Kartarpur Corridor open for visiting gurdwara in Pakistan despite freeze in ties

On Wednesday evening, the Ministry of External Affairs had announced various measures, imposing several restrictions on Indo-Pak diplomatic relations post the Pahalgam terror attack. The restrictions included the closure of the Attari check post and the return of Pakistan nationals visiting India on the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme.

The Kartarpur Corridor is a visa-free border crossing and religious corridor connecting the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan, to the Gurdwara Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur, Punjab, India. It allows Indian pilgrims and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders to visit the holy Sikh shrine in Kartarpur, located 4.7 km from the India-Pakistan border, without a visa.

The corridor was inaugurated on November 9, 2019, to mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, who spent his final 18 years in Kartarpur and died there in 1539.

Up to 5,000 pilgrims are allowed per day, though the average daily count is around 400. Pilgrims must register online at least a week in advance via prakashpurb550.mha.gov.in, providing passport details and obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). A police background check may be conducted.

A valid Indian passport and an ETA printout are required to travel. Pilgrims cannot stay overnight, carry more than 7 kg of luggage, or visit areas beyond the gurdwara.

In October 2024, India and Pakistan extended the corridor agreement for five more years until 2029, ensuring uninterrupted access despite strained relations.