Ladakh Moves To Simplify Travel Rules For Foreign Visitors

Foreign tourists travelling to Ladakh may soon be able to use a single Protected Area Permit (PAP) for most of the Union Territory. The Ladakh administration is exploring a consolidated PAP that would cover the region, with specifically restricted areas excluded and clearly listed on the permit. The proposal was discussed at a meeting chaired by Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra to review the existing system of Protected Area Permits (PAPs) and Restricted Area Permits (RAPs) for foreign visitors. The administration is also considering dedicated airport registration desks, fewer checkpoints and technology-enabled verification.

The proposed changes are intended to simplify permit and verification procedures while retaining security and compliance requirements for foreign nationals. Officials are examining facial recognition and self-registration at selected checkpoints, including locations on the Changthang route through Upshi and Kharu and at North Pullu in Nubra. The tourism department has also been asked to consult taxi and bike unions, as well as hotels, guesthouses and homestays, on maintaining travel and visitor records. The measures are still under consideration and have not been implemented yet, so foreign tourists must continue to follow the existing permit and registration requirements.

A Single Permit For Ladakh

The administration is examining whether one PAP can be issued for the entire Union Territory, except for areas that remain restricted. These areas would be identified on the permit, allowing foreign visitors to understand where the clearance applies and where additional restrictions remain.

The proposal follows a review of the current PAP and RAP framework, including the geographical coverage of permits and procedures for their issuance and verification. The review covered restricted areas in northern and eastern Ladakh and the requirements applicable to foreign nationals under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.

The administration is also looking at how permit verification is carried out at different entry points. Particular attention was given to the Changthang axis through Upshi and Kharu and North Pullu in Nubra.

Airport Desks And Digital Verification

Dedicated registration and verification desks for foreign nationals at the airport are also being considered. These facilities could be used to check a traveller's purpose of visit, accommodation details and other required documents before they continue their journey.

Separate arrangements may also be made for visitors who require additional scrutiny under revised standard operating procedures. The administration is examining ways to reduce checkpoints that result in delays while retaining those needed for security and verification.

The Leh deputy commissioner has been asked to examine the feasibility of introducing facial recognition and self-registration at designated checkpoints. If adopted, these measures could allow some permit checks to be completed without requiring manual verification at every location.

New Record-Keeping Requirements

The administration is also seeking greater coordination with transport operators and accommodation providers that facilitate travel by foreign tourists. The tourism department has been directed to meet taxi and bike unions to discuss the maintenance of travel records, logbooks and visitor information.

Hotels, guesthouses, and homestays will also be consulted on registration requirements and record maintenance. The meeting decided that Form III records, earlier known as Form C, will be mandatory for accommodation providers hosting foreign nationals.

The tourism department has been asked to prepare a revised standard operating procedure incorporating the decisions and directions from the meeting. Until any changes are formally introduced, foreign visitors should continue to comply with the existing PAP, RAP, registration and verification requirements in Ladakh.

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