Under the Jammu & Kashmir Tourist Trade Act, 1978/82, any establishment offering accommodation, food or services to tourists must register with the Tourism Department in Form I. This applies across the Valley (Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonmarg), pilgrim circuits (Katra, Patnitop, Vaishno Devi base) and Jammu's hospitality belt.
This guide explains the Form I process, the difference from Form II (renewal), required infrastructure standards, and how to coordinate with allied licenses (Fire NOC, FSSAI, Excise).
Who must register under Form I?
Form I covers an unusually broad set of establishments. The Act explicitly lists:
- Hotels — all star and non-star categories
- Restaurants serving tourists
- Guest houses, paying guest accommodations and homestays
- Houseboats and doongas on Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake
- Dhabas and tea stalls on tourist routes (Srinagar–Pahalgam, Jammu–Katra)
- Camping sites and tented accommodations in Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Gulmarg
- Wayside amenities and rest houses
Documents required
Applications are filed at the Office of the Director Tourism — Kashmir (Srinagar) or Director Tourism — Jammu, depending on location. Online filing is available via the J&K e-services portal.
- Form I application duly filled and signed
- Identity proof of proprietor/partners/directors
- Property ownership document or registered lease deed
- Trade license from JMC/SMC/Municipal Council
- Final Fire NOC from J&K Fire & Emergency Services
- FSSAI license (if food is served)
- Pollution Control consent (CTE/CTO from JKPCC)
- Building plan approval from local body
- Layout plan with rooms, bathrooms, kitchen, dining area marked
- List of staff with KYC details
- Tariff card (room rates, F&B rates)
- Affidavit of compliance with J&K Tourist Trade Act
Process and inspection
Once submitted, the Tourism Department deputes an Inspector to verify the premises against the standards prescribed under the Act.
- 1. Submit Form I online or at Director Tourism office
- 2. Pay registration fee (varies by category — see below)
- 3. Inspection by Tourism Department officer (within 15–20 days)
- 4. Verification of room dimensions, bathroom facilities, fire equipment, signage, F&B hygiene
- 5. Compliance notice for any shortfalls (rectify within 30 days)
- 6. Registration certificate issued — must be displayed at reception
- 7. Certificate is valid for 1 year, renewable through Form II
Form I vs Form II
Form I is the initial registration. Form II is filed every year for renewal.
- Form I — fresh registration; full document set; physical inspection mandatory
- Form II — annual renewal; updated documents; inspection only on random basis
- Renewal must be filed at least 30 days before expiry of the previous certificate
- Late renewal attracts ₹500/month penalty plus a fresh inspection
Registration fees in 2025
Tourism Department fees depend on category and number of rooms:
- Tea stall / dhaba on tourist route: ₹500/year
- Guest house (up to 5 rooms): ₹1,500/year
- Guest house (6–15 rooms): ₹3,000/year
- Non-star hotel (up to 30 rooms): ₹5,000–10,000/year
- Star-classified hotels: ₹15,000–50,000/year by category
- Houseboats: ₹2,500–5,000 per unit per year
- Restaurants serving tourists: ₹3,000–7,500/year
Frequently asked questions
- Yes. Even a 2-room homestay accepting tourists in Pahalgam, Sonmarg or Gulmarg must register under Form I. The J&K homestay scheme also offers fee waivers and listing benefits for registered units.
- Yes. Houseboats are registered under Form I as accommodation units; shikaras and boats are registered separately as transport service providers under the J&K Tourist Trade Act.
- No. Form I is granted only after the property is operational and physically inspected. Builders should obtain Provisional Fire NOC and building plan approval first, complete construction, then apply for Form I.
- FSSAI (if serving food), Trade License (JMC/SMC/Municipal), Final Fire NOC, Pollution consent (Orange category for hotels above 20 rooms), Excise license (if serving liquor) and GST registration.