Permits & Visas in Northeast India

Northeast India features a specific legal permit framework designed to protect indigenous tribal rights and sensitive international border sectors:

1. Domestic Indian Citizens Permit Matrix

• Inner Line Permit (ILP) Mandatory (4 States):
  • Arunachal Pradesh: Apply online at eilp.arunachal.gov.in or arunachalilp.com (Fee: ₹300 up to 3 days, ₹500 beyond 3 days up to 14 days).
  • Nagaland: Apply online at ilp.nagaland.gov.in (Fee: ₹200 for 30 days for domestic tourists, ₹500 for foreign tourists).
  • Mizoram: Apply online at ilp.mizoram.gov.in (Fee: ₹300 for temporary 7-day tourist permit) or on arrival at Lengpui Airport.
  • Manipur: Apply online at manipurilponline.mn.gov.in (Fee: ₹100 for temporary 30-day tourist permit).
• Permit-Free State Entry (4 States):
  • Assam: 100% permit-free.
  • Meghalaya: 100% permit-free.
  • Sikkim: State entry is 100% permit-free. (Special local passes/Protected Area Permits are required only for international border sectors like Nathu La Pass, Tsomgo Lake, and North Sikkim / Gurudongmar Lake, arranged through registered Sikkim travel agents with 2 passport photos and Voter ID/Passport).
  • Tripura: 100% permit-free.

2. Foreign Nationals / International Tourists

• Arunachal Pradesh: Foreigners require a Protected Area Permit (PAP). Must travel in groups of 2 or more through an authorized local tour operator (Government fee: US$ 50 per person, valid for 30 days).
• Sikkim: Foreigners require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to enter Sikkim (free of cost, issued for 30 days at Rangpo/Melli border checkposts and Bagdogra Airport). Special Protected Area Permits (PAP) allow foreigners to visit Lachung and Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim. Nathu La Pass and Gurudongmar Lake are closed to foreign nationals.
• Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram: PAP/RAP requirements are relaxed for foreign tourists (except citizens of Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan). Foreign visitors must simply register at the local Foreigners Registration Office (FRO / e-FRRO) within 24 hours of arrival.
• Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura: No special permits required (only a standard Indian Tourist Visa).