How to Book Railway Tickets for Foreign Friends Through IRCTC: A Guide for Indian Travelers

Traveling with your foreign friends can be a joyful and memorable experience, especially when you're exploring the vast network of Indian Railways. One frequently asked question is, "Can I book two tickets through IRCTC, one for my foreign friend and one for myself?" The good news is, not only can you do it, but you can also book up to six tickets with a single login. Let's explore the process in detail.

Booking Two Tickets for Yourself and a Foreign Friend

Sure, you can book two tickets together through your IRCTC account, even if one of the tickets is for a foreign friend. Here’s what you'll need to do:

Log in to Your IRCTC Account: Start by signing in to your IRCTC account through the official website. Search for Your Desired Train: Use the search functionality to find the train you want to travel on and select the journey details. Enter Passenger Details: When prompted to enter passenger details, include both your personal information and the details of your foreign friend. For your friend, use their passport details as the identification. Complete the Payment Process: Ensure all the details are correct and proceed with the payment. Check Current Rules and Regulations: Always verify the current rules and regulations related to foreign nationals booking tickets, as they may vary.

Booking Multiple Tickets (Up to 6)

IRCTC allows you to book up to six tickets on a single log-in session. This feature makes it convenient to plan group travel or family vacations. Here are the steps:

Log in to IRCTC: Sign in to your IRCTC account. Search for Your Train: Use the IRCTC search function to find the desired train. Enter Passenger Information: Input the details for all six travellers, ensuring you include accurate identification information like passport, national ID, etc. Finalize the Booking: Double-check all the details and proceed with the payment. Confirm the Booking: Make sure to confirm the booking in your IRCTC account to avoid any issues.

Booking Tickets for Foreign Friends: Quota Considerations

While booking tickets for a foreign friend, it's important to note that your friend's ticket may be booked in the 'General Quota' and not in the 'Foreign Tourist Quota.' If you want your friend to have a specific quota, you may face additional challenges. However, you can still provide their passport details for the booking process.

To uphold the foreign visitor quota, you may need to include specific information such as the country of origin of your friend, and ensure that they carry their original ID card (passport).

By following these steps, you can make the travel experience smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your foreign friends. Whether you're planning a trip for two or a group of six, IRCTC is here to help you efficiently book your tickets.