How to get a Tamil Nadu (TN) ePass for Ooty & Kodaikanal? Apply at epass.tnega.org.
ePass Requirement continues: If you’re planning to visit Kodaikanal or Ooty for a vacation or for the upcoming Flower Show in May, you’ll need to apply for a free TN ePass. More information is provided below.
Tamil Nadu (TN) government’s e-governance agency, also known as TNeGA, has launched a new online portal, epass.tnega.org, allowing travellers from across the country to apply online and get an e-pass for visiting tourist destinations like Ooty, Kodaikanal, Coonoor, etc. Carrying a pass is now compulsory for entry into the Nilgiri district, starting from 7th of May 2024. If you are currently in Tamil Nadu or planning to visit the district’s hill stations, anytime soon, get your TN ePass, by registering your details as explained below.
Login to epass.tnega.org from a mobile or desktop browser to take entry passes. You can apply for e-pass as a foreigner, Indian from other states, or as a resident of Tamil Nadu living outside Nilgiri district. People using public transport and locals living in Nilgiri (the parent district of Ooty, Connor, Masinagudi, and Kodai hill stations), don’t require as pass, as long as they drive a TN-43 vehicle.
Tamil Nadu ePass registration: facts you need to know.
| Effective Dates | From 07-05-2024 to until further notice. |
| Objective | To enforce crowd management and collect data about tourists arriving in Ooty and Kodaikanal. |
| Required for: | Visitors from India and abroad traveling in private or yellow board cabs and vehicles. |
| Exempted | People traveling in public transport, vehicles with TN-43 number plates, local residents, and transport of essential goods. |
| Issuing Authority | Tamil Nadu e Governance Authority (TNeGA) |
| Validity | Valid until the date chosen by visitors during e-pass registration. |
| How to apply | Online through epass.tnega.org. |
| Registration link | Website for Tourists from Within India, Outside India. |
| TN e Pass Status & Download | Check “previous passes” section in TN e pass website’s dashboard. |
| Documents for registration | Address, details of vehicle & accommodation (if available), and number of people traveling. |
Here is a video showing the TN ePass online application process.
How to Apply Online for TN ePass?
TNeGA has a history of using the portal epass.tnega.org for issuing COVID travel passes, a few years ago. The same website has been repurposed for issuing electronic passes to Kodaikanal and Ooty under the direction of the Madras High Court. Here is what you need to do for successful application and downloading of the pass in PDF format.
Step 1: Login to the TNeGA ePass website.
First, applicants should choose an appropriate option for login: “Outside India” or “Within India” and move to the dedicated webpage for each case. While foreigners can use email, travellers from India and Union States should use their mobile number to do OTP verification and sign in to the TN ePass dashboard.
Step 2: Choose a pass category from the dashboard: Nilgiri, Kodaikanal or Localite.
There are three pass categories available on the Tamil Nadu ePass website. If you are planning to visit more than one place in Nilgiri district, the option you want to take is the first one, which gives you access to Ooty, Masinagudi, Coonoor, and Kodaikanal in one pass. The second tab, Kodaikanal, is for entering Kodaikanal only. Finally, the third option, Localite, is for residents of these tourist places who frequently travel in and out, especially if they don’t have a local registration plate TN-43, issued by Nilgiri RTO. Localites can do a one-off registration at the RTO office for a green pass; it’s valid throughout May and June.
Step 3: Do registration and get TN ePass by providing the details of the visitor (address, vehicle, stay, etc.)
Once you select the pass type and destination, click on it and proceed to the registration process. You are expected to provide details like Name, address, travel duration, transport type (fuel, year of purchase, make), number of persons traveling with you and accommodation (where appropriate). After filling all this information, click on the Submit button to generate your TN ePass; the process is instant. You will get your Purple-coloured pass, which is intended for a temporary visit to Ooty, Kodaikanal, and the whole of Nilgiris.
Step 4: Check status of e Pass or re-download it from the tnega website (if required)
Once you apply for a pass and it’s approved, it will be saved on the epass.tnega.org website. Take the 4th tab, “Previous Passes,” to check the status of all your e-passes to Nilgiris and their validity. Also, you will find a download button in case you want to re-download the pass for any reason.
So that’s how you apply for an Ooty, Kodaikanal pass from the Tamil Nadu eGA portal. Take a printout of this ePass or share the digital version with the authorities at the checkpost, along with your ID proofs, for a hassle-free travel.
Frequently asked questions.
What is the reason behind the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to enforce e Pass-based entry?
Tamil Nadu government originally enforced the e-pass requirement for Ooty and Kodaikanal during the peak tourism period in 2024, from May 7, 2024, to June 30, 2024 after a court directive. This initiative was planned to manage and control the spike in tourist visits in the Nilgiris, with a focus on data collection.
As per the latest information, the e-pass requirement for Ooty and Kodaikanal will continue into 2025. It has been extended indefinitely and continues to gather essential visitor data to all hill stations in the district.
All documents should match those provided during ePass generation at epass.tnega.org, especially the vehicle number, pass type, and applicant’s ID proof. Additionally, travellers may be also asked about their stay and purpose of visit.
Yes, each person in the travel group will have to take a separate ePass, and carry the supporting documents.
Your TN-epass will be verified at your entry point into the Nilgiris, whether you are coming from Kerala, Karnataka, or other districts in Tamil Nadu. Major checkpoints with scanning facilities include Silver Falls Checkpost in Kodaikanal and Burliar Checkpost in Ooty. Also, depending on your route, there are several police and forest checkposts such as Balasamudram, Ayampulli, and Kamakkapatti, etc.
I have an e pass on 11 th of June. I need an e pass on 10 also