Tanot Mata temple and the Longewala war memorial, in the desert near Jaisalmer and Barmer, are open to Indian travellers without any special permit.
You can simply drive there and visit. What needs permission is the forward part: the international border viewing near Tanot, run by the Border Security Force, and any forward post close to the line, which need Army or Border Security Force clearance. Foreign visitors need a permit for the border zone.
What is open freely, in plain words
- Tanot Mata temple, the famous shrine cared for by the Border Security Force, is open to Indian visitors. You drive there and take darshan.
- The Longewala war memorial and the site of the famous 1971 battle are open to Indian visitors.
- The desert villages, dunes and the road out from Jaisalmer are open, and this is the classic border desert drive.
For all of this, an Indian traveller needs no special permit. You just carry your identity, because this is a border district and you may be checked.
The forward border viewing
Near Tanot, the Border Security Force runs a viewing of the international border, sometimes with a small ceremony, at a forward point such as the border pillar area. This forward viewing needs permission, arranged with the Border Security Force, and it is not always open to the public. Ask locally or through your operator whether it is running, and how to get the pass, before you count on it. [Confirm the current forward viewing rule with the Border Security Force. Last checked 13 September 2026.]
The forward posts
Any post right on the border line, beyond the open temple and memorial, is a military area. You cannot go there on your own. It needs Army or Border Security Force clearance, given only for a reason, not for ordinary tourism. Do not try to reach the fence or a forward post without permission, because it is a serious security zone.
For foreign visitors
Foreign visitors face a tighter rule in this border belt near the international boundary. You may need a permit for the border zone, and some forward areas are closed to you. If you hold a foreign passport, ask a registered operator or the local authorities what is open before you plan, and carry your passport. [Confirm the current foreigner rule with the district administration or a registered operator. Last checked 13 September 2026.]
How to plan it
- For Tanot and Longewala, simply plan a desert drive from Jaisalmer, carry your identity, and enjoy the open sites.
- For the forward border viewing, ask ahead whether it is running and how to get the Border Security Force pass.
- For a foreign visitor, check the border zone permit first through a registered operator.
- Fuel up and carry water, because the desert roads are long and empty.
Common mistakes to avoid
- The biggest mistake is an Indian paying for a Tanot or Longewala permit, which is not needed; those sites are open. The next is trying to reach a forward post or the fence without permission, which is not allowed. Do not assume the border viewing is always open, because it depends on the Border Security Force. Do not travel without your identity in this border district.
Questions people ask
Do I need a permit for Tanot Mata or Longewala?
No. As an Indian traveller you can visit both freely. Carry your identity, because it is a border district.
Can I see the international border?
Near Tanot, the Border Security Force sometimes runs a forward border viewing that needs permission and is not always open. Ask ahead.
Can I go to a forward post on the border?
No, not for tourism. Forward posts need Army or Border Security Force clearance.
Do foreigners need a permit?
Foreign visitors may need a border zone permit and face tighter rules, so confirm before you plan.
What is the classic trip?
The desert drive from Jaisalmer to Tanot and Longewala, through empty dunes and border villages.