Arunachal ILP 2026: How to Apply Online, Fees and Documents
The Arunachal ILP (Inner Line Permit) is a mandatory travel pass for Indian citizens from other states who want to enter Arunachal Pradesh. It is issued online as an eILP by the state government. A tourist permit costs ₹300 for up to 3 days or ₹500 for up to 14 days, which is the maximum stay on a tourist eILP.
Without a valid Arunachal ILP, check-gate staff can stop you at the border. Therefore, it is the first thing to sort out before a trip to Tawang, Ziro, Mechuka or Itanagar. This guide explains the fees, documents, application steps and common mistakes, based on the rules published on the state’s official eILP portal.
Key takeaways
- Every Indian visitor from outside Arunachal Pradesh needs an Arunachal ILP.
- The tourist eILP costs ₹300 for up to 3 days and ₹500 for up to 14 days.
- A tourist eILP covers a stay of up to 14 days only.
- Applications are made online on the official Arunachal eILP portal.
- You need a recent colour photo (35 × 45 mm) and a scanned photo ID.
- Permits are non-refundable, so check your dates before paying.
What is the Arunachal ILP?
The Arunachal ILP is a permit issued under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873. It controls entry into Arunachal Pradesh to protect indigenous communities and their land.
Today, the state issues the permit electronically. The system is called eILP. It offers several categories, including tourist, student, business, labour, NGO and government employee permits. Most visitors need the tourist category.
For a wider view of permits across the region, read our inner line permit guide, which covers Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur as well.
Arunachal ILP fees and validity
| Permit category | Fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist (up to 3 days) | ₹300 per person | Up to 3 days |
| Tourist (4 to 14 days) | ₹500 per person | Up to 14 days |
| Student, business, labour, NGO | As shown on the portal | Depends on permit type |
| Government employee (on duty) | No fee | Depends on permit type |
| Regular eILP (long stay) | As per category | Up to one year |
The tourist fees above are the revised rates listed on the official tourist eILP page. A tourist eILP is valid for a stay of up to 14 days only. For work, study or business, the portal also offers other categories, including a regular eILP for longer stays of up to a year.
Important: The Arunachal ILP fee is non-refundable. Double-check your travel dates, names and ID numbers before you pay.
Documents needed for the Arunachal ILP
The eILP portal is strict about photos and documents. Consequently, many applications get delayed because of poor scans.
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photograph | Recent colour photo, 35 mm × 45 mm, 20–50 KB, JPG/JPEG |
| Photo ID | Driving licence, passport, ration card, voter ID, Aadhaar or PRC |
| Language | Documents in English or Hindi only |
| Minors | Parent or guardian documents for applicants aged 18 or under |
The photo must be sharp, recent and taken against a light background. Furthermore, the portal does not accept photos with headgear. DigiLocker documents are also accepted.
How to apply for the Arunachal ILP online
The whole process takes about 10–15 minutes if your documents are ready.
- Open the official Arunachal Pradesh eILP portal.
- Select Tourist eILP and complete the basic registration.
- Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your ID.
- Add your travel dates, entry check gate and the districts you plan to visit.
- Upload your photo and scanned ID in the required format.
- Pay the fee online.
- Download the approved eILP and save both a digital and printed copy.
For group trips, each person needs details and documents. Therefore, collect everyone’s photo and ID in advance.
Arunachal ILP check gates
You must show your permit when you enter Arunachal Pradesh. The main road check gates for tourists include:
| Check gate | Common route |
|---|---|
| Bhalukpong | Tezpur/Guwahati to Bomdila, Dirang and Tawang |
| Banderdewa | Guwahati/North Lakhimpur to Itanagar and Ziro |
| Ruksin | Dibrugarh side to Pasighat |
If you fly into Itanagar’s airport at Hollongi, you still need a valid eILP. Choose the entry point that matches your actual route when applying.
Arunachal ILP for a Tawang trip
Tawang is the most popular destination in Arunachal Pradesh. Most visitors drive from Guwahati via Bhalukpong, Bomdila, Dirang and Sela Pass. The Arunachal ILP is checked at Bhalukpong, and sometimes again along the way.
Additionally, winter trips need extra planning. Snow can affect the route near Sela Pass, although the Sela Tunnel has improved access since 2024. Our guide to the best time to visit Northeast India explains when roads are most reliable.
Arunachal ILP rules for foreigners
Foreign nationals do not use the domestic Arunachal ILP. Instead, they need a Protected Area Permit (PAP). This is usually arranged through a registered tour operator. Some remote areas may have extra restrictions, so foreign visitors should check routes with their operator before booking.
Common Arunachal ILP mistakes
- Wrong photo size or quality. The portal rejects blurry or oversized images.
- Names that do not match the ID. Use the exact spelling on your document.
- Incorrect travel dates. Fees are non-refundable, so a date error costs you a new permit.
- Choosing the wrong entry gate. Match the gate to your real route.
- No printout. Mobile networks can be weak at check gates.
Arunachal ILP for popular destinations
Every district of Arunachal Pradesh is covered by the ILP system. Consequently, one permit plan must include all the places you intend to visit.
| Destination | District | Usual gateway | ILP needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tawang | Tawang | Bhalukpong | Yes |
| Dirang and Bomdila | West Kameng | Bhalukpong | Yes |
| Ziro Valley | Lower Subansiri | Banderdewa | Yes |
| Itanagar | Papum Pare / Capital Complex | Banderdewa or Hollongi airport | Yes |
| Mechuka | Shi Yomi | Via Aalo | Yes |
| Pasighat | East Siang | Ruksin | Yes |
| Namdapha | Changlang | Via Miao | Yes |
When you apply, list all the districts on your route. This avoids problems if police check your permit deep inside the state.
How to download or reprint your Arunachal ILP
After approval, the portal lets you download the permit as a PDF. If you lose it:
- Return to the official eILP portal.
- Use the option to check application status or download the permit.
- Enter your application number and registered details.
- Download and print the permit again.
Keep your application number in a safe place, such as an email draft or notes app. Moreover, save the PDF offline on your phone before you leave the plains.
What if your plans change?
The Arunachal ILP fee is non-refundable. So, if your dates move, you may need a fresh permit that covers the new dates. Also remember that a tourist eILP covers 14 days at most, so longer trips need careful planning on the portal before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Arunachal ILP fee in 2026?
The tourist Arunachal ILP costs ₹300 for a stay of up to 3 days and ₹500 for a stay of 4 to 14 days. Government employees on official duty do not pay a fee. The fee is non-refundable.
How long is the Arunachal ILP valid for tourists?
A tourist eILP is valid for a stay of up to 14 days. Other categories, such as a regular eILP for work or study, can be valid for up to one year.
Can I apply for the Arunachal ILP online?
Yes. You can apply on the official Arunachal Pradesh eILP portal. Fill in the form, upload a photo and ID, pay online and download the permit.
Which documents are needed for the Arunachal ILP?
You need a recent colour photo (35 × 45 mm, 20–50 KB) and a scanned photo ID such as Aadhaar, voter ID, passport, driving licence, ration card or PRC.
Do children need an Arunachal ILP?
Yes, every visitor needs a permit. For applicants aged 18 or under, the portal asks for parent or guardian documents.
Is the Arunachal ILP needed for Tawang?
Yes. Tawang is in Arunachal Pradesh, so you need a valid Arunachal ILP. It is usually checked at Bhalukpong on the road from Assam.
Can foreigners get an Arunachal ILP?
No. Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) instead, usually arranged through a registered tour operator.
Get your Arunachal ILP before anything else
The Arunachal ILP is quick, cheap and easy to get online. Nevertheless, small errors can cost you time at the check gate. Prepare a clean photo and ID, match your dates to your route, and carry printed copies.
Explore more permit and route guides in Permits & Routes, learn about the region in our Seven Sisters of India explainer, or visit the Frontier News homepage.
