Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Ladakh Considers Single Foreign-Tourist Permit and Airport Checks
Ladakh is looking for easier ways for foreign tourists to get travel permits.
Officials are considering one main permit for most of Ladakh.
Areas with special restrictions would still be listed separately on that permit.
The administration is also considering facial recognition and self-registration at some checkpoints.
Special airport desks could check visitors and their documents.
Some travelers who need extra checking could have separate arrangements.
Officials want fewer unnecessary stops while still protecting security and following the rules.
Hotels and other places hosting foreign visitors would have to keep official Form III records.
Ladakh is exploring one Protected Area Permit for foreign tourists across most of the union territory.
Specifically restricted areas would be excluded and listed on the permit.
Officials are considering facial recognition, self-registration and dedicated airport verification desks.
The proposals aim to reduce delays while maintaining security, verification and legal compliance.
Form III records would become mandatory for hotels, guesthouses and homestays hosting foreign nationals.
- Who
- Ladakh administration officials, led by Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, reviewed the permit system; Tourism and Culture Secretary Sanjit Rodrigues presented details.
- What
- Officials are exploring a single Protected Area Permit for most of Ladakh, digital verification tools and dedicated airport desks for foreign nationals.
- When
- The review meeting was held on Monday.
- Where
- The meeting took place in Leh, with permit procedures discussed for Upshi, Kharu, North Pullu in Nubra and airport facilities.
- Why
- The administration wants to reduce delays and inconvenience for foreign tourists while strengthening verification, security and regulatory compliance.
- Permits under review
- Protected Area Permits and Restricted Area Permits for foreign visitors
- Proposed single permit
- One PAP could cover the union territory of Ladakh except specifically restricted areas, which would be listed on the permit
- Digital measures
- Facial recognition and self-registration are being examined for designated checkpoints
- Airport facilities
- Dedicated registration and verification desks for foreign nationals are being considered, including separate arrangements for visitors needing additional scrutiny
- Locations discussed
- Upshi and Kharu on the Changthang axis, and North Pullu in Nubra
- Accommodation records
- Hotels, guesthouses and homestays hosting foreign nationals would have to maintain Form III records, previously known as Form C
- Next step
- The tourism department was directed to prepare a revised standard operating procedure
