellers at participating airports.

Eligibility, registration process

Applicants will undergo a thorough investigation as part of the registration process. People with any criminal charges against them will not be eligible for the scheme. It may take up to a month for the registration to be processed. Once approved, travellers will be given access to the fast-track immigration process for up to five years, or until the expiration of their passport.