Manipur ILP 2026: How to Apply Online, Fees and Entry Gates
A Manipur ILP (Inner Line Permit) is the travel pass that Indian citizens from outside Manipur need before entering the state. The tourist version, called the Temporary Permit, costs ₹100 and is valid for up to 30 days, according to the official Manipur ILP portal. You can apply online, use an Aadhaar OTP route, or get one at counters and kiosks at Imphal Airport, Mao Gate and Jiribam.
Manipur joined the Inner Line Permit system in December 2019, when the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873 was extended to the state. Permits have been issued since 1 January 2020. As a result, Manipur now sits alongside Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram as one of four Northeast states that require an ILP.
Key takeaways
- Tourists need a Temporary Permit: ₹100, valid for up to 30 days, as listed on the official portal in 2026.
- Apply online with a photo ID such as Aadhaar, passport, PAN card or driving licence.
- The form asks for your entry gate, for example Imphal Airport, Mao or Jiribam.
- Temporary and Regular permits cannot be renewed under the 2022 amended guidelines.
- Foreign nationals do not use the ILP; since December 2024 they need a Protected Area Permit (PAP).
Manipur ILP at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Legal basis | Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873 |
| Extended to Manipur | December 2019 |
| Permits issued from | 1 January 2020 |
| Who needs it | Indian citizens who are not residents of Manipur |
| Tourist permit | Temporary Permit, up to 30 days |
| Tourist fee | ₹100 per person |
| Apply | Official Manipur ILP portal, counters or self-service kiosks |
| Main entry points | Imphal Airport, Mao Gate, Jiribam |
| ID accepted online | Aadhaar, passport, PAN card, driving licence |
| Foreigners | Protected Area Permit, not an ILP |
What the Manipur ILP is and why it exists
The Inner Line Permit traces back to the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873. The British used it to control entry into hill areas. Today, state governments use the same rule to regulate visits by people from other parts of India.
Manipur campaigned for this protection for many years. Consequently, the Centre extended the regulation to the state in December 2019. The state government then notified the Manipur Inner Line Permit Guidelines, and counters opened on 1 January 2020. On the first day, officials issued 163 permits from four counters, EastMojo reported.
The stated aim is to protect indigenous communities and to regulate the entry of outsiders. Therefore, the Manipur ILP is a regulatory permit, not a tourism fee. You must carry it for the whole stay, and officials can ask for it at any check post.
Manipur ILP types, fees and validity
The official portal lists six permit categories in 2026. Most travellers only need the Temporary Permit. However, workers, traders and long-stay visitors need other types.
| Permit type | Who it is for | Validity | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary | Tourists, business visitors, short-term travellers | Up to 30 days | ₹100 |
| Regular | Frequent visitors sponsored by a permanent resident | 3 months | ₹500 |
| Special Category | Government contractors, investors, traders with businesses | 3 years, renewable | ₹5,000 first; ₹10,000 renewal |
| Half-Yearly Working | Temporary staff and unorganised-sector workers | 180 days, extendable | ₹1,000 |
| Annual Working | Regular employees of registered private firms | 360 days | ₹2,000 |
| Labour | Labourers brought by contractors or firms | 1 year, renewable | ₹100; ₹300 renewal |
When the system started in 2020, the Temporary Permit ran for 15 days and the Regular Permit for six months. The 2022 amendment changed these to 30 days and 90 days. Moreover, it made both types non-renewable. Some older blogs still quote the 15-day figure, so rely on the portal instead.
A 2025 amendment reportedly added a one-time grace period for medical emergencies and exempted very young children from the fee. These details come from secondary summaries, so confirm them with the issuing office if they apply to you.
Who needs a Manipur ILP and who does not
Every Indian citizen from outside the state needs a valid permit before entry. This includes tourists, students on short visits, business travellers and people visiting friends or relatives.
| Traveller | Needs a Manipur ILP? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident of Manipur | No | Carry proof of residence |
| Indian tourist from another state | Yes | Temporary Permit |
| Business visitor on a short trip | Yes | Temporary Permit, purpose “Business” |
| Frequent visitor with a local sponsor | Yes | Regular Permit |
| Worker or labourer | Yes | Working or Labour Permit |
| Government official on duty | Usually exempt | Confirm with your department |
| Foreign national | No ILP | Protected Area Permit instead |
Government officials on duty are generally treated as exempt, according to travel guides. However, the official portal does not spell this out clearly. Therefore, officials should check with their department before travelling. Similarly, check the child rules on the form when you apply for a family.
How to apply for a Manipur ILP online
The online route takes a few minutes if your documents are ready. Use only the official Manipur ILP portal run by the state government.
- Open the official Manipur ILP portal and choose the option for a new ILP.
- Pick the Instant Aadhaar ILP route, or fill in the standard Temporary Permit form.
- Enter your name, parent’s name, date of birth, gender and home address.
- Select your ID type and enter the ID number.
- Add your email, mobile number, period of stay and place of stay in Manipur.
- Choose the purpose of visit: Tourist, Official, Business or Others.
- Select your entry gate from the drop-down list.
- Accept the conditions on good conduct and submit the form.
- Note the application number sent by SMS, then check the status and pay the fee.
- Download the approved permit and save both digital and printed copies.
The portal says most applications are processed within minutes to hours. Nevertheless, apply at least a few days before you travel. Additionally, the terms require you to report your whereabouts if asked and to leave when officials direct.
Many private websites charge extra “service fees” for the same permit. The official tourist fee is only ₹100, so a much higher quote is a warning sign.
Instant Aadhaar route
The portal recommends the Aadhaar OTP option for Indian citizens with an Aadhaar-linked mobile number. It pulls your details after OTP verification, which speeds up approval. As a result, this is usually the quickest way to get a Manipur ILP.
Documents needed for the Manipur ILP
The document list is short. Still, missing local contact details are a common reason for delays.
| Document or detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo ID | Aadhaar, passport, PAN card or driving licence |
| Aadhaar OTP | Optional, for the instant route |
| Local contact | Name and mobile number of a local resident |
| Place of stay | Full address of your hotel or host in Manipur |
| Contact details | Your own mobile number and email |
| Travel details | Period of stay, purpose of visit and entry gate |
Hotels can usually act as your place of stay. In contrast, the Regular and Special Category permits need a sponsor with their own photo and Aadhaar. Furthermore, carry the same original ID that you used on the form.
Manipur ILP entry gates and counters
The form asks you to choose a gate or entry point. The Temporary Permit form lists the following options in 2026.
| Entry point | How travellers arrive | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Imphal Airport | Flights to Bir Tikendrajit International Airport | ILP counter and 24×7 kiosk |
| Mao | NH-2 from Kohima, Nagaland | Mao Gate counter and kiosk |
| Jiribam | NH-37 from Silchar, Assam, and the railway | Counter and kiosk at Jiribam |
| Jessami | Road from Phek district, Nagaland | Smaller border gate |
| Khongsang, Vangaichungpao, Thingou, Rani Gaidinliu | Railway stations on the Jiribam–Imphal line | Listed as rail entry points |
| Sinjowl and Tamphung | Listed on the form | Check locally before using |
The portal also lists self-service kiosks at Imphal International Airport, Mao Gate and Jiribam Gate. It says they run 24×7 and issue a permit within about three minutes. Meanwhile, ILP counters also operate at Deputy Commissioner offices in the districts.
Reaching the main gates
Kohima to Imphal is roughly 135 km on NH-2, passing through Mao Gate. Jiribam to Imphal is about 220 km on NH-37, a slow hill road. Consequently, most tourists fly into Imphal and pick Imphal Airport as their gate. Passenger rail services on the new line have been limited, so check current trains before choosing a railway gate.
If you are driving from Kohima, you also need a Nagaland ILP for that leg. Each state checks its own permit.
Manipur ILP rules while you travel
Your permit is a legal document, and the guidelines set clear conditions. Keep these points in mind.
- Carry the permit at all times, in print and on your phone.
- Stay within the validity period, because Temporary Permits cannot be renewed.
- Surrender or show the permit at exit points such as the airport or check gates, as the 2022 guidelines require.
- Report your whereabouts if officials ask.
- Do not change your ID between the form and the check.
The 2022 amendment provides for up to one year in prison or a fine of up to ₹1,000 for unauthorised stay. Additionally, it allows for deportation and blacklisting. These penalties apply to overstays and entry without a permit.
Manipur ILP compared with other Northeast permits
Four Northeast states use the ILP system, and each runs its own portal. The table compares the tourist permits in broad terms.
| State | Tourist permit | Typical fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manipur | Temporary Permit, up to 30 days | ₹100 | Not renewable |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Tourist eILP | ₹300 or ₹500 | Separate permits for some border areas |
| Nagaland | Tourist ILP | ₹200 for 30 days | Dimapur added to ILP in 2019 |
| Mizoram | Temporary pass | Nominal fee | Extendable; airport counter at Lengpui |
For step-by-step help in the other states, see our guides to the Arunachal ILP and the Mizoram ILP. Our overview of the inner line permit in Northeast India explains which states need one.
Rules for foreign nationals in Manipur
Foreign nationals do not apply for a Manipur ILP. Instead, the Ministry of Home Affairs reimposed the Protected Area Regime in Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland in December 2024. The regime operates under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958.
It had been relaxed for these three states since 2010. Now, foreign visitors need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) before entry. Visits for business, jobs or study need prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs, according to EastMojo.
| Point | What it means for foreign visitors |
|---|---|
| Permit | Protected Area Permit, not an ILP |
| Reimposed | December 2024 |
| Legal basis | Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958 |
| Tourism | Usually arranged through a registered tour operator |
| Other purposes | Prior MHA approval needed |
PAP rules can change, and some nationalities face extra restrictions. Therefore, foreign travellers should work with a registered operator and confirm the position before booking.
Travel advisory and safety context
Parts of Manipur have seen ethnic violence since May 2023. The state was under President’s Rule from February 2025, and a new elected government took office on 4 February 2026. Conditions differ from district to district.
Therefore, check official advisories before you travel and while you are in the state. Curfews, road blockades, security checks and mobile internet suspensions have occurred at times. Moreover, follow instructions from local police and your hotel. A valid Manipur ILP allows entry, but it does not override local restrictions.
Best time to visit with a Manipur ILP
October to March usually brings the most comfortable weather, with clear skies and cool days. The monsoon, from roughly June to September, brings heavy rain and landslides on NH-2 and NH-37.
Late November is also festival season in Imphal. If you plan to attend the Sangai Festival, apply for your permit early, as demand rises. For seasonal planning across the region, see our guide to the best time to visit Northeast India.
Common Manipur ILP mistakes to avoid
- Quoting old validity: the tourist permit is now up to 30 days, not 15.
- Planning an extension: Temporary Permits cannot be renewed, so choose dates carefully.
- Wrong gate: pick the gate you will actually use.
- No local contact: have your hotel’s name, address and phone ready.
- Paying agents: the official fee is ₹100.
- No printout: networks can fail, so carry paper copies.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Manipur ILP cost for tourists?
The tourist version, called the Temporary Permit, costs ₹100 per person according to the official Manipur ILP portal. It is valid for up to 30 days. Other categories cost more, such as ₹500 for a three-month Regular Permit. Pay only on the official portal or at government counters, and avoid agents who add service charges.
How long is a Manipur ILP valid?
A Temporary Permit for tourists is valid for up to 30 days. A Regular Permit lasts three months, while working permits run for 180 or 360 days. Special Category permits last up to three years. Under the 2022 amended guidelines, Temporary and Regular permits cannot be renewed, so plan your dates before applying.
Can I get a Manipur ILP on arrival?
Yes. ILP counters operate at Imphal Airport, Mao Gate and Jiribam, and at Deputy Commissioner offices. The portal also lists 24×7 self-service kiosks at the airport, Mao Gate and Jiribam Gate. However, queues can build at busy times, so applying online before you travel is the safer choice.
Which ID is accepted for the Manipur ILP?
The online Temporary Permit form accepts Aadhaar, passport, PAN card or driving licence. Aadhaar holders can also use OTP verification for faster approval. You must also give the name and mobile number of a local resident and your place of stay. Carry the same original ID during the trip for checks.
Do children need a Manipur ILP?
Every non-resident Indian citizen entering the state needs a permit, and families should list each member. A 2025 amendment reportedly exempts children under three from the fee, although they still need to be registered. Because this detail comes from secondary summaries, check the current rule on the form or at an ILP counter.
Can foreigners apply for a Manipur ILP?
No. Foreign nationals use a different system. Since December 2024, the Protected Area Regime applies again in Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland, so foreigners need a Protected Area Permit. Tourist PAPs are usually arranged through registered operators. Business, study or job visits need prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Is it safe to travel to Manipur in 2026?
Conditions vary by district and can change quickly. Parts of the state have seen ethnic violence since May 2023, and curfews or internet suspensions have occurred. An elected government took office in February 2026. Check official advisories, follow local police instructions and ask your hotel about road conditions before each journey.
Plan your Manipur permit before you travel
A Manipur ILP is quick to get and costs only ₹100 for tourists. Apply online, choose the right gate and keep copies with you throughout the trip. Foreign visitors should arrange a PAP instead. To see how Manipur fits into the wider region, read our guide to the Seven Sisters of India.
Find more route and permit guides in Permits & Routes or visit the Frontier News homepage.
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