India designates certain regions near its international borders and sensitive zones as Protected Areas or Restricted Areas. Foreign nationals entering or staying in these areas require a special permit issued by a competent government authority — in addition to a valid Indian visa. Your visa alone does not grant access to these regions.
Entry without a valid permit is a violation of the Foreigners Act and is subject to legal action. No foreigner can visit any Protected, Restricted, or Prohibited Area without permission from the civil authority of that jurisdiction.
Two categories to understand
Protected Area Permit (PAP): Areas between the Inner Line and the international border of a state.
Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Specific notified areas — Andaman & Nicobar Islands (entire UT) and parts of Sikkim.
Distinction — ILP vs PAP
The Inner Line Permit (ILP) is a separate document issued for Indian citizens from outside a state to enter ILP states (Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur). As a foreign national, you do not apply for an ILP — you apply for a PAP or RAP.
Bhutanese citizens are exempt from PAP/RAP requirements.
Permit Types
Protected Area Permit (PAP)
Required for entry into notified Protected Areas — regions lying between the Inner Line and the international border of a state.
Key rules
• The permit specifies approved locations, duration of stay, and entry/exit points. You may travel only to the designated places listed on your permit.
• Travel is restricted to the specific tourist circuit or route on your permit. No area other than those indicated in the permit should be visited.
• Tourists are required to carry sufficient photocopies of the permit — you may be required to deposit a copy at each point of entry/exit.
• You cannot remain in the Protected Area after the permit expires.
Group vs individual travel
Most PAP-designated areas require a group of two or more persons (not necessarily a married couple), sponsored by a recognized travel agency with a pre-drawn itinerary. Individual permits are available only in specific zones (noted under each state below).
Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Required for the entire Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and certain parts of Sikkim.
Key rules
• Permit specifies approved islands, duration, and entry/exit points.
• For Andaman RAP is obtainable on arrival at Port Blair airport or seaport from Immigration Authorities — valid for 30 days, extendable by 15 days with permission from the Superintendent of Police (FRO/CID), Port Blair.
• Tribal Reserves are completely off-limits to foreign tourists regardless of permit type.
Where Permits are Required
Entire State
• Arunachal Pradesh
• Manipur
• Mizoram
• Nagaland
Parts of State
• Parts of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
• Parts of Himachal Pradesh
• Parts of Jammu & Kashmir
• Parts of Ladakh
• Parts of Rajasthan
• Parts of Uttarakhand
• Parts of Sikkim
How to Apply
If you are outside India
Apply through the Indian Mission (embassy or high commission) in your country, along with your visa application or separately before travel.
Apply at least 30 days in advance.
Alternatively, apply online at indianfrro.gov.in before travel.
If you are already in India
Apply online through the e-FRRO portal indianfrro.gov.in or visit the jurisdictional FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) in your area. Apply at least 15 days in advance.
For Andaman & Nicobar Islands (exception)
RAP is available on arrival at Port Blair airport except for the citizens of Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan. No advance application required — present your passport and valid visa at the Immigration counter on arrival.
What the permit specifies
• Permitted locations (you may visit only these)
• Entry and exit points
• Duration of permitted stay
• Any group or escort requirements
Travel outside the designated locations, routes, or beyond the permitted period is a violation of the permit conditions and the Foreigners Act.
Important reminders
• Carry sufficient photocopies of your permit — you may need to deposit a copy at each entry/exit checkpoint.
• Do not remain in a Protected or Restricted Area after the permit expires.
• If staying in a hotel or guesthouse in these areas, the owner is legally required to notify local police of your arrival/departure within 24 hours. This is their obligation, not yours — but you should be aware it happens.
• For Northeast states, travel must largely follow National Highways. Deviating to non-highway roads where places can be reached by highway is treated as a violation.
Additional Restrictions
Certain nationalities face restrictions beyond what applies to all foreign nationals. These apply regardless of which state you are visiting.
Citizens of Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan — and foreign nationals of such origin
Require prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs before PAP or RAP can be issued for any Protected or Restricted Area. This applies to all such states. Apply through the Indian Mission in your country with advance time.
Citizens of Myanmar
• Arunachal Pradesh requires prior MHA approval
• Jammu and Kashmir requires prior MHA approval
• Sikkim requires prior MHA approval
• Andaman & Nicobar requires RAP with prior MHA approval
Holders of diplomatic journalist, research, or conference visas cannot get a RAP for Andaman & Nicobar Islands without prior MHA approval, regardless of nationality.
India Manual is produced by Intodia. All content follows a continuous review cycle and is free from commercial influence, ads, or any affiliate arrangements.
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