When traveling internationally, you usually need to go through tedious immigration queues, verification of documents and other processes at the airport. Did you know you can skip all that? Frequent travelers can use programs such as the Global Entry Program (GEP) in the United States or the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) in India to make immigration easier.
Both programs facilitate improvement in the immigration process and clearances for qualified travelers. However, since these programs are administered in different countries, the requirements of eligibility and the aims of application are different.
If you are an Indian citizen living in the USA, an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) license holder or Non-Resident Indian (NRI) who travels often to India, it is important for you to know about these programs in order to know which program is most suitable for you.
This guide includes all details about GEP and FTI TTP including the eligibility of candidates applying for these programs, the benefits of these programs, the process of application, and how each of the programs differs from the other.
What is Global Entry Program?
The Global Entry USA program is an initiative of the Customs and Border Protection of the United States (CBP), that enables eligible travelers who are pre-approved to gain an expedited entry into the United States via airports where the program is available.
This program is very useful for frequent flyers who want to save time waiting in regular queues of immigration upon returning to the United States.
Once accepted into the program, members can make use of the entire network of Global Entry processing options and technology. Moreover, Global Entry members can use their membership to gain benefits of TSA PreCheck for domestic travel in the US.
With regard to Global Entry eligibility, Indian citizens are allowed to apply under international conditions, as long as they fulfill the requirements of both the Indian and US governments.
What is FTI-TTP?
FTI-TTP stands for Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme, which is an initiative of the Indian government that caters to the needs of people who are seeking to gain travel advantages with the program.
With this program, registered travelers can access e-gates at select Indian airports complying with the program’s operational requirement.
The system is based on pre-registration, identity verification, and biometric data to process immigration checks.
The Indian authorities implemented FTI TTP at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi in June 2024, shortly after which the program was extended to more airports.
FTI TTP is particularly beneficial for Indian citizens and OCI card holders traveling to India on a regular basis.
GEP vs FTI-TTP
| Feature | GEP | FTI-TTP |
| Country | United States | India |
| Primary purpose | Faster immigration processing when entering the US | Faster immigration clearance when entering India |
| Intended applicants | Eligible US citizens, permanent residents, and citizens of participating countries | Eligible Indian nationals and OCI cardholders |
| Application process | Online application, background vetting, and interview | Online registration, document verification, and biometric enrollment as required |
| Main benefit | Expedited US arrival processing and TSA PreCheck eligibility | Access to designated automated immigration e-gates at participating Indian airports |
| Government authority | US Customs and Border Protection | Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs |
Note: The approval in one program does not mean that you are automatically registered in the other program.
Who is Eligible for Global Entry Program?
The Global Entry program is open to citizens of the United States, lawful permanent residents, and qualified citizens of some participating nations, including India. Citizens of India need to undergo the process of verification by the relevant Indian government authorities before they can apply through the website of the US Trusted Traveler Programs.
Here are the eligibility requirements for the program in general:
- U.S. citizenship or other qualifying immigration status
- Completing a thorough and accurate information in terms of personal data, residency, made in employment, and travel records
- Completing all required checks from the security perspective
- Attending the interview after receiving conditional approval from the program
- All of the relevant conditions for being accepted into the program must be satisfied.
Ineligible applicants would include those with previous convictions and pending charges, customs violations, immigration issues and/or provided false data in the application. All applications are assessed on individual basis and submitting an application is not a guarantee of approval.
How to Apply for Global Entry USA
Individuals from India looking to apply for the Global Entry USA program should be aware that applying involves engaging with multiple authorities at different levels both in the United States and India.
1: Creating a trusted traveler account
- The first step involves opening an account on the website https://ttp.dhs.gov/ where one can create or log in to a trusted traveler account using Login.gov.
- Next, filling out all the required information in the application form through the online portal including names, passport numbers, country of residence and places of employment.
2: Paying the Global Entry application fee
- After filling out the form, the applicant needs to submit their application and pay the fees which may differ as per the applicant’s circumstances.
- As of October 2026, applicants generally need to pay an application fee of $120 for obtaining a global entry membership for five years unless they are younger than 18 years old and are eligible for a waiver. It is important to check with the government before applying in order to know the requirements of eligibility and the latest fee.
- The application fees are usually not refundable.
3: Finish the Indian Government Verification Process
- Indian citizens should respect the relevant verification procedure mandated by the Government of India.
- As per the US CPB rules, this involves providing the necessary information via Passport Seva along with payment of the relevant local fee, scheduling an appointment at a designated PSK office or at the Post Office Passport Seva Kendra if required.
- The local process may entail background checks and it is crucial to adhere to current official directions applicable in the area of residence.
4: Wait for the Process to Get Approved Conditionally
- As your application progresses, track it on the appropriate dashboard of the Trusted Traveler Programs.
- Once your application is conditionally approved, you can move on to the interview stage. Processing timelines will vary, particularly as Indian citizens engage in additional verification with the Indian government.
5: Global Entry Interview
- Once the conditional approval has been made, you may schedule your interview at one of the Global Entry Enrollment Centers or visit a suitable Enrollment on Arrival facility when arriving in the United States from another country.
- Typically, you are required to provide an authentic passport along with another valid form of ID reflecting your current residential address. Conditional residents are required to provide a valid permanent residents card as well.
- During your interview, CBP officers will confirm the information you provided and possibly collect biometric data.
6: Get Final Approval
- After the CBP finishes its assessment and approves your request, your Global Entry membership can be considered valid.
How to Apply for FTI-TTP
The process of applying for the FTI-TTP program is not the same as the process of applying for the Global Entry program in the United States.
1: Verify Your Eligibility
Ensure that you fit the qualifications determined by the Indian government. The program is offered exclusively to qualifying nationals of India as well as holders of OCI cards.
2: Register via the Official Portal
- Go to the official FTI-TTP registration webpage: https://ftittp.mha.gov.in/
- Create an account and register in accordance with the instructions on the portal.
3: Submit the Mandatory Information
- Fill in the mandatory personal information as well as the identity documents asked by the portal. Then check that all the information that you give, especially passport details, is valid.
4: Get Started with Biometric Enrollment
- Perform the prescribed steps for biometric enrollment as well as other forms of verification or appointments.
- Depending on the current state of your application and how the program operates right now, specific steps may differ.
5: Await Approval and Activation
- Keep track of your application status using the official portal. After your application gets approved, adhere to the guidelines to gain access to immigration e-gates at Indian airports.
- Before filing your application, ensure that you check the official portal for the latest updates regarding eligibility criteria, documents, and airport information.
Advantages of Global Entry for Indians and Non-resident Indians (NRIs)
Global Entry is beneficial to Indian nationals residing in the United States who travel extensively for business, education, or family reasons.
Speeding Up Immigration Process at US Entry Points
Once you register for Global Entry, you can use the Global Entry facilities available at US airports which allow you to skip the normal immigration queues upon returning from international trips.
Eligibility for TSA PreCheck
Global Entry eligibility includes TSA PreCheck features during the applicable domestic air travel in the USA. Once the Known Traveler Number is included in the flight reservation correctly and the TSA PreCheck message appears on the boarding pass, eligible passengers can access rapid screening lines.
Convenience for Regular Travelers
People frequently traveling to India and other countries might wish to consider using Global Entry since it makes specific aspects of the process easier upon re-entering the USA.
Five-Year Membership
Global Entry members get five years to enjoy this membership in accordance with the rules of the program.
Benefits of FTI-TTP
FTI-TTP provides benefits that are distinct from those of other programs for qualifying travelers who come to India.
- Fast immigration processing: Those eligible may use special e-gates at specific airports.
- Less use of normal immigration desks: The automation may alleviate lines according to airport conditions.
- Biometric verification: The system employs biometric methods to achieve formalities at immigration.
- Ease of travel for frequent fliers: Indians and eligible OCI cardholders who travel often may find arrivals to be simpler and faster.
Common Reasons Applications Get Rejected
Many reasons can lead to GEP or FTI TTP application rejection. Consider these while applying:
1. Putting Wrong Passport Information
You must provide accurate passport number, name, date of birth, and other identifying information. Inaccurate information can create issues on the verification process.
2. Ignoring Other Verification Procedures
Indian citizens should consider the verification process of India along with the requirements for the Global Entry application for U.S. The completion of one part alone may render the entire process incomplete.
3. Thinking Conditional Approval Equals Final Approval
Conditional approval allows an applicant to move on to the review process. It does not mean that he is now a Global Entry member.
4. Applying Late in Relation to Travel Dates
A background investigation may take time along with other verification processes. Hence, it is advisable to apply for the Global Entry program in advance to give applicants an option to apply on time even when additional verification is needed.
5. The Confusion between Global Entry and FTI-TTP
While Global Entry enables eligible travelers to enter the US, on the other hand, FTI-TTP takes care of the immigration part in India. These are different programs and thus, have different methods of applying.
How Documitra can Help
Applying for a trusted traveler program entails providing certain personal information and submitting the supporting documentation in accordance with the applicable government requirements.
If you need help with understanding the documents needed, compiling relevant documents or reviewing them after submission, then one can contact a documentation assistance agency.
For Indian citizens applying for Global Entry, it is critical to be aware of both the US CBP and Indian government requirements and procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
GEP refers to Global Entry Program which is a endeavor of US Customs and Border Protection to expedite immigration processes for those travelers of USA who have been pre-approved and eligible to enter the country.
FTI-TTP means Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme which is scheme of the government of India to facilitate fast immigration for the people and OCI holders.
Indian citizens can definitely apply for Global Entry but they need to fulfil the prerequisites as per the requirements.
FTI-TTP is only for Indian citizens and OCI card holders but all interested applicants should check for eligibility for the FTI-TTP program now.
It is not. Global Entry is for travelers eligible for entering the US, while the FTI-TTP program simplifies immigration processes in India. Each program has specific eligibility conditions and enrollment procedures.
Yes, the approved Global Entry membership has Qualified status for TSA PreCheck benefits within the USA. The travelers need to specify their Known Traveler Number during the reservation and receive their boarding pass with a TSA PreCheck notice.
