Nagaland ILP 2026: How to Apply Online, Fees and Validity
The Nagaland ILP (Inner Line Permit) is a mandatory entry pass for Indian citizens from other states who want to visit Nagaland. A domestic tourist permit costs ₹200 and is valid for 30 days. You can apply online through the official Nagaland ILP portal, and each traveller must apply individually.
The rules cover the whole state, including Dimapur, which was brought under the system in December 2019. Consequently, you need a valid permit even if your trip starts at Dimapur’s airport or railway station. This guide explains fees, documents, application steps and tips for festival season.
Key takeaways
- Indian tourists from outside Nagaland need a Nagaland ILP.
- The domestic tourist fee is ₹200 and the permit lasts 30 days.
- Apply online on the official Nagaland ILP portal; group applications are not accepted.
- Nagaland House offices in Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and Shillong can also help.
- Dimapur has been under the ILP system since December 2019.
What is the Nagaland ILP?
The Nagaland ILP is issued under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873. It regulates the entry of non-indigenous people into the state. The system protects local communities, their land and their customary laws.
For travellers, the key point is simple: carry a valid permit whenever you are in the state. Police can check it at entry points and at other locations. For a comparison with other states, see our full inner line permit guide.
Nagaland ILP fees and validity
The official portal lists several permit categories. Most visitors need the domestic tourist permit, which is the cheapest category.
| Category | Fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic (tourist) | ₹200 | 30 days |
| Trader | ₹300 / ₹1,000 | 90 days / 1 year |
| Labourer | ₹300 | 165 days |
| Professional | ₹1,000 | 1 year |
| Student | Free | Up to 5 years or course duration |
| Teacher | ₹1,500 | 3 years |
Additional payment-gateway charges may apply at checkout. Furthermore, fees can change, so confirm the amount on the portal.
Who needs a Nagaland ILP?
| Visitor | ILP needed? |
|---|---|
| Indian citizen from another state | Yes |
| Permanent resident of Nagaland | No |
| Foreign national | No ILP; a Protected Area Permit (PAP) is required since December 2024 |
Foreign nationals do not need an ILP. However, the Centre reimposed the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime in Nagaland in December 2024. Foreigners therefore need a PAP, usually arranged through a registered tour operator. They must also register with the local police after arrival, and some nationalities face extra restrictions.
How to apply for the Nagaland ILP online
- Open the official state ILP portal.
- Choose Apply New ILP and select the domestic category.
- Enter your personal details exactly as on your ID.
- Add your travel dates and planned places of visit.
- Upload a recent photograph and a valid photo ID.
- Pay the ₹200 fee online.
- Download the approved permit and keep digital and printed copies.
Each traveller must submit a separate application. Therefore, families and groups should prepare everyone’s documents before starting.
Documents for the Nagaland ILP
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Photo ID | Aadhaar, voter ID, passport or driving licence |
| Photograph | Recent passport-size photo |
| Contact details | Valid mobile number and email |
| Travel plan | Entry date, duration and places to visit |
Keep the same ID with you while travelling. Moreover, carry a couple of spare photographs in case you need to apply offline.
Applying offline at Nagaland House
If you cannot apply online, Nagaland House offices can help. They are located in New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and Shillong. Bring your ID, photographs and a completed application form. Processing times vary, so visit well before your travel date.
Entry points into Nagaland
| Entry point | Common route |
|---|---|
| Dimapur (airport and railway) | Main gateway for most visitors |
| Road from Assam via Dimapur | Guwahati–Dimapur–Kohima |
| Road from Manipur | Imphal–Kohima highway |
Checks can happen at the airport, railway station, highway check gates and inside the state.
Nagaland ILP for the Hornbill Festival
December is the busiest month for permit applications. The Hornbill Festival runs from 1 to 10 December at Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima. Thousands of visitors apply in the weeks before.
- Apply early, ideally in November.
- Check your dates so the 30-day validity covers the whole trip.
- Carry printouts, because mobile data can be slow in crowded areas.
Common Nagaland ILP mistakes
- Applying as a group. Each person needs a separate permit.
- Assuming Dimapur is exempt. It has been under the ILP system since 2019.
- Letting the permit expire. The domestic permit lasts 30 days only.
- Using unofficial websites. Stick to the official portal to avoid extra charges.
If your trip also includes Arunachal Pradesh, read our Arunachal ILP guide. To plan your season, see the best time to visit Northeast India.
Popular places that need a Nagaland ILP
| Destination | Why people visit | Distance from Kohima (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Kohima | Capital, War Cemetery, markets | — |
| Kisama | Hornbill Festival venue, morungs | About 12 km |
| Khonoma | Green village, terraced fields | About 20 km |
| Dzukou Valley | Trek to a high green valley | Trailheads near Viswema and Zakhama |
| Dimapur | Gateway city, Kachari ruins | About 70 km |
| Mokokchung | Ao Naga heartland | A long day’s drive |
| Mon | Konyak villages | Far north-east of the state |
One permit covers the whole state, so you do not need separate permits for different districts.
How to check or reprint your Nagaland ILP
If you lose the PDF, go back to the official portal. Use the option to check status or download your permit. Enter your application details to reprint it. Additionally, email the PDF to yourself so you can access it from any device.
Nagaland ILP and the Kohima–Imphal route
Many travellers continue from Kohima to Imphal. In that case, you need permits for both Nagaland and Manipur. Apply for both before you leave, because each state checks its own permit at entry.
What to do at a Nagaland check gate
Checks are usually quick if your papers are in order. Keep these ready in one folder or pouch:
- A printed copy of the permit for every traveller
- The original photo ID used in the application
- Your hotel or homestay booking details
- A phone copy of the permit as a backup
Officials may note your details or ask about your plans. Answer simply and politely. If you are travelling by shared taxi, keep the documents in your day bag rather than in the luggage on the roof.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Nagaland ILP fee?
The Nagaland ILP fee for domestic tourists is ₹200. Payment-gateway charges may be added at checkout.
How long is the Nagaland ILP valid?
The domestic tourist Nagaland ILP is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
Can I apply for the Nagaland ILP online?
Yes. Apply on the official Nagaland ILP portal. Each traveller must submit a separate application, as group applications are not accepted.
Do I need an ILP for Dimapur?
Yes. Dimapur was brought under the Nagaland ILP system in December 2019, so visitors need a valid permit there too.
Do foreigners need a Nagaland ILP?
Foreign nationals do not need an ILP. However, since December 2024 they need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for Nagaland, usually arranged through a registered tour operator. They must also register with the local police after arriving.
Where can I get a Nagaland ILP offline?
Nagaland House offices in New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and Shillong can help with applications.
Do I need a Nagaland ILP for the Hornbill Festival?
Yes. Indian visitors need a valid Nagaland ILP to attend the Hornbill Festival at Kisama near Kohima.
Sort your Nagaland ILP first
The permit is quick and inexpensive, and it takes only a few minutes online. Apply early, check that the 30 days cover your trip and carry printed copies. Then you are free to enjoy Kohima, Khonoma, Dzukou Valley and the Hornbill Festival without worry.
Browse more permit guides in Permits & Routes, read about the region’s Seven Sisters, or visit the Frontier News homepage.
Related guides
More in Permits & Routes →
Permits & Routes
Arunachal ILP 2026: How to Apply Online, Fees and Documents
Permits & Routes