Northeast India is one of the most extraordinary travel destinations in Asia — but unlike the rest of India, several of its states require special government-issued permits before you can enter. For many travelers, this is the one step that causes confusion, delays, or even abandoned plans.
It does not have to be that complicated. The permit system exists for legitimate reasons — most of these states share international borders with China, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Bangladesh — and once you understand exactly what you need, applying takes anywhere from a few minutes to a few days.
This guide covers everything: which permits apply to which states, who needs them (Indian nationals vs. foreign nationals), how to apply online and offline, what documents to carry, how much it costs, and the most common mistakes to avoid.
What Are Northeast India Travel Permits?
Northeast India has two main types of special travel permits, each serving a different purpose and applying to different categories of travelers.
Inner Line Permit (ILP)
The Inner Line Permit is a government-issued travel document that allows Indian citizens to visit certain protected states in Northeast India. The concept dates back to the British colonial era, when the Inner Line was a boundary drawn to regulate movement between administered territories and frontier areas. Today, the ILP is managed by the respective state governments and is required in four states: Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
The ILP is not a visa — it is simply a travel authorization for Indian citizens to cross into a protected border region. It is relatively easy to obtain, inexpensive, and increasingly available online.
Protected Area Permit (PAP)
The Protected Area Permit applies to foreign nationals (non-Indian citizens) who wish to visit certain restricted areas in Northeast India. It is issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) or through a registered tour operator with MHA authorization. The PAP covers the same four ILP states, plus specific restricted zones in Sikkim near the international border.
Unlike the ILP, the PAP process is more involved for foreign nationals, typically requires traveling as part of a group (minimum two people), and should be arranged well in advance of travel.
Quick Reference: Which Permit Do You Need?
Use this table to check at a glance whether you need a permit for each state:
| State | No Permit (Indian) | No Permit (Foreign) | ILP | PAP |
| Assam | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Meghalaya | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Tripura | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Sikkim | ✓ | ✓ (most areas) | — | Required (border zones) |
| Arunachal Pradesh | — | — | Required | Required |
| Manipur | — | — | Required | Required (some areas) |
| Mizoram | — | — | Required | Required |
| Nagaland | — | — | Required | Required |
Inner Line Permit (ILP): Complete Guide for Indian Nationals
If you hold an Indian passport or Aadhaar card, you will need an ILP to visit Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, or Nagaland. Here is everything you need to know about each state’s process.
| State | Who Needs ILP | Apply Online? | Validity | Approx. Fee |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Indian nationals | Yes — arunachalilp.in | Up to 30 days (extendable) | ₹100 |
| Manipur | Indian nationals | Yes — manipurilp.in | Up to 30 days (extendable) | ₹100 |
| Mizoram | Indian nationals | Yes — mizoram.gov.in | Up to 15 days (extendable) | ₹120 |
| Nagaland | Indian nationals | Yes — nagalandilp.in | Up to 30 days (extendable) | ₹100 |
Documents Required for ILP (All States)
The exact list varies slightly by state, but you will generally need:
- Valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving Licence)
- Passport-size photographs (2–4, depending on the state)
- Completed application form (available online or at issuing offices)
- Proof of travel dates (not always mandatory, but useful to have)
How to Apply: State-by-State ILP Guide
Arunachal Pradesh ILP
- Visit the official portal: ILP Arunachal Pradesh
- Register with your mobile number and email address
- Fill in personal details, purpose of visit, and travel dates
- Upload a scanned copy of your photo ID and one passport photo
- Pay the fee online (₹100 for a regular ILP)
- Download and print the ILP — it is issued digitally and is ready within minutes to a few hours
Manipur ILP
- Visit Manipur Inner Line Permit (ILP) and create an account
- Complete the application form with travel details and purpose
- Upload ID proof and passport-size photograph
- Pay the processing fee online
- Receive the ILP by email — print at least two copies
Mizoram ILP
- Apply online at the Mizoram ILP – Government of Mizoram
- Fill in the application with travel details, duration, and purpose of visit
- Upload ID document and photograph
- Pay the fee (approximately ₹120 for a 15-day permit)
- Download and print the permit after approval — typically processed within 24–48 hours
Nagaland ILP
- Apply at Nagaland ILP using your registered account
- Provide travel dates, entry point, and purpose of visit
- Upload your ID and passport photo
- Pay the fee online and download your permit
ILP Validity & Extension
- Most ILPs are issued for 15–30 days initially
- Extensions can be obtained from the Deputy Commissioner’s office in the state capital or district headquarters
- Carry your ILP at all times — police checkpoints are common on inter-district roads
- Always carry at least 2–3 printed copies: one to submit at checkpoints, and copies to retain
Protected Area Permit (PAP): Complete Guide for Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals (including NRIs with foreign passports) require a Protected Area Permit to visit the same four ILP states, as well as certain restricted zones in Sikkim. The PAP process is more involved than the ILP, so plan well ahead.
| State / Area | Foreigners Need PAP? | Indian Nationals | Notes |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Yes | ILP required | Min. group of 2 foreigners; apply via MHA or tour operator |
| Manipur | Yes (most areas) | ILP required | Loktak Lake area requires PAP; Imphal city generally exempt |
| Mizoram | Yes | ILP required | Apply at Mizoram House, Delhi or via MHA |
| Nagaland | Yes | ILP required | PAP covers most districts; Kohima & Dimapur generally open |
| Sikkim (border areas) | Yes (Gurudongmar, Nathula etc.) | Permit from Sikkim Govt. | Obtain in Gangtok; processed within 24hrs |
| Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura | No PAP required | No ILP required | Open to all; standard tourist visit rules apply |
Who Issues the PAP?
- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India — applications via the official MHA portal
- Indian Embassies and High Commissions abroad — in some cases, especially for Sikkim-specific permits
- Registered tour operators with MHA authorization — the fastest and most practical route for most foreign travelers
- Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRRO) in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata
Key Requirements for Foreign Nationals
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the intended travel period
- Valid Indian visa (tourist visa is acceptable for most states)
- Passport-size photographs (4–6 copies)
- Completed PAP application form
- Travel itinerary and accommodation details
- Minimum group size of 2 foreign nationals (solo foreign travelers typically cannot obtain a PAP independently — this is where a registered tour operator is essential)
How to Apply for a PAP
Route 1: Through a Registered Tour Operator (Recommended)
This is the most practical route for the vast majority of foreign travelers. A registered operator handles the MHA application on your behalf, accompanies your group (as required), and manages any checkpoints.
- Book your trip with a registered Northeast India tour operator (find verified operators in the NorthEast India Connect directory)
- Provide your passport copy, Indian visa copy, and photographs
- The operator submits the PAP application to the MHA
- Allow 4–6 weeks for processing; some operators can expedite to 1–2 weeks
- Carry the PAP along with your passport at all times during travel
Route 2: Direct Application to MHA
- Visit the MHA’s official online portal (mha.gov.in) and navigate to the Protected Area Permit section
- Create an account and fill in the application form with full travel details, entry and exit points, and duration
- Upload scanned passport (all pages), valid Indian visa, photographs, and detailed travel itinerary
- Submit the application and note your reference number
- Processing time is typically 4–6 weeks; follow up by email if no response after 3 weeks
- Once approved, print the permit and carry it with you throughout your trip
PAP for Sikkim Border Areas
Most of Sikkim is freely accessible to foreign nationals without any PAP. However, for specific high-altitude border areas — including Gurudongmar Lake, Nathula Pass, and Yumthang Valley — a special area permit is required. This is obtained locally in Gangtok, typically within 24–48 hours, through a registered Sikkim tour operator or the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department.
- Gurudongmar Lake: Permit required; obtainable in Gangtok
- Nathula Pass: Permit required; Indian nationals and foreign nationals both need a permit; no solo travel
- Yumthang & Zero Point: Permit required from Gangtok; processed within 24 hours
Pro Tips: Getting Your Permits Right
These are the mistakes most travelers make — and how to avoid them:
Apply Before You Travel, Not on Arrival
While some border checkpoints do issue on-the-spot permits (particularly for ILPs at Nagaland’s Dimapur), this is not guaranteed and can mean significant delays or being turned back. Apply online at least 3–7 days before travel for ILPs, and 4–6 weeks in advance for PAPs.
Print Multiple Copies
Police checkpoints are common on major roads throughout all ILP/PAP states, particularly at state borders and on routes to restricted areas. Officers will retain one copy. Always carry at least 3 printed copies of your ILP or PAP — never assume a digital copy on your phone will be accepted.
Carry the Right Supporting Documents
Your permit alone is not always sufficient. Always travel with the ID document you used for the permit application (Aadhaar, passport, etc.) — officers frequently cross-check these at checkpoints.
Know Your Entry Points
Some permits specify the entry point (e.g., entering Nagaland via Dimapur or Kohima). Make sure your permit matches your actual route. If your plans change, update your permit before crossing the border.
Extensions Are Easy — If You Plan Ahead
If you want to stay longer than your permit allows, visit the Deputy Commissioner’s office in the district you are in. Extensions are usually granted without difficulty, but do not wait until the day your permit expires.
For Foreign Nationals: Do Not Travel Solo
The PAP system requires a minimum group of two foreign nationals. Solo foreign travelers should book through a registered tour operator — the operator effectively acts as your group partner and liaison with authorities.
Keep a Digital Backup
While a printed copy is essential, also keep a digital scan of your permit, passport, and any other travel documents in cloud storage or email. If documents are lost, having a digital backup makes replacement significantly faster.
Plan Ahead, Travel Without Worry
The Northeast India permit system sounds daunting on paper, but it is genuinely manageable once you understand it. Most Indian travelers can obtain an ILP online in under 30 minutes. Foreign nationals who plan ahead and use a registered local operator will find the process handled smoothly on their behalf.
The small effort involved is more than worth it. The states that require permits — Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram — are among the most extraordinary places in all of India. Tawang Monastery, the Hornbill Festival, Loktak Lake, and the Mizo hills await on the other side of that paperwork.
Start planning early, apply online where possible, print your copies, and let the journey begin.
