If you are an NRI visiting India in 2026 and planning to visit Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Temple, understanding the TTD NRI Darshan process before travelling can save considerable time and confusion.

A major 2026 update is particularly important: the eligibility window for the NRI facility has been reported as extended from 30 days to 90 days from the date of arrival in India. This gives NRIs more flexibility when planning their Tirumala pilgrimage after returning to India.

Quick Guide: NRI Darshan at Tirumala 2026

The general TTD system separately lists Special Entry Darshan and other Darshan categories, while TTD's monthly quota announcements specify separate release schedules for online quotas.

Major NRI Darshan Update 2026: 30 Days to 90 Days

One of the most important keywords for NRI visitors in 2026 is:

TTD NRI Darshan 90 Days

Earlier information commonly referred to a 30-day arrival window. The 2026 update extends the reported eligibility period to 90 days from the date of arrival in India.

What does this mean?

Suppose an NRI arrives in India on:

June 20, 2026

Under the updated 90-day rule, the devotee has a substantially longer period after arrival to plan the eligible NRI Darshan visit rather than having to complete it within the earlier 30-day period.

This is especially useful for NRIs who:

• Visit India for several weeks
• Travel between different cities
• Attend family functions
• Visit multiple temples
• Spend time with relatives
• Plan Tirupati later during their India visit

Who Can Apply for NRI Darshan?

The exact eligibility must be verified against the current TTD instructions.

The facility is intended for eligible overseas visitors such as:

Who may not qualify?

A person travelling to India as an ordinary tourist or visitor should not automatically assume that holding a foreign passport guarantees NRI Darshan eligibility.

The final decision depends on TTD's applicable rules and document verification.

Documents Required for NRI Darshan

Documentation is one of the most important parts of the process.

Keep the following ready:

1. Original Passport

The original passport is the most important document.

TTD officials may use it to verify:

• Identity
• Passport details
• Visa information
• Entry information

2. Visa / Immigration Proof

Carry the applicable:

• Visa
• Immigration entry information
• Arrival stamp, where applicable
• Other accepted proof of arrival

3. OCI Card

If you are an OCI card holder, carry the original OCI documentation along with your passport.

4. Residence / Work Permit

Where relevant, carry your overseas residence or work authorization.

5. Photocopies

It is sensible to keep photocopies of important documents in addition to the originals.

6. Digital Backup

Keep secure digital copies of:

• Passport
• Visa
• OCI card
• Flight/arrival information
• Other supporting documents

Do not depend only on a phone screenshot when an original document is required.

NRI Darshan Ticket Cost 2026

The commonly reported NRI Darshan ticket cost is ₹300 per person, corresponding to the Special Entry Darshan fee.

However, the important point is that NRI eligibility and ₹300 Special Entry Darshan are not identical concepts.

An NRI may need to establish eligibility through document verification before being allowed to proceed under the applicable arrangement.

TTD separately publishes its ₹300 Special Entry Darshan quota schedule. For example, its September 2026 announcement scheduled the ₹300 SED quota separately from the SRIVANI and Senior Citizen quotas.

Is NRI Darshan Available Through Online Booking?

This is one of the most confusing questions.

Simple answer:

Do not assume that NRI Darshan is an advance online ticket like the normal ₹300 SED quota.

The NRI facility has been handled through on-arrival verification at Tirumala, where eligible visitors present their documents and follow the TTD procedure.

This is different from the regular advance-booking quota.

TTD's own monthly quota announcements demonstrate that different Darshan categories are released through separate schedules.

NRI Darshan Booking Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Check Your Arrival Date

First calculate the date you entered India.

Make sure your visit falls within the applicable 90-day NRI eligibility period.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Before travelling to Tirumala, keep:

• Original passport
• Visa / OCI documentation
• Immigration/arrival proof
• Copies of documents
• Applicable supporting documents

Step 3: Reach Tirumala

Travel to Tirumala according to your pilgrimage plan.

If you are coming from Chennai, you can arrange your transportation before or after confirming your Darshan arrangements.

Step 4: Locate the NRI Reporting Facility

Follow the current TTD signage and instructions for the NRI/foreign-passport verification facility.

Do not rely on an old YouTube video for the exact entrance location because queue layouts and operational arrangements can change.

Step 5: Complete Document Verification

TTD officials verify the documents and eligibility.

The officer may check:

• Passport
• Visa
• Arrival date
• OCI documentation
• Other supporting information

Step 6: Complete the Applicable Payment

After eligibility verification, follow the TTD instructions regarding the ₹300 Darshan fee.

Step 7: Follow the Assigned Entry Process

After verification/payment, follow the instructions given by TTD staff regarding queue entry and Darshan.

Step 8: Keep Your Documents Safe

Do not leave your passport unattended.

Your passport is your primary identity and travel document.

What Is the NRI Darshan Reporting Time?

Many older websites mention different timings, including 12 PM–6 PM, while some older sources list other windows.

Because these timings can change, it is safer not to publish one old timing as a permanent 2026 rule.

Before travelling, confirm:

NRI Darshan vs Regular ₹300 Darshan

This distinction is extremely important.

The fact that both involve ₹300 does not mean they are the same booking category.

Can Indian Residents Use NRI Darshan?

Generally, NRI Darshan is intended for eligible NRI/foreign visitors, not ordinary Indian residents.

Simply travelling with an NRI family member does not automatically make another person eligible.

For example:

An NRI parent may qualify, but an Indian-resident relative accompanying the parent should not assume that they automatically qualify under the NRI facility.

The safest approach is to check the current TTD eligibility rules before travelling.

The most important 2026 change for overseas devotees is the reported extension of the TTD NRI Darshan eligibility period from 30 days to 90 days after arrival in India. This provides NRIs with greater flexibility when planning their Tirumala pilgrimage.

Do not confuse NRI Darshan with the normal advance-booked ₹300 Special Entry Darshan. TTD releases its regular Darshan quotas separately and publishes monthly schedules for different categories.

For bookings and inquiries, contact us at:

Phone: +91-9962717100

Email: padmavathitravels1999@gmail.com

Website: https://balajidarshanbooking.com/nri-darshan.php

Address: 18, 3rd Avenue, New Colony, Arumbakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600106.