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White dome of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur across the border
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Day trip to Kartarpur Corridor from Punjab

The visa-free corridor lets Indian and foreign travelers cross 4 km into Pakistan to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, where Guru Nanak spent his last 18 years.

How it works

The Kartarpur Corridor opened in November 2019 and allows same-day round-trip pilgrimage without a Pakistan visa. The Indian terminal is at Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district, 50 km from Amritsar. Register online at prakashpurb550.mha.gov.in at least 3-4 days ahead; passport required for foreigners, Aadhaar or passport for Indians. The Pakistani side charges a $20 service fee per visitor, payable in USD cash.

The visit

Reach Dera Baba Nanak passenger terminal by 8am. Immigration takes 45 minutes on the Indian side, then a shuttle bus crosses to the Pakistani terminal. From there, buses run 4 km to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, a bright-white domed complex on the site of Guru Nanak's samadhi. You get roughly 3-4 hours on site before the mandatory return by 3pm. Langar is served at the gurdwara free of charge.

Practicalities

Bring $20 USD cash, your passport, a covered head, and no bags larger than a small daypack. No alcohol, no tobacco, no drones. Photography allowed inside the gurdwara. Combine with a visit to the Indian-side Dera Baba Nanak gurdwara before or after crossing. The corridor closes on certain religious holidays and sometimes on short security notice — check the MHA website 24 hours before.

Questions, answered

Can foreign tourists really use the Kartarpur Corridor?
Yes. Passport holders from most countries are welcome. Register online in advance and carry the printed permit plus $20 USD for the Pakistani service fee.
Do I need a Pakistan visa?
No. The corridor is visa-free but only for same-day round-trip to the gurdwara. You cannot leave the enclave or extend the visit.
How far is Kartarpur from Amritsar?
The Indian terminal at Dera Baba Nanak is about 50 km (90 minutes) northeast of Amritsar by car.
Is it worth the paperwork?
For Sikh pilgrims, absolutely — this is where Guru Nanak lived out his final years. For general tourists, it's a fascinating diplomatic novelty and a beautiful site.

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