Do we need permission to enter Arunachal Pradesh?
Yes for most visitors, and the permission is an online permit you can get in a day or two.
Yes. Anyone who is not a resident of Arunachal Pradesh needs a permit to enter. Indian citizens apply online for an Inner Line Permit (ILP), and foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit (PAP). You can visit; you just cannot turn up without one.
Do we need permission to enter Arunachal Pradesh?
The rule is the same at every gate. The permit is what lets you in, and it is checked when you cross. The short version:
| Who you are | What you need |
|---|---|
| Indian citizen, not resident in Arunachal | Inner Line Permit (ILP), applied for online |
| Foreign national | Protected Area Permit (PAP), usually through a registered operator |
| NRI or OCI holder | A PAP, not an ILP |
| Resident of Arunachal Pradesh | No permit |
Can I visit Arunachal Pradesh?
Yes. Arunachal is open to tourists all year, with permission. The ILP is a formality for Indian citizens and is normally approved within a day. Apply four to five working days ahead so a holiday or a busy week does not catch you out.
How to get the permit
- Go to the official eILP portal of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
- Register with your name, mobile and email.
- Enter your dates, purpose and every district you will enter.
- Upload a photo ID and a passport-sized photograph.
- Pay online and download the permit. Carry it on your phone and printed.
Fees are set by the state government. At the time we last checked, the tourist eILP was ₹300 for up to three days and ₹500 beyond three and up to fourteen, so confirm the amount shown on your own application. The full walkthrough is on the Inner Line Permit guide.
Where is the permit checked?
At the entry gates, including Bhalukpong for Tawang, Banderdewa for Itanagar and Kimin for Ziro. The gates verify permits and do not issue them, so you cannot arrange it on arrival.
Do you need extra permission inside the state?
Sometimes. Bum La Pass and Madhuri Lake need a separate permit from the Deputy Commissioner's office in Tawang, and border areas in the far east need extra clearance. When you book a Tawang tour with us, we arrange these. See extra permits inside the state.
Common mistakes
- Leaving a district off the form. The permit covers the places you listed.
- Assuming you can buy it at the gate.
- Letting it expire mid-trip. Entry and exit are recorded.
Travelling from abroad? Read can foreigners visit Arunachal Pradesh.
Related guides
- Can foreigners visit Arunachal Pradesh?
- How many passes in Arunachal Pradesh? Permits and mountain passes
- Arunachal Pradesh travel guidelines: rules and safety
Further reading
Independent sources, if you want a second opinion before you book:
- Inner Line Permit on Wikipedia — background on the ILP system
- Arunachal Pradesh Tourism — the state's official tourism site, which also notes the ILP and PAP requirements
- Protected Area Permit on Arunachal Pradesh Tourism — the state's own note on how foreign tourists apply
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Frequently asked questions
Do we need permission to enter Arunachal Pradesh?
Yes. Indian citizens who are not residents need an Inner Line Permit and foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit. Residents of the state are exempt.
Can I get the permit at the border?
No. Checkposts verify permits; they do not issue them. Apply online before you travel.
Can I visit Arunachal Pradesh without a permit?
No. Entry without a valid permit will be refused at the gate.
How long does the ILP take?
Most applications are approved within a day. Apply four to five working days ahead, and longer in peak season.