Srinagar, April 9: The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has finalized the protocol for the 2026 Amarnath Yatra, confirming that registration for the pilgrimage will commence at 554 bank branches on April 15. This year’s process features a transition to real-time, biometric-based eKYC authentication, with permits generated via the board’s official online portal.
The board has introduced a rigid set of eligibility criteria, mandating that all pilgrims possess a valid Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC). The cost for the permit is fixed at Rs 150, and the registration window for any chosen date will shut one week prior to the departure. According to the guidelines, the generated permits will clearly state the permitted route and the specific date for crossing the access control gates at Chandanwari or Domel.
“In case of technical issues in biometric authentication, a provision for manual data entry with webcam-based photo capture has been kept as a fallback option,” the official guidelines maintained. The board has instructed participating banks to establish help desks and train staff to manage the daily quotas effectively. Officials asserted that the new system is designed to improve administrative efficiency and ensure the safety of the thousands of devotees expected to participate.
Potential pilgrims have been cautioned that health certificates must be issued by specific institutions authorized by the SASB. The board maintained that adherence to the step-by-step procedure is essential for a hassle-free experience. As part of the administrative overhaul, banks have also been tasked with conducting publicity campaigns to inform the public about the mandatory health requirements and age restrictions.
