Inner Line Permit: Which Northeast States Need It and How to Apply
An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is an official travel document that Indian citizens from outside a state need before entering Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram or Manipur. It is issued by the state government, costs a small fee and is valid for a fixed period. Most travellers can now apply online in a few minutes.
The inner line permit exists to protect the land, culture and identity of indigenous communities. Consequently, the rules are strict. Police and check-gate staff do ask for the permit, and travelling without one can lead to fines or being turned back. This guide explains which states need an ILP, what it costs, how long it lasts and how to apply.
Key takeaways
- Four Northeast states need an inner line permit for Indian visitors: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur.
- Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Sikkim do not need an ILP to enter.
- Arunachal charges ₹300 (up to 3 days) or ₹500 (up to 14 days); Nagaland charges ₹200 for a 30-day tourist permit.
- All four states offer online applications through their official ILP portals.
- Foreign nationals follow different rules, usually a Protected Area Permit (PAP) or police registration.
What is an inner line permit?
The inner line permit comes from the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873. During British rule, this law drew an “inner line” along the hills of the Northeast. People from outside could not cross it without a pass.
After independence, India kept the system. Today, the ILP regulates entry into protected tribal areas. Moreover, it limits land purchase and long-term settlement by outsiders. For a traveller, however, the practical meaning is simple: you need a valid pass before you cross the state border.
Which states need an inner line permit?
Four states currently require an ILP for Indian citizens from other states. Manipur is the newest addition. The regime was extended there on 11 December 2019. In the same month, Nagaland also brought Dimapur district under the ILP system.
| State | ILP needed? | Tourist fee | Typical validity | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arunachal Pradesh | Yes | ₹300 (up to 3 days) / ₹500 (up to 14 days) | Up to 14 days (tourist) | Arunachal eILP portal, facilitation centres |
| Nagaland | Yes | ₹200 per person | 30 days | Nagaland ILP portal, Nagaland House offices |
| Mizoram | Yes | Nominal fee | 15 days, extendable | Mizoram ILP portal, Lengpui Airport counter |
| Manipur | Yes | Nominal fee | Temporary permit, extendable | Manipur ILP online portal |
| Meghalaya | No | — | — | Not required |
| Assam | No | — | — | Not required |
| Tripura | No | — | — | Not required |
| Sikkim | No (to enter) | — | — | Area permits needed for Nathula, Tsomgo, North Sikkim |
Fees can change. Therefore, always confirm the amount on the official portal at the payment step.
Inner line permit fees and validity by state
Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh issues electronic permits called eILP. The tourist eILP costs ₹300 for a stay of up to 3 days and ₹500 for 4 to 14 days. A tourist permit covers a maximum stay of 14 days. Government employees on official duty do not pay a fee.
You will need a recent colour photo (35 mm × 45 mm) and a scanned ID such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID, passport or driving licence. Most road travellers enter through check gates such as Bhalukpong (on the Tawang route) and Banderdewa (near Itanagar).
Nagaland
Nagaland charges ₹200 for a domestic tourist ILP. The permit is valid for 30 days. Each traveller must apply separately, because group applications are not accepted.
Additionally, Nagaland House offices in New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and Shillong can help with applications. This matters in December, when the Hornbill Festival brings thousands of visitors to Kohima.
Mizoram
Mizoram issues a temporary pass for tourists. It is generally valid for 15 days and can be extended. Flyers can also get a pass at Lengpui Airport near Aizawl on arrival. However, applying online first saves time at the counter.
Longer stays for work need a regular permit, which usually requires a local sponsor.
Manipur
Manipur runs a dedicated online portal for temporary ILPs. The form asks for your ID, travel dates, purpose of visit and the entry gate you plan to use. You must also accept conditions on good conduct during your stay.
How to apply for an inner line permit online
The process is similar across all four states. Here is the general sequence:
- Open the official ILP portal of the state you plan to visit.
- Choose the permit type, usually “Tourist” or “Temporary”.
- Fill in your name, address, ID number, travel dates and entry point.
- Upload a recent photo and a scanned photo ID.
- Pay the fee online through the payment gateway.
- Download the approved permit as a PDF.
- Save a copy on your phone and carry at least two printouts.
Approval is often quick. Nevertheless, apply at least a few days before travel, especially in October–December. Peak season brings heavy traffic to the portals.
Tip: Use only the official state government portals. Many private sites look official but charge extra “service fees” for the same permit.
Documents you need for an ILP
Requirements vary slightly by state. Still, most portals ask for the same core documents.
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Photo ID | Aadhaar, voter ID, passport or driving licence |
| Photograph | Recent colour photo, plain light background |
| Travel details | Dates of entry and exit, places to visit |
| Entry point | Check gate or airport where you will enter |
| Contact details | Mobile number and email address |
For children, the portals usually ask for a parent’s or guardian’s details. Furthermore, documents should be clear scans in English or Hindi.
Inner line permit rules for foreign nationals
The inner line permit applies to Indian citizens. Foreign travellers follow a separate system.
- Arunachal Pradesh: foreigners need a Protected Area Permit (PAP), usually arranged through a registered tour operator.
- Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur: most foreign visitors must register with the local police or Foreigners Registration Office soon after arrival.
- Sikkim: foreigners need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to enter the state, and some border areas stay closed to them.
Because these rules change more often, foreign travellers should check the latest position with a registered operator before booking.
Common inner line permit mistakes to avoid
- Travelling on an expired permit. Check the validity dates, especially if your plans change.
- Wrong entry gate. Some portals record your entry point. Use the gate you selected, or update the permit.
- Using agents who overcharge. The official fee is small, so a high “permit fee” is a warning sign.
- Not carrying a printout. Mobile networks can fail in the hills.
- Mixing up ILP and area permits. A Sikkim entry needs no ILP, but places like Nathula need a separate permit.
How the ILP affects your Northeast itinerary
An inner line permit is quick to get. Even so, it shapes your route. For example, a Guwahati–Tawang road trip needs an Arunachal ILP before Bhalukpong. Similarly, a Kohima trip needs a Nagaland ILP before Dimapur.
Plan the permit alongside your dates. If you are still choosing a season, our guide to the best time to visit Northeast India explains weather, road closures and festivals month by month. For a quick overview of all eight states, see our explainer on the Seven Sisters of India. You can find more permit and route guides in our Permits & Routes section.
Inner line permit vs PAP vs RAP
Travellers often confuse three different permits. The inner line permit is for Indian citizens. The other two are mainly for foreign nationals or for sensitive border zones.
| Permit | Full name | Who needs it | Where it applies |
|---|---|---|---|
| ILP | Inner Line Permit | Indian citizens from other states | Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur |
| PAP | Protected Area Permit | Mainly foreign nationals | Protected areas such as Arunachal Pradesh and parts of Sikkim |
| RAP | Restricted Area Permit | Foreign nationals | Sikkim and other restricted areas |
In short, if you hold an Indian ID and are not a resident of the state, you need an ILP. If you hold a foreign passport, you usually need a PAP or RAP instead.
Sample permit plan for a 10-day Northeast trip
Many visitors cover two or three states in one trip. Here is how an inner line permit plan might look for a typical route.
| Days | Route | Permit needed | When to apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Guwahati and Shillong | None | — |
| 4–7 | Bhalukpong, Dirang, Tawang | Arunachal ILP | At least a week before |
| 8–10 | Dimapur, Kohima, Khonoma | Nagaland ILP | At least a week before |
Apply for each state separately, because permits are not shared between states. Additionally, make sure each permit covers the exact dates you will spend inside that state.
Can you extend an inner line permit?
Yes, in most cases. Short-term permits can usually be extended if your plans change. However, the process differs by state.
- Mizoram allows the temporary pass to be extended beyond its first 15 days.
- Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland may require a fresh application or an extension request through the district or ILP authorities.
- Manipur allows extensions through its ILP system.
Apply for the extension before your current permit expires. Overstaying on an expired permit can lead to penalties.
How to check if an ILP website is genuine
Several private websites copy the look of official portals. They often charge high “processing fees” for the same inner line permit. Before paying, check these points:
- The web address should belong to the state government, usually ending in gov.in.
- The fee should match the official amount, such as ₹300–₹500 for an Arunachal tourist eILP or ₹200 for Nagaland.
- The permit should be issued by a state department, not by a travel agency.
- The receipt should come from a government payment gateway.
If anything looks unusual, stop and look for the official portal through the state government’s main website.
Frequently asked questions
Which states require an inner line permit in India?
Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur require an inner line permit for Indian citizens from other states. Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura and Sikkim do not need an ILP to enter.
How much does an inner line permit cost?
Arunachal Pradesh charges ₹300 for up to 3 days or ₹500 for up to 14 days, and Nagaland charges ₹200 for a 30-day tourist permit. Mizoram and Manipur charge a nominal fee. Always confirm the current amount on the official portal.
How long is an inner line permit valid?
Tourist permits are short-term. Nagaland’s permit lasts 30 days, Arunachal’s tourist eILP covers a stay of up to 14 days, and Mizoram’s temporary pass generally lasts 15 days with an extension option.
Can I get an inner line permit online?
Yes. All four states run official online portals. You fill in the form, upload a photo and ID, pay the fee and download the permit as a PDF.
Do I need an ILP for Meghalaya or Sikkim?
No. Meghalaya does not require an ILP. Sikkim does not need one to enter either, but places such as Nathula Pass, Tsomgo Lake and North Sikkim need separate area permits.
Can foreigners apply for an inner line permit?
The ILP is meant for Indian citizens. Foreign nationals usually need a Protected Area Permit or Restricted Area Permit, or must register with the police, depending on the state.
What happens if I travel without an ILP?
Check-gate staff can stop you from entering. If you are found inside the state without a valid permit, you may face a fine or prosecution under state rules.
Plan your permit before you plan the route
The inner line permit is a small step that decides whether your trip runs smoothly. Apply on the official portal, carry printouts and keep an eye on the validity dates. With that done, you can focus on the roads, the festivals and the people that make the Northeast worth the journey.
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