Chennai Airport Fast Track Immigration, BA

City airport has introduced the highly anticipated fast-track immigration system, allowing passengers enrolled in the Trusted Traveller Programme to bypass lengthy queues at immigration clearance.

Union home minister Amit Shah inaugurated the program virtually from Ahmedabad, simultaneously at Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Chennai. At Chennai airport, eight exclusive gates have been designated – four for departing passengers and four for arrivals from various destinations.

Passengers can use the gates by scanning their passports and boarding passes to expedite the immigration process. “The facility has been operational since the inauguration. All registered passengers can take advantage of this service,” stated a senior FRRO official. “Passengers wishing to register can visit Chennai, Trichy, Madurai, and Coimbatore airports after completing the online application process to provide their biometrics. Immigration officers will assist them,” the official elaborated.

Registered passengers will undergo a two-stage verification process under the fast-track immigration initiative. Initially, their passport and boarding pass will be scanned at the first e-gate. Upon verification, they can proceed to the next e-gate for facial recognition. Once confirmed, the passenger will be identified as a trusted traveller, completing the immigration process.

Immigration authorities reported that over 1,000 individuals have registered at Chennai’s Foreigners Regional Registration Office for the Trusted Traveller Programme. The program was initially launched at Terminal 3 of the IGI Airport in New Delhi in June 2024, with Chennai being one of the seven airports selected for implementation.

The rollout of the fast-track immigration system is planned for 21 airports nationwide in a phased approach.