Cabinet clears ₹1,800 crore IVFRT scheme extension till 2031 to boost secure, seamless travel
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration and Tracking (IVFRT) Scheme for another five years, from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2031, with a total outlay of ₹1,800 crore.
The IVFRT platform is aimed at integrating and streamlining immigration, visa issuance, and foreigner registration processes in India through a secure, technology-driven framework. The move is part of the government’s broader push to modernise border management systems while ensuring ease of travel for legitimate visitors.
Originally approved in 2010, the project has undergone multiple phases of expansion and extension. The latest approval comes in the backdrop of the recently enacted Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, which necessitates a more robust and responsive system to address evolving challenges such as illegal migration and increasing global mobility.
According to the government, the next phase of the IVFRT Scheme will focus on three key areas — adoption of emerging technologies, transformation of core infrastructure, and optimisation of services. This includes the introduction of mobile-based services, self-service kiosks, and unified digital platforms to improve user experience without compromising security.
The scheme will also expand infrastructure across immigration checkpoints, Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs), and data centres, creating a more resilient and scalable nationwide system.
At present, the IVFRT system covers 117 immigration posts, 15 FRROs, and over 850 Foreigners Registration Officers across the country.
Officials highlighted that the system has already brought measurable improvements in efficiency. Over the past five years, more than 91 per cent of e-visa applications have been processed within 72 hours. Average passenger clearance time at immigration counters has been reduced to about 2.5 to 3 minutes, compared to the earlier 5 to 6 minutes.
Additionally, the Fast Track Immigration–Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP), operational at 13 major airports, has further reduced clearance time to nearly 30 seconds through automated e-gates. The programme is currently available free of cost for Indian nationals and OCI cardholders.
The government said the continued investment in IVFRT will not only enhance national security but also strengthen India’s position as a global travel destination. Improved ease of doing business, faster visa processing, and seamless travel experiences are expected to boost tourism, aviation, hospitality, and trade sectors.
