Inner Line Permit (ILP) Required for Kohima
All domestic Indian citizens residing outside the state must obtain an approved Inner Line Permit (ILP) prior to entering Kohima. Foreign travelers require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) or local registration.
Every Nezo tour package includes seamless online permit documentation and pre-cleared checkpost entry passes.
Travel to Kohima is governed by statutory entry regulations established by the Government of Nagaland and the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
1. Domestic Indian Citizens — Inner Line Permit (ILP)
Under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) of 1873, all domestic Indian citizens who are not indigenous residents of Nagaland must possess a valid Inner Line Permit (ILP) before entering Kohima and the state of Nagaland.
- Online Application Portal: Apply online through the official portal: ilp.nagaland.gov.in.
- Permit Types & Official Fees: Tourist ILP is ₹200 per person for domestic tourists (30 days validity) and ₹500 for foreign tourists (plus nominal gateway charges).
- Required Documents: Scanned passport-size photograph, valid government ID proof (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID), and contact details of local stay/hotel.
- Inspection Checkposts: Physical printed copies of the e-ILP and original ID must be presented for inspection at the Chumoukedima check gate on NH29, Dimapur Railway Station gate, and interstate entry borders.
2. Foreign Nationals — Protected Area Permit (PAP) & FRO Registration
Foreign tourists (non-Indian passport holders) are subject to Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) entry regulations:
- Protected Area Permit (PAP): As of current MHA guidelines, foreign travelers must obtain a Protected Area Permit processed online via the official e-FRRO portal (indianfrro.gov.in).
- Mandatory FRO Registration: All foreign passport holders must register with the Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) at the Senior Superintendent of Police (SP) Office in Kohima within 24 hours of arrival in the district. Most star-category hotels assist guests with this statutory registration.
- Restricted Nationalities: Citizens of Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan (and foreign nationals of Pakistani/Chinese origin) require mandatory prior clearance and approval directly from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, prior to visiting.
3. Local Entry & Eco-Conservation Fees
- Kisama Naga Heritage Village: Entry fee of ₹50 for Indian nationals / ₹100 for foreign visitors (additional nominal charges apply for DSLR cameras during the Hornbill Festival).
- Nagaland State Museum: Entry ticket of ₹20 for adults / ₹10 for students / ₹50 for foreign nationals.
- Village Eco-Development Fees: Khonoma, Dzuleke, and Khezhakeno collect a community conservation fee (₹50 Indian / ₹100 Foreigner) to maintain trekking trails and fund local school development.
