PANAJI: Goa is set to introduce faster airport immigration after Union Home Minister Amit Shah approved the rollout of the Fast Track Immigration–Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) for the state, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte announced on Wednesday following his meetings with Shah and Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in New Delhi.
In a press release, Khaunte said the Centre had given immediate approval to activate the programme, which will introduce automated biometric e-gates at Goa's airports, significantly reducing immigration clearance times for registered travellers.
"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 Shah for the prompt approval, calling it "a boon for Goa's tourism industry."
Explaining the programme, Khaunte said registered travellers would be able to scan their passport and boarding pass at automated e-gates and complete biometric verification in less than 30 seconds, eliminating long queues and manual immigration checks.
He said the facility would particularly benefit Goans travelling abroad, including seafarers, students, hospitality professionals and the large Goan diaspora, while also encouraging more international and domestic travellers to use Goa as their preferred entry and exit point.
"If travellers flying from Europe, the Gulf or the UK find immigration faster in Goa than at metro airports, many could choose Goa as their gateway into India. Even an additional night's stay translates into hotel bookings, restaurant business, transport services and greater economic activity," he said.
Khaunte added that Goa would also stand to benefit when the programme is extended to foreign nationals in its next phase.
Besides FTI-TTP, Khaunte said he urged the Union Home Minister to consider several proposals aimed at strengthening Goa's tourism sector.
These include extending Visa-on-Arrival facilities to Goa, sharing anonymised Bureau of Immigration arrival data with the state for tourism planning and marketing, and introducing a Digital Nomad Visa to allow international remote workers and freelancers to stay and work from Goa for extended periods.
"Goa has already established itself as a workation destination through initiatives like Goa Beyond Beaches. A Digital Nomad Visa can significantly increase the average length of stay of international visitors while benefiting local businesses and creating new economic opportunities," he said.
According to Khaunte, Shah assured that these proposals would be examined, while immediately approving the rollout of FTI-TTP.
During his meeting with Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Khaunte said discussions focused on improving domestic and international air connectivity amid changing global travel patterns and challenges arising from geopolitical conflicts.
He highlighted the need for more scheduled international flights beyond Goa's traditional markets, better bilateral air service agreements, increased seat entitlements, deployment of wide-body aircraft and improved connectivity from Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
"Connectivity remains one of the biggest challenges for tourism growth. Goa must be prioritised in airline network planning to sustain and expand visitor arrivals," he said.
Khaunte also welcomed the Centre's MoUs with Air India and IndiGo to strengthen tourism connectivity.
The Tourism Minister also sought continued Central support for tourism infrastructure projects and proposed new initiatives, including a plug-and-play concert ecosystem, expansion of cruise tourism through Mormugao Port and additional infrastructure that can generate employment and strengthen local communities.
He said ongoing projects supported by the Centre include 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.
Shekhawat assured continued support for Goa's tourism initiatives and appreciated the state's efforts to diversify its tourism offerings through airline incentives, homestay policies and the Goa Beyond Beaches campaign.
"Our vision is to position Goa as India's most connected, accessible and future-ready tourism destination. Every initiative, from faster immigration and improved connectivity to new tourism products and infrastructure, is aimed at enhancing visitor experience while creating greater economic opportunities for our people," Khaunte said.
