Kashmir Travel Guide

Documents to Carry for a Kashmir Trip

Indian travellers need no permit for the main Kashmir valley. Here is what to carry, and where extra permits apply.

Quick Answer

What ID and documents you need for Kashmir: photo ID for hotels, documents for a local SIM, passport and visa for foreigners, and permits for Gurez, Keran and the Amarnath Yatra.

Short answer

Indian citizens need only a government photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, driving licence or voter ID) for Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg. Foreign nationals need a passport and valid Indian visa. Some border areas such as Gurez and Keran need an e-pass, and the Amarnath Yatra needs registration.

Checklist for Indian travellers

Photo ID for every adult: hotels and houseboats record it at check-in.
ID for children: carry an Aadhaar or birth certificate copy for minors.
Flight or train tickets: printed or on your phone; security checks at Srinagar airport and stations ask for them.
Booking confirmations: hotel, houseboat and cab vouchers.
For a local SIM: ID and a passport photo, since prepaid SIMs from outside J&K do not work here.

Foreign nationals

Carry your passport and valid Indian visa or e-Visa at all times. Hotels register foreign guests with the authorities using your passport details, so keep it handy at check-in. Some border and Ladakh areas need separate permits for foreigners. See Kashmir for international travellers.

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Places that need extra permits

Gurez valley: an e-pass is needed for the road over Razdan Pass. See Gurez guide.
Keran and Machil (Kupwara): e-passes for these border valleys. See Keran valley and Machil valley.
Amarnath Yatra: advance registration for the yatra, with the documents the shrine board asks for. See Amarnath Yatra.
Ladakh: some areas beyond Leh need an Inner Line Permit.

Permit rules change, so we confirm the current requirement when you book a trip that includes these places.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Indians need a permit to visit Kashmir?

No. Indian citizens need only a government photo ID for Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and the main valley. Some border areas such as Gurez and Keran need an e-pass.

Which ID is accepted at hotels in Kashmir?

Any government photo ID: Aadhaar, passport, driving licence or voter ID. Every adult needs one at check-in.

What documents do foreigners need for Kashmir?

A passport and a valid Indian visa or e-Visa. Hotels register foreign guests using passport details, and some border areas need extra permits.

Do I need a permit for Gurez?

Yes, an e-pass is needed for the road to Gurez. We confirm the current process when you book.

Written by Via Kashmir Editorial Team

Last checked 2026

Via Kashmir is a Srinagar-based travel company built around one goal: giving travellers the best possible Kashmir experience. Our team puts together the best-priced hotels, cabs, Kashmir tour packages, and adventure packages with real sports activities, drawing on daily, on-the-ground knowledge of Kashmir's roads, weather, and seasons. Every guide on this site is written and checked by our local Srinagar team.