JNM journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
There is good news for pilgrims regarding the holy Amarnath Yatra 2026. The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has announced that advance registration for the Yatra will begin on April 15th. This time, pilgrims will be able to register through 554 bank branches across the country.
According to the Shrine Board, the dates of the Yatra will be announced soon. Traditionally, the Yatra concludes on Raksha Bandhan. This year, the first puja is scheduled for June 29th.
Selected branches of Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India, Jammu and Kashmir Bank, and Yes Bank have been designated for registration. This facility will also be available at branches of these banks in various districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Shrine Board has set certain requirements for the Yatra. Only health certificates issued after April 9, 2026, will be valid. Pilgrims must not be under 13 years of age or over 70 years of age. Registration will be done through an Aadhaar-based biometric process, and each pilgrim must submit a health certificate. The registration fee is set at ₹150 per person.
Upon registration, pilgrims will be issued a travel permit for either the Pahalgam or Baltal route. No pilgrims will be permitted to travel without an RFID card.
Group registration is also available for the convenience of pilgrims. Groups of 5 to 30 people can apply together. A group leader must be appointed and the required documents must be submitted to the Shrine Board’s Srinagar office. The group registration fee is ₹250 per person, and the process will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
For foreign pilgrims, registration will be done only through Punjab National Bank. They will need to submit an application form, health certificate, a copy of their passport, and a fee of ₹1550.
The advance registration process will begin on April 15 and continue until May 20, 2026. The Shrine Board has appealed to devotees to register well in advance so that the pilgrimage can be completed smoothly and safely.
