The most common wall people hit when booking Indian trains from abroad is account verification — the OTP to an Indian number they no longer have. The good news: IRCTC supports international mobile numbers for registration. Here is how to set it up from the USA or anywhere abroad.

Yes, IRCTC Supports International Numbers

When you create an IRCTC account, you verify an email and a mobile number. IRCTC allows you to register a non-Indian (international) mobile number by selecting your country code, so you can receive the verification OTP on your US (or other) phone. This is what lets NRIs and foreign tourists sign up without an Indian SIM.

Step-by-Step Registration From Abroad

1. Go to the IRCTC sign-up page and choose to create a new account.

2. Fill in your name, a valid email, and a username/password.

3. In the mobile field, select your country code (e.g. +1 for the USA) and enter your phone number.

4. Submit and enter the email OTP and mobile OTP to verify.

5. Complete your profile — this is a good time to save passenger details for faster booking later.

Once verified, you can book like any user. For the full booking flow, see how to book Indian train tickets from the USA.

If the OTP Doesn't Arrive

International OTP delivery can be slow or blocked by some carriers. Try these:

• Wait a couple of minutes and use Resend OTP — international SMS can lag.
• Make sure your phone can receive international SMS (some US carriers block short codes).
• Double-check the country code and number.
• Verify your email OTP first; sometimes the mobile step retries more smoothly after.
• Try at a less busy time (IRCTC is heavily loaded during Tatkal hours, India time).

Foreign Nationals Registering

Foreign passport holders can also register — this is essential if you plan to use the Foreign Tourist Quota. Keep your passport details ready. Read Indian Railways Foreign Tourist Quota: how to book.

After Registration: Paying From Abroad

The next hurdle is payment with a non-Indian card — see how to pay on IRCTC with an international card so your first booking does not fail at checkout.

Bottom line: IRCTC lets you register with an international mobile number by selecting your country code — verify email and mobile OTP, and if SMS is slow, resend and check that your carrier allows international messages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register on IRCTC with a US or international mobile number?

Yes. IRCTC lets you select your country code and register with a non-Indian mobile number, so you can receive the verification OTP on your foreign phone.

Why am I not receiving the IRCTC OTP abroad?

International SMS can be slow or blocked by some carriers. Use Resend OTP, confirm your carrier allows international/short-code messages, check the country code, and try outside busy Tatkal hours.

Do I need an Indian SIM to use IRCTC?

No. An international mobile number works for registration and verification. An Indian SIM is not required to create an account or book tickets.

Can foreign nationals create an IRCTC account?

Yes. Foreign passport holders can register, which is required to use the Foreign Tourist Quota. Keep your passport details handy.

What comes after registration?

Set up payment with an accepted international card and start booking. See our guides on international-card payment and booking Indian train tickets from the USA.

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