When travelling to India
Are you planning a trip to the serene beaches of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, paragliding in Serchhip, Mizoram, for a birds-eye view, or exploring the Kangla palace ruins in Imphal? Did you know that these cities are protected regions. Therefore, you must complete some formalities before you visit them. We want to ensure that you have a hassle-free experience, so we advise you to review the necessary permits required for visiting these cities.
What is Inner Line Permit (ILP)
The Inner Line Permit (ILP) is an official travel document issued by the Government of India to allow inward travel to a protected/restricted area of these states. So, if you are an Indian citizen from outside these states or an international traveller visiting the locales, you will have to obtain an ILP.
Please read the relevant section to understand formalities and documents, including the ILP, that are required to be completed and carried with you.
Travel advisory for Agatti, Lakshadweep
If you are travelling to Agatti, Lakshadweep, you will have to get approval from the Lakshadweep administrators to enter the island.
Click here for more details.
Travel advisory for Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland
If you are travelling to Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur or Nagaland, you will have to obtain an ILP.
Inner Line Permit (ILP) for travel to Mizoram
If you are travelling to Mizoram, you can obtain an ILP approved by the Liaison Officer of the Government of Mizoram.
If you are an Indian citizen from a different state in India
- You can apply for the ILP from the following cities: Kolkata, Silchar, Shillong, Guwahati, and New Delhi.
- If you are a government employee travelling for official purposes, you will be exempted from obtaining an ILP. Although, you may be asked for identification. Hence, always keep a photo identification card handy.
- If you are flying to Mizoram via any Air India flight, it is advised that you obtain a pass from the security officer on arrival at the Lengpui Airport, Aizawl.
If you are an international traveller visiting Mizoram
- Register yourself within 24 hours of your arrival at the office of the Superintendent of Police (CID/SB), Mizoram, who is the designated Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) of the state.
- If you are a citizen of Afghanistan, China, or Pakistan or a foreign national originating from these countries, you must seek prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs, India, before entering Mizoram.
Inner Line Permit (ILP) for travel to Manipur
- If you are an Indian citizen from a state other than Manipur or an international traveller visiting Manipur, we recommend that you hold an ILP.
- If you are flying to Manipur via any Air India flight, you must have the ILP from the counter at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, Imphal.
Travel advisory for Andaman and Nicobar Islands
As per Indian government orders, if you are a foreign national visiting the union territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is a requirement.
If you are a citizen of any of the following nations or a member of the below-mentioned organisations, you will not be issued a RAP without prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
- Countries: Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan
- Foreign nationals of Pakistani origin
- Foreign diplomats
- Members of the United Nations
- Members of international organisations holding diplomatic passports
- Individuals holding visas for journalism, research, and conferences
Note: As per orders from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), Port Blair, any foreign national in the above-stated category that arrives without obtaining prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs to Port Blair will be denied entry.
You can obtain a RAP from
- Indian missions located overseas.
- Foreigners Regional Registration offices (FRRO) located in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
- Immigration authorities at New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata airports.