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Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025 in force: Stricter penalties now apply for foreign nationals entering Protected or Restricted Areas without a valid permit. Violations are subject to significant financial penalties determined by the length of unauthorized stay.
What are Protected and Restricted Areas in India
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.
PAP and RAP — two permit categories in India
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.
Prohibited Areas in India — what foreigners need to know
In addition to Protected and Restricted Areas, India designates certain locations as Prohibited Areas. No foreigner can visit or reside in any Prohibited Area without permission from the civil authority having jurisdiction at that place. These include military installations, defence establishments, and certain border infrastructure.
PAP and RAP — what each permit covers
What is a Protected Area Permit (PAP) in India
The PAP is required for entry into notified Protected Areas — regions lying between the Inner Line and the international border of a state. The permit specifies approved locations, duration of stay, and entry and exit points. You may travel only to the designated places listed on your permit.
Key rules for PAP:
• 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 and exit.
• You cannot remain in a Protected Area after the permit expires.
• 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.
Group vs individual travel — PAP areas
Most PAP-designated areas require a group of two or more persons — not necessarily a married couple — sponsored by a recognized travel agency in India with a pre-drawn itinerary. Individual permits are available only in specific zones noted under each state.
What is a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) in India
The RAP is required for the entire Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and certain parts of Sikkim. Unlike PAP, RAP is generally available for individual travelers and in some cases available on arrival.
Key rules for RAP:
• Permit specifies approved islands, duration, and entry and exit points.
• For Andaman RAP — 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.
What is the difference between ILP and PAP
The Inner Line Permit (ILP) is issued to Indian citizens from outside certain states. Foreign nationals do not apply for an ILP. As a foreign national, you apply for a Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Restricted Area Permit (RAP). If you see ILP mentioned online, it does not apply to you.
Where to apply: e-FRRO portal or Indian Mission or State specific portal
Bhutanese citizens are exempt from PAP and RAP requirements.
Which areas in India require a permit for foreign nationals
The following states and territories require a PAP or RAP for foreign nationals — in addition to a valid Indian visa. Requirements apply to the entire state or to specific border belt zones as listed.
Indian states where PAP is required for foreign nationals
• Arunachal Pradesh
• Manipur
• Mizoram
• Nagaland
Indian states with partial PAP zones for foreign nationals
• 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 for a PAP or RAP in India
Apply online through the e-FRRO portal at indianfrro.gov.in. This is the primary application route for both PAP and RAP. If you are outside India, you may also apply through the Indian Mission (embassy or high commission) in your country.
How to apply for PAP or RAP from outside India
• Apply through the Indian Mission in your country along with your visa application, or separately before travel.
• Apply at least 30 days in advance.
• Alternatively, apply online at e-FRRO portal before travel.
How to apply for PAP or RAP while in India
• Apply online through the e-FRRO portal
• Apply at least 15 days in advance.
• Or visit the jurisdictional FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) in your area.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands permit — on arrival for most nationalities
The RAP for Andaman and Nicobar Islands is available on arrival at Port Blair airport or seaport from Immigration Authorities. No advance application required — present your passport and valid visa at the Immigration counter on arrival. Valid for 30 days, extendable by 15 days.
Citizens of Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan cannot obtain the Andaman RAP on arrival. They must apply in advance through the Indian Mission or e-FRRO portal.
What an Indian permit specifies — locations, duration, and entry points
Every PAP and RAP specifies:
• Permitted locations
• 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 Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.
What to know when traveling with an Indian permit
• Carry sufficient photocopies of your permit — you may need to deposit a copy at each entry and 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 and 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 is treated as a violation.
Additional restrictions by nationality
Certain nationalities face restrictions beyond what applies to all foreign nationals. These apply regardless of which state you are visiting.
India permit restrictions for Afghan, Chinese, and Pakistani nationals
Require prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs before a 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 or on e-FRRO with advance time — at least 30 days before travel.
India permit restrictions for Myanmar nationals
• Arunachal Pradesh — requires prior MHA approval
• Jammu and Kashmir — requires prior MHA approval
• Sikkim — requires prior MHA approval
• Andaman and Nicobar — requires prior MHA approval
Holders of diplomatic, journalist, research, or conference visas cannot get a RAP for Andaman and Nicobar Islands without prior MHA approval, regardless of nationality.
Frequently Asked Questions — India Permit and Restricted Areas
A Protected Area Permit (PAP) is a special permit required for foreign nationals to visit certain areas near India's international borders — in addition to a valid Indian visa. It is issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs or delegated state authority. Your visa alone does not grant access to these areas.
Entire states requiring PAP: Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland. Parts of states requiring PAP: Himachal Pradesh (border belt), Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Rajasthan (border belt), Sikkim, Uttarakhand (border belt). RAP required: Andaman and Nicobar Islands (entire UT), parts of Sikkim. Lakshadweep requires a separate permit.
Apply online through the e-FRRO portal at indianfrro.gov.in. If outside India, apply through the Indian Mission in your country at least 30 days before travel. If already in India, apply at least 15 days in advance. For Andaman, RAP is available on arrival at Port Blair airport for most nationalities.
Yes. The Restricted Area Permit for Andaman and Nicobar Islands is available on arrival at Port Blair airport or seaport from Immigration Authorities for most nationalities. It is valid for 30 days and extendable by 15 days. Citizens of Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan cannot get it on arrival.
Yes. All foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit Sikkim. Physical permits are no longer issued at border checkpoints like Rangpo. Apply online through the e-FRRO portal at indianfrro.gov.in before travel.
The Inner Line Permit (ILP) is issued to Indian citizens from outside certain states. Foreign nationals do not apply for ILP — they apply for a Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Restricted Area Permit (RAP). As a foreign national, if you see ILP mentioned, it does not apply to you.
For most PAP-designated areas, individual permits are not available. A group of two or more persons, sponsored by a recognized travel agency with a pre-drawn itinerary, is required. Individual permits are available in specific zones only — check the requirements for each state before applying.
Apply at least 30 days in advance if applying from outside India through an Indian Mission. If already in India, apply at least 15 days in advance through the e-FRRO portal. For Andaman RAP, on-arrival issuance is available for most nationalities.
in India