Vaishno Devi RFID Card – Price, Timings, Validity, Counters 2026-27

The Vaishno Devi RFID Card is a mandatory requirement for all pilgrims planning to undertake the holy yatra to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi in 2026. Introduced by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), this system has replaced the traditional paper-based Vaishno devi yatra parchi to ensure better crowd control, safety, and smooth movement of pilgrims on the yatra route. Devotional Point provides shri mata vaishno devi tour packages which also provides Online RFID Card booking. Below is a complete and updated guide covering the history, price, validity, counters, timings, and FAQs related to the Vaishno Devi RFID Card in 2026.

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Vaishno Devi Yatra Parchi Replaced by RFID Card

Earlier, pilgrims were issued a paper-based yatra parchi after registration at Katra or Jammu. This parchi allowed devotees to proceed beyond Banganga towards the Bhawan. However, with the increasing number of pilgrims every year, managing crowd flow and pilgrim safety became challenging. To address this, the Shrine Board introduced the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) Card. This smart card system allows authorities to:

• Monitor real-time movement of pilgrims
• Control the number of yatris on the track
• Improve emergency response and safety
• Prevent unauthorized entry on the yatra route

By 2026, the RFID card has fully replaced the old paper yatra parchi and is compulsory for all pilgrims before starting the trek.

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Vaishno Devi RFID Card Price

One of the most important things for pilgrims to know is that the Vaishno Devi RFID Card is completely FREE.

• There is no registration fee for the RFID card.
• It is issued only by official Shrine Board counters.
• Any person or agent asking for money specifically for the RFID card should be avoided.

RFID Card Price

0 Rs (RFID Card is Free)

Note: However, if devotees unable to return the RFID Card during vaishno devi yatra exit then devotees need to pay 100 Rs Per RFID Card as penalty which shrine board’s strictly follows to control & Misuse of RFID Card during yatra.

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Vaishno Devi RFID Card Validity

In 2026, the RFID card comes with time-based validity rules to ensure better crowd management:

• The pilgrim must start the yatra within 10 hours of RFID card issuance.
• The entire yatra (darshan and return to Katra) must be completed within 24 hours.
• The RFID card is valid for one yatra only.
• If the pilgrim fails to start or complete the yatra within the allowed time, the RFID card may become invalid, and re-registration may be required.

These rules are strictly monitored at checkpoints like Banganga (Darshani Dawar) or Tarakote Marg Entry Checkpoints.

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Vaishno Devi RFID Card Offline Booking Process & Counters

The Vaishno Devi RFID Card can be obtained offline by pilgrims who have not done online yatra registration or who prefer registering in person. This facility is provided by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) at authorized counters in Jammu and Katra.

The RFID card is mandatory and free of cost for all pilgrims before starting the yatra.

Step 1: Reach an Official Vaishno Devi Yatra Registration Counter

• Visit any authorized RFID/Yatra Registration Counter in Jammu or Katra. Only official Shrine Board counters issue valid RFID cards.

Step 2: Carry Required Documents

• A valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License, etc.)
• For children, age proof may be required above 5 years
• A photograph will be captured at RFID Offline counter

Without a valid ID, RFID registration will not be done.

Step 3: Start the Yatra Within Allowed Time

• You must start the yatra within the allowed time (usually within 10 hours) after RFID issuance
• The entire yatra (darshan and return) must be completed within the permitted duration 24 Hrs

Vaishno Devi RFID Card Counters in Katra & Timings

Most pilgrims prefer to collect their RFID card from Katra, the base camp of the yatra.

Major RFID Card Counters in Katra – Yatra parchi counter in Katra

• Katra Main Bus Stand Yatra Registration Counter
• Katra Railway Station Counter
• Niharika Complex Counter
• Tarakote Marg Registration Counter

Vaishno Devi Katra RFID Counters	Vaishno Devi Katra RFID Counter Timings
Katra Helipad Yatra Registration Counter	07 Am to 05 Pm
Katra Main Bus Stand Yatra Registration Counter	05 Am to 10 Pm
Katra Railway Station Yatra Registration Counter	05 Am to 10 Pm
Niharika Complex Yatra Registration Counter	05 Am to 10 Pm
Trikuta Bhawna (Counter No 2) atra Registration Counter	05 Am to 10 Pm

Tip: During peak seasons like Navratri or holidays, try to reach counters early in the morning to avoid long queues.

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Vaishno Devi RFID Card Counters in Jammu & Timings

Pilgrims arriving by air or long-distance trains often prefer to register in Jammu before traveling to Katra.

RFID Card Counters in Jammu – Vaishno devi Yatra parchi registration counter in Jammu

• Jammu Airport Yatra Registration Counter
• Saraswati Dham Registration Centre

Vaishno Devi Jammu RFID Counters	Vaishno Devi Jammu RFID Counter Timings
Jammu Airport Yatra Registration Counter	05 Am to 10 Pm
Jammu Saraswati Dham Yatra Registration Counter	05 Am to 10 Pm

Timings in Jammu

• Generally open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Timings may be extended during peak yatra periods

Registering in Jammu can save time and reduce crowd pressure at Katra counters.

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Vaishno Devi RFID Card Online Booking Process (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Visit the Official Shrine Board Website

Go to the official Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) website.
Only use the official site to avoid fraud or misinformation.

Step 2: Select “Yatra Registration”

On the homepage, click on the option related to Yatra Registration / Yatra Parchi.

This registration is mandatory and linked with the RFID system.

Step 3: Choose Date of Yatra

• Select your intended yatra date
• Online registration is usually available up to a limited number of days in advance
• Availability depends on daily yatra quota

Step 4: Enter Pilgrim Details

Fill in required details such as:

• Full name (as per ID)
• Age and gender
• Mobile number
• Valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, etc.)

Make sure all details are accurate, as they will be verified later.

Step 5: Submit and Confirm Registration

• Review all entered details carefully
• Submit the form
• After successful registration, you will receive a confirmation slip / Yatra Registration slip

This slip acts as proof of online registration, not the RFID card itself.

Step 6: Collect RFID Card at Physical Counter

After reaching Jammu or Katra, you must:

• Visit an official RFID registration counter
• Show your online registration slip
• Present the original photo ID

The staff will verify your details and issue the physical RFID Card, which must be worn during the yatra.

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Important Points to Remember During RFID Card Online Booking

• ❌ RFID card is NOT delivered online
• ✅ Online booking is for yatra registration only
• 🎫 RFID card is issued free of cost
• 🕒 You must start the yatra within the allowed time after RFID issuance
• 📍 RFID card is mandatory to cross Banganga checkpoint

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Can I do Vaishno Devi Yatra Without Online Yatra Parchi Booking?

• You will need to register offline at counters
• During peak season, offline slots may be limited
• Online registration is highly recommended to avoid long queues

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Book Vaishno Devi yatra RFID Card Now: +91-9911500453

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the RFID card mandatory for Vaishno Devi Yatra in 2026?

Yes, the RFID card is mandatory for all pilgrims. Without it, entry beyond Banganga is not allowed.

2. Is there any online RFID card registration?

As of 2026, RFID cards are mainly issued at physical counters. Online yatra registration may exist, but RFID collection is still required in person.

3. What documents are required for RFID card registration?

A valid photo ID proof such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License is required.

4. Can children get an RFID card?

Children above the age specified by the Shrine Board (generally above 5 years) are issued RFID cards.

5. What happens if I miss the 10-hour start time?

If you do not start the yatra within 10 hours, your RFID card may become invalid, and you may need to re-register.

6. Can I reuse my RFID card for another yatra?

No. The RFID card is valid for one journey only and cannot be reused.

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