What are the rules for visiting other lodges within same jurisdiction?

Every Master Mason in good standing possesses an inherent right to visit other regular lodges, a privilege traditional Masonic jurisprudence classifies as a landmark of the Order based on the principle of a universal brotherhood 12. A Master Mason holding membership possesses this right to visit, as the Grand Lodge of India confirms on its own page. However, this right is conditional rather than absolute.

A Worshipful Master may refuse admission to a visitor if necessary to preserve the peace and harmony of the lodge 12. Visitors may also be excluded when a lodge is convened solely for private administrative business—referred to in French practice as opened en famille—rather than general business 3. Unaffiliated brethren who do not contribute to a lodge are restricted, typically permitted to visit a local lodge only once to evaluate it for membership before losing the privilege 3.

To enter an unfamiliar lodge, a visitor unknown to the brethren must submit to a formal examination according to ancient usage 123. Before the examination proceeds, the visitor takes a preliminary declaration in the Tiler's room known as the Tiler's Obligation 3. Formal examination is dispensed with only if a brother present personally vouches for the visitor 23. Conversely, the visiting brother has the right to inspect the host lodge's Warrant of Constitution prior to entering to verify its regularity 3, and in many jurisdictions must present a certificate of good standing from his home lodge 3.

Rules governing regalia and protocol also apply during visits. A ruling Worshipful Master visiting another lodge where he does not preside wears an apron with levels but not his official collar, while Grand or Regional Grand Officers wear the regalia of their highest rank, as an article on the Grand Lodge of India's website notes. Members of the host lodge sit to the left of the Master when visiting brethren wear the regalia of their respective ranks, according to the same article.