Inner Line Permit, Protected Area Permit — the process, state by state

Six Indian regions still require a permit to enter — a holdover from pre-Independence frontier policy kept alive for strategic, environmental, and cultural reasons. Indian citizens and foreign nationals face different processes. This is the current state of all six, with official links.

Rules change. Fees change. Validity windows change. Always verify with the official source linked on each row before you travel — we point you at the portal; we do not cache the portal's current prices.

Ladakh

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Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Indians · Protected Area Permit (PAP) for foreigners

For Indian citizens: Apply online. Required for Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri, Dah-Hanu, Hanle, Turtuk, and all areas beyond Khaltsi / Khardung La / Chang La.
For foreign nationals: PAP arranged via a registered travel agent in Leh. Usually issued same-day. Single entry, group of 2+ typically required.
Validity: Up to 21 days. Carry multiple photocopies; checkpoints retain one per post.
Official source: Leh Autonomous Hill Development Council ↗
Note: Nominal fee + per-day environment charge. Verify current fees on the portal before travel.

Sikkim

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ILP for North Sikkim for all · Nathula special permit

For Indian citizens: ILP for Lachen, Lachung, Yumthang, Gurudongmar arranged by your registered tour operator. Nathula Pass day-trip permit issued at Gangtok tourism office only on Wed / Thu / Sat / Sun, minimum 4 pax.
For foreign nationals: RAP (Restricted Area Permit) for whole state issued on arrival at Rangpo / Melli / Bagdogra counter with passport + visa copy. Separate ILP for North Sikkim via a registered operator.
Validity: RAP typically 30 days, ILP 3–5 days by region.
Official source: Sikkim Tourism Department ↗
Note: Tso Lhamo, Chopta Valley, and Zemu Glacier are closed to foreigners.

Arunachal Pradesh

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ILP (Indians) · PAP (foreigners)

For Indian citizens: Apply online or via liaison offices (Delhi, Guwahati, Kolkata, Shillong, Itanagar). Single-entry, multiple-destination permit.
For foreign nationals: PAP via the Ministry of Home Affairs through a registered travel agent. Minimum group of 2 typically required. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
Validity: ILP up to 30 days. PAP up to 30 days, specific districts only.
Official source: Arunachal ILP official portal ↗
Note: Tawang, Mechuka, Ziro, Pasighat all accessible with ILP. Some border zones need additional clearance.

Nagaland

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ILP (Indians only — foreigners no longer need a permit)

For Indian citizens: Apply online at the Nagaland ILP portal or at entry points (Dimapur, Kohima). Digital permit accepted at checkpoints.
For foreign nationals: No permit required since 2011. Passport + visa sufficient. Some regions still restricted — check with local tourism office.
Validity: Up to 30 days. Renewable from within the state.
Official source: Nagaland ILP portal ↗

Mizoram

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ILP (Indians)

For Indian citizens: Apply at Mizoram liaison offices (Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Silchar) or online. Also issued at Lengpui airport on arrival.
For foreign nationals: No separate permit currently required for foreigners in most districts, but advisory guidance changes — verify with the Home Department before travel.
Validity: 15 days, extendable in Aizawl.
Official source: Directorate of Information & Public Relations, Mizoram ↗

Manipur

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PAP for foreigners · No permit for Indians (since 2011)

For Indian citizens: No permit required.
For foreign nationals: PAP via the Ministry of Home Affairs through a registered travel agent. Imphal and most of the plains are accessible; some hill districts remain restricted.
Validity: Typically 10–15 days, specific districts only.
Official source: Ministry of Home Affairs ↗
Note: Security situation is fluid — check the MEA travel advisory before planning.