India e-Mountaineering Visa

The India e-Mountaineering Visa is an official electronic visa category designed for foreign nationals planning to take part in mountaineering expeditions in India. This eVisa allows eligible travellers to apply online and receive an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling.

Mountaineering expeditions under this visa category are coordinated through the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), which plays a central role in expedition clearance, liaison arrangements, and route supervision.

Quick Facts on India e-Mountaineering Visa

• Visa type: India e-Mountaineering Visa
• Validity: 6 months from the date of grant of ETA
• Entry: Single entry
• Application mode: Online (eVisa)
• Expedition coordination: Through the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF)
• Purpose: Mountaineering expeditions in India

Validity and Entry Conditions

The India e-Mountaineering Visa is granted with a validity of 6 months from the date the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is issued.

This visa allows single entry only. Travellers must enter India within the validity period shown on the ETA. The eVisa is stamped on the passport at the immigration checkpoint upon arrival in India.

Role of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF)

The Indian Mountaineering Foundation coordinates arrangements for all mountaineering expeditions in the Indian Himalayas. All expedition-related clearances are processed through the IMF.

Applicants planning a mountaineering expedition are required to submit their expedition details to the IMF in advance. The Foundation reviews expedition plans, specifies approved routes, and assigns a liaison officer to each expedition.

A liaison officer is mandatory for all mountaineering expeditions. Expeditions are not permitted to proceed without an IMF liaison officer assigned. The cost of the liaison officer is borne by the expedition.

Expedition Clearance and Permissions

Requests for mountaineering expeditions must be submitted to the Indian Mountaineering Foundation at least 4 months in advance, along with complete expedition details. A copy of the request is also shared with the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Mountaineering expeditions are not permitted in restricted or protected areas unless prior permission has been obtained from the competent authorities.

For certain mountaineering and trekking peaks, prior permission from the Central Government is not required for foreign nationals. However, prior permission is required if the expedition team includes nationals of China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, or Bangladesh. These cases remain subject to conditions specified by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, including route approval and liaison officer assignment.

Peaks Open for Mountaineering Expeditions

India has designated several peaks that are open for mountaineering expeditions. Peaks in the Jammu and Kashmir (Leh area) and other notified regions are available for expeditions, subject to applicable clearance rules.

While some peaks allow expeditions without prior Central Government permission, all expeditions remain subject to coordination, route approval, and supervision by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation.

India e-Mountaineering Visa Application Process

Indian Mountaineering Foundation Reference Information

The Indian Mountaineering Foundation is the national apex body for mountaineering and allied adventure sports in India. It supports, promotes, and regulates national and international climbing and mountaineering activities.

IMF operates from New Delhi and maintains defined office and visiting hours on working days. Expedition applicants may refer to the IMF website for official guidance and online services related to expedition applications.

Important Notes for Applicants

• Submission of an e-Mountaineering Visa application does not guarantee expedition approval.
• All expeditions must comply with routes and conditions specified by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation.
• Liaison officer assignment is compulsory for every expedition.
• Permissions and clearances remain subject to review by the concerned authorities.

Summary

The India e-Mountaineering Visa provides an official online route for foreign nationals planning mountaineering expeditions in India. While the visa application process is completed online, expedition coordination through the Indian Mountaineering Foundation remains an essential requirement.

Applicants should review the India eVisa Fee and expedition rules carefully and ensure the timely submission of all required details before applying.