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India Travel Permits Hub

Every major permit, yatra registration, and safari booking you might need — with official portals and step-by-step guides. Updated for the 2026 travel season.

🛕 Char Dham Yatra Registration (Biometric)❄️ Amarnath Yatra Registration (SASB)🚁 Kedarnath Helicopter Slot Booking🛕 Vaishno Devi Yatra Registration (RFID)🏔 Ladakh Inner Line Permit (ILP)🏔 Rohtang Pass Permit🏔 Spiti / Kinnaur Inner Line Permit🏔 Sikkim Inner Line Permit🏔 Arunachal Pradesh Inner Line Permit🏖 Andaman Restricted Area Permit (RAP)🐅 Jim Corbett Safari Booking🐅 Ranthambore Safari Booking⛰ Himalayan Trek Forest Permits
🛕

Yatra registrations

Mandatory for pilgrimage shrines. Don't skip these.

🛕

Char Dham Yatra Registration (Biometric)

📍 Uttarakhand · Issued by Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board

Mandatory biometric yatra registration for Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Introduced 2024; no entry to the four Dhams without it.

Official portal ↗
Who needs it
Every pilgrim visiting any of the four Char Dham shrines. Both Indian and foreign citizens.
Fee
Free
Processing
Instant (online). 1-2 hours at physical counters during peak season.
Validity
For the dates chosen at registration

📋 Documents required

  • ✓Aadhaar card (mandatory)
  • ✓Mobile number for OTP
  • ✓Recent photo (passport size, auto-captured online)
  • ✓Medical fitness certificate (recommended, not strictly mandatory)

🛠 How to apply

  1. Visit registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in and click 'Yatra Registration'
  2. Select the shrines (one or all four), dates of visit, and entry point
  3. Enter Aadhaar + OTP, upload photo
  4. Download the e-pass (carry on phone + printed copy)
  5. Show e-pass at the biometric check-post before each Dham

💡 Pro tips

  • •Register 15-20 days ahead — peak May/June slots fill fast
  • •Walk-in counters available at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Joshimath
  • •Kedarnath heli requires SEPARATE booking via IRCTC
  • •Don't fall for third-party sites charging fees — it's always free
❄️

Amarnath Yatra Registration (SASB)

📍 Jammu & Kashmir · Issued by Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), J&K

Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board registration for the annual Amarnath Yatra to the ice lingam cave at 3,888 m.

Official portal ↗
Who needs it
Every yatri intending to undertake the Amarnath Yatra (both Pahalgam and Baltal routes).
Fee
₹220 per person (approx)
Processing
Online instant; offline bank registration takes 1 day.
Validity
For the allocated date only (non-transferable)

📋 Documents required

  • ✓Aadhaar or other photo ID
  • ✓Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) from SASB-authorized doctor
  • ✓4 passport-size photographs
  • ✓Group leader details (if group registration)

🛠 How to apply

  1. Get CHC from an SASB-authorized doctor in your city (list on jksasb.nic.in)
  2. Register online at jksasb.nic.in OR at a PNB/SBI/YES Bank designated branch
  3. Choose date, route (Pahalgam — 48km / Baltal — 14km), and group size
  4. Pay ₹220 and receive the Yatra Permit Card (RFID)
  5. Collect the RFID card at Jammu/Srinagar before starting the yatra

💡 Pro tips

  • •Age limit: 13-75 years only
  • •Pregnant women and those with severe heart/lung/kidney disease are not permitted
  • •CHC must be dated within 28 days of yatra start
  • •Yatra window: roughly July 1 to August 31 each year — check annual dates
🚁

Kedarnath Helicopter Slot Booking

📍 Uttarakhand · Issued by IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation)

Official IRCTC-run helicopter booking for Kedarnath ex-Phata, Guptkashi or Sersi. The only legal way to secure a seat.

Official portal ↗
Who needs it
Anyone who wants to avoid the 16 km Gaurikund trek (elderly, families, time-constrained pilgrims).
Fee
₹3,195 - ₹3,860 per person (one-way, 2026 approx)
Processing
Instant if slots available. Slots open 1-3 months before yatra season.
Validity
Specific date and time slot only

📋 Documents required

  • ✓IRCTC user account (free to create)
  • ✓Aadhaar or passport for each passenger
  • ✓Char Dham biometric registration (carry proof)
  • ✓Weight declaration (airlines-style, strictly enforced)

🛠 How to apply

  1. Create IRCTC account at irctc.co.in
  2. Go to heliyatra.irctc.co.in and select sector (Phata / Guptkashi / Sersi)
  3. Pick date and one-way or round-trip
  4. Enter passenger details + weight per person
  5. Pay online. Save the e-ticket (needed at helipad + return)

💡 Pro tips

  • •ONLY IRCTC is official. Every other 'heli booking' site is a reseller or fraud.
  • •Book at least 30-45 days before peak weekends (May-June)
  • •15 kg baggage limit per person
  • •Flights cancelled at short notice due to weather — refund policy applies
🛕

Vaishno Devi Yatra Registration (RFID)

📍 Jammu & Kashmir · Issued by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB)

RFID-based yatra slip mandatory for all visitors to Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan. Tracks pilgrims for safety on the 12 km climb.

Official portal ↗
Who needs it
Every pilgrim visiting Vaishno Devi shrine at Trikuta Hills.
Fee
Free (RFID); ₹100 for helicopter booking handling
Processing
Instant online; walk-in counters open 24x7 at Katra
Validity
Same day (must scan in within hours of issue)

📋 Documents required

  • ✓Photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport/Voter ID)
  • ✓Mobile number

🛠 How to apply

  1. Register online at maavaishnodevi.org OR at Katra walk-in counter
  2. Receive RFID slip (printed at Katra or e-slip on app)
  3. Scan RFID at Baan Ganga check-post before starting climb
  4. Scan again at Bhawan on arrival
  5. Scan at Baan Ganga on descent (ensures everyone is accounted for)

💡 Pro tips

  • •Free battery cars from Ardhkuwari to Bhawan for elderly
  • •Helicopter from Katra to Sanjichhat: ₹3,055 one-way (SMVDSB only)
  • •Avoid private ponies on solo trips — rates negotiable but often inflated
  • •Navratri weeks (Mar-Apr, Sep-Oct) see huge queues
🏔

Inner Line Permits

For border/restricted regions. Carry multiple copies — checkpoints retain them.

🏔

Ladakh Inner Line Permit (ILP)

📍 Ladakh · Issued by Deputy Commissioner's Office, Leh

Required for Indian citizens visiting Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Dah-Hanu and border areas.

Official portal ↗
Who needs it
Indian citizens travelling beyond Leh to Nubra / Pangong / Tso Moriri / Hanle etc.
Fee
₹420 permit + ₹20 per person per day environment fee
Processing
Online instant; DC office Leh ~1-2 hours
Validity
Up to 15 days (extendable)

📋 Documents required

  • ✓Aadhaar or voter ID
  • ✓Passport-size photo
  • ✓Travel itinerary (for DC office applications)

🛠 How to apply

  1. Visit lahdclehpermit.in and choose 'Inner Line Permit'
  2. Enter traveller details, destinations, and travel dates
  3. Pay fee online
  4. Print 4-5 copies — checkpoints will keep one each way

💡 Pro tips

  • •Foreigners need Protected Area Permit (PAP) instead — apply via a registered Ladakh agent
  • •Carry multiple printouts — BRO checkpoints don't accept digital-only
  • •Vehicles from Leh-based agents usually handle permits for you
🏔

Spiti / Kinnaur Inner Line Permit

📍 Himachal Pradesh · Issued by SDM Office, Reckong Peo (Kinnaur)

ILP required at Jangi checkpoint for Indians travelling beyond toward Kaza. Foreigners need PAP.

Official portal ↗
Who needs it
Indians: past Jangi toward Kaza / Spiti. Foreigners: entire Kinnaur-Spiti circuit.
Fee
Free (ILP); foreigner PAP via agent — varies
Processing
Same-day at SDM Reckong Peo
Validity
Up to 14 days

📋 Documents required

  • ✓Aadhaar (Indians) or passport (foreigners)
  • ✓2 passport photos
  • ✓Travel itinerary

🛠 How to apply

  1. Stop at SDM office in Reckong Peo (open 10-5, closed Sun)
  2. Fill permit application with dates, vehicle, route
  3. Attach photos + ID copies
  4. Receive ILP the same day

💡 Pro tips

  • •Enter Spiti from Kinnaur side for proper acclimatization
  • •Foreigners must travel in groups of min 4 (via registered agent)
  • •Most tour operators in Shimla/Kaza handle ILP for you
🏔

Sikkim Inner Line Permit

📍 Sikkim · Issued by Sikkim Tourism + border check-posts

Required for foreigners visiting Sikkim. Indians need it only for North Sikkim / protected areas.

Official portal ↗
Who needs it
Foreigners: entire Sikkim. Indians: Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La, Gurudongmar, Yumthang, Lachung etc.
Fee
Free (Indians); foreigners via travel agent
Processing
Instant at Rangpo / Bagdogra airport; 1-day if applying in Delhi
Validity
15-30 days (extendable)

📋 Documents required

  • ✓Passport + 2 photocopies (foreigners)
  • ✓2 passport photos
  • ✓Aadhaar/ID for Indians (only for protected areas)

🛠 How to apply

  1. Foreigners: apply at Sikkim House (Delhi/Kolkata/Siliguri) OR at Rangpo checkpoint on arrival
  2. Indians: no permit for Gangtok/general Sikkim. For Tsomgo Lake etc., your tour operator arranges it
  3. Carry passport/ID copies throughout — checkpoints are frequent

💡 Pro tips

  • •North Sikkim requires a registered Sikkim tour operator for permits
  • •Protected Area Permits issued only through tour agents for foreigners
🏔

Arunachal Pradesh Inner Line Permit

📍 Arunachal Pradesh · Issued by Government of Arunachal Pradesh

Mandatory for all Indians (non-residents) entering Arunachal Pradesh.

Official portal ↗
Who needs it
Every Indian citizen not domiciled in Arunachal. Foreigners need Protected Area Permit (PAP) instead.
Fee
₹100 per person (Indian) + ₹100 processing
Processing
Online instant; 24-48h at state offices
Validity
30 days (extendable)

📋 Documents required

  • ✓Aadhaar or voter ID
  • ✓Passport photo
  • ✓Travel itinerary with places to visit

🛠 How to apply

  1. Apply online at arunachalilp.com or at Arunachal Bhavan (Delhi/Kolkata/Guwahati)
  2. Pay fee online
  3. Download ILP
  4. Show at Bhalukpong/Lilabari entry check-posts

💡 Pro tips

  • •Tawang requires separate restricted-area permit within ILP
  • •Foreigners need PAP via registered Arunachal agent; group of min 2
  • •Some tribal areas (Ziro, Mechuka) have additional restrictions
🚗

Vehicle permits

Regulated passes — Rohtang, some hill-station zones.

🏔

Rohtang Pass Permit

📍 Himachal Pradesh · Issued by SDM Office, Manali (online portal)

Daily-regulated permit for private vehicles heading to Rohtang Pass from Manali. Capped at 1,200 vehicles/day.

Official portal ↗
Who needs it
Anyone driving a private vehicle through Rohtang from Manali side.
Fee
₹550 per vehicle + ₹50 congestion fee
Processing
Lottery-based — apply 1-7 days before
Validity
Single-day

📋 Documents required

  • ✓Vehicle RC (Registration Certificate)
  • ✓Pollution certificate
  • ✓Driver's licence
  • ✓Photo ID of driver

🛠 How to apply

  1. Visit rohtangpermits.nic.in 1-7 days before travel
  2. Register vehicle details + driver ID
  3. Select travel date; lottery allocates slots
  4. Download the permit PDF + carry printout
  5. Show at Gulaba checkpoint

💡 Pro tips

  • •Closed every Tuesday (maintenance)
  • •Taxis from Manali need separate taxi permits (handled by operator)
  • •Atal Tunnel to Lahaul — no permit needed; year-round
  • •Rohtang closes for snow approximately November to April
🛂

Foreigner-only permits

Required only for non-Indian passport holders.

🏖

Andaman Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

📍 Andaman & Nicobar · Issued by Immigration Desk, Veer Savarkar Airport (Port Blair)

For foreign tourists visiting Andaman Islands. Indians don't need any permit for the main tourist areas.

Official portal ↗
Who needs it
Foreigners only. Indian citizens are free to travel without any permit.
Fee
Free
Processing
Issued on arrival, 10 minutes
Validity
30 days (extendable to 45 with good reason)

📋 Documents required

  • ✓Passport with valid Indian visa
  • ✓Return air ticket
  • ✓2 passport-size photos

🛠 How to apply

  1. On landing at Port Blair, proceed to the RAP immigration desk
  2. Fill the short application form
  3. Present passport + photos
  4. Receive RAP stamp in passport — carry passport throughout stay

💡 Pro tips

  • •Some islands (Nicobar, Barren, North Sentinel) are completely off-limits
  • •RAP is automatic — no advance application needed
  • •Keep passport with you; hotels ask for copies at check-in
🐅

Wildlife & safari

National park and tiger reserve safari bookings.

🐅

Jim Corbett Safari Booking

📍 Uttarakhand · Issued by Uttarakhand Forest Department

Online booking for jeep/canter safari in Jim Corbett National Park zones (Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Durga Devi, Sitabani).

Official portal ↗
Who needs it
Anyone wanting a safari inside the park. Essential — walk-in rarely available.
Fee
₹2,000-6,500 per jeep (4-6 pax), varies by zone/slot
Processing
Online instant; closes 45 days ahead for Dhikala
Validity
Specific date + morning/evening slot

📋 Documents required

  • ✓Photo ID for every passenger (Aadhaar/passport)
  • ✓Vehicle registration (if self-drive canter)

🛠 How to apply

  1. Visit corbettonline.uk.gov.in
  2. Select zone, date, slot (morning/evening)
  3. Enter passenger details + ID numbers
  4. Pay online
  5. Carry printed permit + ID at gate

💡 Pro tips

  • •Dhikala stay opens exactly 45 days before; sells out in minutes
  • •Bijrani and Jhirna are easier to book
  • •Hire a Forest Department naturalist (₹500) — transforms the experience
  • •Safaris closed during monsoon (Jul-Oct) in most zones
🐅

Ranthambore Safari Booking

📍 Rajasthan · Issued by Rajasthan Forest Department

Online booking for Ranthambore tiger safari in 10 zones — jeep or canter.

Official portal ↗
Who needs it
Anyone wanting to safari inside Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.
Fee
₹1,700 (Indian) / ₹2,400 (foreign) per seat in jeep; half in canter
Processing
Online opens 90 days ahead
Validity
Specific date + morning/evening slot

📋 Documents required

  • ✓Photo ID per passenger (Aadhaar/passport)

🛠 How to apply

  1. Visit forest.rajasthan.gov.in (Ranthambore section)
  2. Select zone (1-10), date, slot
  3. Pick jeep or canter + seats
  4. Enter passenger IDs
  5. Pay and download permit

💡 Pro tips

  • •Zones 3-5 have historically higher tiger sighting rates
  • •Zones 6-10 are quieter but sightings are more rare
  • •Summer mornings often yield the best sightings (tigers near water)
  • •Book at least 2-3 months ahead for weekend slots
⛰

Trek & forest permits

Forest Department entry fees for Himalayan treks.

⛰

Himalayan Trek Forest Permits

📍 Uttarakhand / Himachal · Issued by Forest Department (state)

Forest Department entry permits for popular Himalayan treks. Usually bought at the base / gate; some now online.

Official portal ↗
Who needs it
Anyone doing Valley of Flowers, Har Ki Dun, Kedarkantha, Dayara Bugyal, Nag Tibba, Kuari Pass, Brahmatal, Sar Pass etc.
Fee
₹150-300 (Indian) / ₹600-1,200 (foreign) depending on duration + porter/camera fee
Processing
Same-day at forest check-post
Validity
Duration of trek (usually 3-7 days)

📋 Documents required

  • ✓Photo ID
  • ✓Porter/guide details (where required)
  • ✓Camera/DSLR declaration (charged separately at some zones)

🛠 How to apply

  1. Reach the base village / check-post (Govindghat, Sankri, Taluka etc.)
  2. Fill trekker registration form
  3. Pay entry + camera + porter fees
  4. Receive permit — carry throughout trek
  5. Check in at every subsequent check-post

💡 Pro tips

  • •Registered trek operators usually include permits in package
  • •Solo trekkers should register — helps rescue if anything goes wrong
  • •Drone use is generally prohibited without separate DGCA + Forest clearance

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