MANDATORY ACCESS PERMIT

Yatra RFID Registration Guide

Complete playbook on securing your mandatory physical RFID access card for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage.

Home/Services/Yatra Registration

Service Overview & Specifications

Official FeeFree of Cost

Card TypePhysical RFID Tag

ValiditySingle Yatra Loop

Booking Window60 Days Advance

Step-by-Step Registration Process

To control the crowd density on the 12 km track and ensure the safety of all pilgrims, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has mandated **RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) cards** in place of the old paper slips.

Online Pre-RegistrationLog in to the official Shrine Board booking portal. Navigate to "Yatra Registration", choose your date, enter pilgrim details (Name, Age, Address, Photo ID details), and download the Registration Slip.

Katra Counter CollectionUpon reaching Katra, proceed to one of the RFID counters. Present your printed/digital online slip along with original photo ID cards. The counter officer will scan your slip and hand over your physical RFID card.

Check-in at BangangaThe card has an embedded chip. Walk through the automated scanner gates at the Banganga checkpoint to log your yatra commencement.

Required Documents

**Original Photo ID Card** (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License, or Pan Card) for every registering pilgrim.
A printout or digital screenshot of the online booking reservation voucher.
For foreign nationals: Valid Passport and visa documents are strictly required.

Critical Rules and Return Mandate

The RFID card is Shrine Board property and **MUST be returned at the checkout counters** (located at the Katra Railway Station, Katra Bus Stand, or Banganga checkpost) immediately upon completion of your descend. Failure to return the card or losing it without notice may attract fines. The card must be worn around the neck at all times.

Yatra Registration FAQs

Yes, every single pilgrim, including children of all age groups, must register and obtain an individual RFID access card. You cannot cross the security gate at Banganga base camp without it.

No. The online registration slip is only a booking confirmation. You must physically present this slip (either printed or on your phone) along with valid government ID proofs at one of the Katra counters to collect your physical RFID card.

If you lose your RFID card on the track, you must immediately report to the nearest Shrine Board assistance booth or police post (located at Banganga, Adhkuwari, Sanjichhat, or Bhawan). A replacement card will be issued after identity verification.

No, RFID registration and card issuance are 100% free of cost, whether you book online in advance or register directly at the offline counters in Katra.

Offline Counter Locations

If you did not book online, you can get registered directly in Katra at:

Katra Railway StationOpen 24 hours. Located at the main lobby area.

Central Bus Stand, KatraOpen from 05:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Counters 1-4.

Niharika ComplexNear the main Shrine Board head office.

Pilgrim Guidelines & Tips

💡 **Register Early**: The online slot allocation opens exactly 60 days in advance. Registering online saves you hours standing in queues at the Katra Railway station.

💡 **Wear it Visibly**: Keep the RFID card outside your jacket/apparel so that it can be automatically scanned by track checkpoints.

Official Booking Gateway Redirect

Book Your Yatra Registration Slot Online

Avoid long queues at Katra bus and railway stations. Get registered for free on the official Shrine Board portal.

Book on Official Shrine Board Website →