In order to visit some areas in India, you must obtain an additional permit. Only a visa is not enough. There is currently a list of protected areas in India. In 2010, some regions, like Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland, were removed from this list of ‘protected areas’, with the aim to promote tourism there. Tighter restrictions on these areas have been reintroduced in December 2024.
Foreigners Protected Areas and Foreigners Restricted Areas
A number of areas in India are designated as Protected Areas of Restricted Areas. This means that travellers need a permit to travel there. There are two different categories of special regions in India. The first category, called ‘protected areas’ or Foreigners Protected Areas, was introduced in 1958 and include:
- Parts of Arunachal Pradesh
- Parts of Himachal Pradesh
- Parts of Jammu en Kashmir
- Parts of Rajasthan
- All of Sikkim (partly Protected Area and partly Restricted Area)
- Parts of Uttarakhand
- Since December 2024: Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland
Re-establishment of restrictions for tourists
In 2010, the Indian Home Ministry eased the restrictions in force to visit Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland, so that foreign travellers didn't have to apply for a special permit to visit these regions. They only needed a valid visa for India. This measure allowed the Indian government to boost tourism in those three regions. However, the decision was reversed in December 2024, and applying for a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for foreign travellers became mandatory again. This was due to security concerns in the three regions. Since then, travellers wishing to visit these areas in the northeast of the country need to apply for a PAP in addition to a visa India.
Applying for a permit for special regions
In order to visit a protected region in India, travellers without an Indian passport must apply for a Protected Area Permit (PAP). Holders of an Indian passport who are not residents of these areas need to apply for an Inner Line Permit (ILP) instead of a Protected Area Permit. This permit is easier to obtain than a Protected Area Permit. You are advised to book your trip through a travel agency if you need to apply for a Protected Area Permit. Normally, group travel is possible from two people upwards and the standard permit is valid for 10 days. Travellers with a PAP must enter the protected regions through an airport, and they need to follow a predetermined travel itinerary.
Foreigners Restricted Areas
In 1963, the so-called Restricted Areas were introduced. Travellers whishing to visit these regions need to apply for a Restricted Area Permit (RAP). Holders of an Indian passport do not need permission to travel to a Restricted Area. A Restricted Area Permit is required for the following regions:
- The island groups of Andamans and Nicobars
- Parts of Sikkim
Unlike the Protected Area Permit, individual travellers can also apply for a Restricted Area Permit. Often, they can apply for this additional travel permit on arrival in India, for instance at Port Blair seaport or Veer Savarkar International Airport.
Organise your trip to India
Travel to the regions of Manipur, Kashmir and Jammu is currently is currently discouraged. These regions aside, India is in general a safe travel destination. Always check the travel advice for your chosen travel destination before departure. For regions which are not designated as Protected Area or Restricted Area, you do not need any additional permission. Travellers with a European passport must always apply for a visa. You can apply now for the Indian e-visa here.