Arunachal Pradesh travel guidelines: rules and safety
The permits, road rules and local etiquette that matter before you go.
The Arunachal Pradesh travel guidelines come down to five things: carry a valid permit, respect the border areas, plan around the road and the season, look after yourself at altitude, and treat local customs with care.
1. Permits and ID
Indian visitors need an Inner Line Permit and foreign visitors a Protected Area Permit. List every district you will enter and carry printed copies of the permit and a photo ID at every checkpost. Entry and exit are recorded, so do not let it expire mid-trip.
2. Border areas and army zones
- Bum La Pass and Madhuri Lake need a separate permit from Tawang, with army clearance.
- Follow instructions at army posts and checkpoints without argument.
- Do not photograph military installations, and do not fly a drone near border or army areas without permission.
3. Roads and the season
Drive in daylight and expect convoys. The hillsides between Tenga and Bomdila and on the Aalo–Mechuka road slip in the rains. Late June to early September is the worst period, and the best-time guide shows what is realistic each month. Build a spare day into any itinerary.
4. Altitude and health
Tawang is at 10,000 ft and Sela at 13,700 ft. Never drive Guwahati to Tawang in one day. Sleep at Dirang or Bomdila on the way, drink plenty of water and go easy on alcohol for two nights. Medical facilities above Bomdila are limited, so carry personal medicines. More in the complete travel guide.
5. Local etiquette
- Ask before photographing people, especially older villagers and monks.
- In monasteries, dress modestly, remove shoes where asked and walk clockwise around prayer wheels and stupas.
- Accept the tea or apong you are offered in a homestay as part of hospitality, and say so politely if you would rather not drink.
- Take your rubbish back with you. Villages have few bins and no collection.
6. Money, phones and supplies
ATMs exist in Tawang, Bomdila, Ziro and Itanagar and often run empty. UPI works in towns and not in villages. Signal disappears on long stretches of the Sela and Mechuka roads. Carry cash, a power bank and printed bookings.
7. Book with people who do this daily
Local drivers know the roads, the checkposts and the shortcuts around a blocked road. If you would rather have the permits, vehicle and rooms sorted once, ask us for an itinerary and we will handle the details.
Related guides
- Do we need permission to enter Arunachal Pradesh?
- How to tour Arunachal Pradesh: a step-by-step plan
- How many days are enough for Arunachal Pradesh?
Further reading
Independent sources, if you want a second opinion before you book:
- Arunachal Pradesh Tourism — the state's official tourism site, which also notes the ILP and PAP requirements
- Arunachal Pradesh on Wikivoyage — a community-written travel guide
- Inner Line Permit on Wikipedia — background on the ILP system
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Frequently asked questions
What are the travel guidelines for Arunachal Pradesh?
Carry a valid permit, list every district on it, respect border and army areas, travel in daylight, acclimatise at altitude and follow local customs.
Is Arunachal Pradesh safe for tourists?
It is generally considered safe for tourists. The real risks are road conditions, weather and altitude, so plan with those in mind.
Are drones allowed in Arunachal Pradesh?
Do not fly one near border or army areas, and check the current rules and get permission before you carry one.
Do I need cash in Arunachal Pradesh?
Yes. ATMs are limited and often empty, and UPI works in towns but not in villages.