New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has approved the activation of the Fast-Track Immigration–Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) for Goa, a move expected to enable seamless immigration through automated e-gates at the state’s airports, Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said on Wednesday.
Khaunte said the approval was granted after his meetings with Shah and Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in New Delhi on Tuesday, during which issues relating to tourism connectivity, infrastructure, and policy reforms were discussed.
The minister said the FTI-TTP, which is already operational at several airports across the country, will allow registered passengers to complete immigration formalities through biometric-enabled e-gates in less than 30 seconds, reducing waiting times and eliminating manual processing.
According to Khaunte, the facility will improve the travel experience for Indian passengers, including Goans living abroad, seafarers, students, and professionals travelling overseas, while making Goa a preferred entry and exit point for travellers.
He said the initiative would also position Goa favourably when the programme is extended to foreign nationals in the next phase.
“The activation of FTI-TTP in Goa is a transformative step towards enhancing the ease of travel for both Indian and international passengers. Faster immigration, improved passenger convenience, and a seamless airport experience will strengthen Goa’s competitiveness as an international tourism gateway while directly benefiting our tourism economy and Goan travellers,” Khaunte said.
He thanked Amit Shah for approving the proposal, describing it as a major boost for Goa’s tourism sector.
During his meeting with the Union Home Minister, Khaunte also submitted proposals seeking Visa-on-Arrival facilities for Goa, periodic anonymised Bureau of Immigration arrival data to aid tourism planning and marketing, and the introduction of a Digital Nomad Visa to promote long-term stays by remote workers.
He said Shah assured him that these proposals would be examined while approving the activation of the FTI-TTP for the state.
In his meeting with Shekhawat, Khaunte discussed measures to improve domestic and international air connectivity, including increasing scheduled international flights, improving bilateral air service arrangements, deploying wide-body aircraft on international routes, and enhancing connectivity from Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
The two leaders also reviewed tourism infrastructure projects in Goa being supported by the Centre, including the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum at Ponda, Porvorim Town Square, Swadesh Darshan Coastal Circuit projects, and the rural tourism circuit connecting Porvorim, Pomburpa, and Harvalem.
Khaunte said he also sought central support for developing a concert ecosystem, strengthening cruise tourism through Mormugao Port, and creating additional tourism infrastructure to generate employment and support local communities.
The Union Tourism Minister assured continued support from the Centre for Goa’s tourism development, Khaunte said.
