Tourists heading to Mussoorie from August 1 will be required to register; here's what travelers should be aware of regarding the new rule.
In an attempt to manage the rapidly increasing number of visitors, ease severe traffic congestion, prevent overcrowding at popular sites, and enable better planning of infrastructure and tourist services, the Uttarakhand government has introduced an online registration system for tourists visiting Mussoorie from August 1, 2025.
The hill station, known for its picturesque landscapes and serene environment, has experienced a surge in tourism in recent years. Mussoorie recorded over 1.1 million tourist footfall in 2022, which surged to more than 2.1 million by 2024, creating serious challenges such as traffic jams, parking shortages, and pressure on local resources.
The registration process is a mandatory data collection exercise, not a permit system, and no fee is required for registration. International travellers will use their email ids for the registration process, while domestic tourists will need to provide details such as the number of visitors, vehicle registration number, dates of travel, accommodation details, and other information.
The online registration process requires travellers to feed these details into the Dehradun Smart City portal before arriving. Authorities recommend registering in advance to avoid last-minute issues or entry refusals, especially on weekends and holidays. The check will be enforced at the main entry barriers-Kincraig and Picture Palace. Tourists who fail to register in advance may be turned away or delayed at these checkpoints.
The system requires travellers to obtain a QR code upon registration, which must be presented at entry points and accommodations. The rule also mandates hotels, homestays, and guest houses to verify these registrations, ensuring compliance and enabling authorities to monitor and regulate the inflow of tourists effectively.
The move aligns with directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to implement structured tourism management in popular destinations. Officials have clarified that the goal is not to discourage tourism but to organize it sustainably, possibly extending similar registration protocols to other hill stations in Uttarakhand in the future.
The new system aims to limit overcrowding, ensure better emergency response coordination, and help local authorities plan for crowd management and waste disposal in real-time. It also aims to improve tourist safety, as a tragic incident occurred earlier this year where a tourist from Delhi died due to an ambulance getting stuck in traffic and not being able to reach the hospital in time, highlighting the safety hazard of traffic congestion.
By implementing this registration system, the Uttarakhand government hopes to provide real-time data on tourist footfall, thereby helping authorities control crowding and improve the overall visitor experience while promoting sustainable tourism in the hill station.
References: [1] The Times of India. (2025, August 1). Mandatory Online Registration for Tourists Visiting Mussoorie from Today. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/mandatory-online-registration-for-tourists-visiting-mussoorie-from-today/articleshow/91390590.cms
[2] Hindustan Times. (2025, August 1). Online Registration System for Tourists Visiting Mussoorie from Today. Retrieved from https://www.hindustantimes.com/dehradun/online-registration-system-for-tourists-visiting-mussoorie-from-today/story-eQjUyGkF535V53TW52H7pI.html
[3] India Today. (2025, August 1). Uttarakhand Government Introduces Online Registration System for Tourists Visiting Mussoorie. Retrieved from https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-today/story/uttarakhand-government-introduces-online-registration-system-for-tourists-visiting-mussoorie-1885422-2025-08-01
[4] Deccan Herald. (2025, August 1). Uttarakhand Government Implements Online Registration System for Tourists Visiting Mussoorie. Retrieved from https://www.deccanherald.com/national/uttarakhand-government-implements-online-registration-system-for-tourists-visiting-mussoorie-1037402.html
Tourists visiting Mussoorie, known for its scenic beauty, will now have to register online before arrival as a part of the new system introduced by the Uttarakhand government. This digital registration process is aimed at managing the increasing number of visitors, addressing concerns such as traffic jams and parking shortages, and ensuring better planning of infrastructure and tourist services.
