Permits for Arunachal Pradesh are a prerequisite if you are planning to visit the state. The tourism department of Arunachal Pradesh has identified 12 circuits for tourism in the state and for each of these, a permit is mandatory. Among these, there are certain other regions that require additional special permissions.
Arunachal Pradesh is very close to the international border. Therefore, one needs special permission to enter the state. Any person who is not a resident of the state of Arunachal Pradesh is required to have a permit to visit Arunachal Pradesh. Indian citizens need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) and foreign nationals need a Protected Areas Permit (PAP) for the same.
Blessed with a wide variety of flora and fauna, Arunachal has a lot to offer to nature lovers and travellers. By procuring the legit permits for Arunachal Pradesh, you will be able to explore the beauty this region has to offer.
Arunachal Pradesh literally translates to ‘land of the dawn-lit mountains. The history of Arunachal Pradesh dates back thousands of years. The state is also finds mentioned in a number of Hindu mythological texts including the epic Mahabharata.
Permits for Arunachal Pradesh
Due to the strategic location, certain states in North East India need travellers to obtain travel permits. The permit regime is different for different states. For example, for the state of Sikkim, visitors need permits for only some protected parts of the state, while for Arunachal, permits are needed for the entire state.
As a traveller to the lovely state of Arunachal Pradesh, you should be aware of the various permits that you will be needing to enter and explore the state. Having prior knowledge will help you understand things better.
Let me share the important aspects of the permits for Arunachal that you most certainly should know as a visitor to the region.
| Required by
Everyone except residents of Arunachal Pradesh. ILP or Inner Line Permit is needed for Indian Citizens PAP or Protected Areas Permit is needed for Foreign Nationals |
| Validity
15 Days for ILP 30 Days for PAP |
| Fee
100 INR for ILP 30 USD for PAP |
| Mode of Application
Online and Offline for ILP Offline for PAP |
| Documents and IDs required
For ILP, one needs – Passport size photographs, Identity proof (Pan Card/Aadhaar Card/Voter ID) For PAP, one needs – Passport, Visa, Passport size photographs and Flight Tickets |
| Extension of ILP Arunachal Pradesh
ILP can be extended from any tourism or government office by the Resident Commissioner. |
| Extension of PAP Arunachal Pradesh
PAP cannot be extended under any circumstance. |
Why does Arunachal Pradesh Expect Travelers to have Permits?
Arunachal Pradesh is bounded by international borders. With Bhutan in the west, China on the north & north-east and Myanmar on the east, the state shares a major portion of its boundary with its neighbours.
This makes the location of the state strategic and sensitive. Therefore, a permit is required by non-residents to enter the state.
Permits Needed for Indian Citizens in Arunachal Pradesh
All domestic travellers are required to obtain permits for Arunachal Pradesh. It is called an Inner Line Permit or ILP. This permit is somewhat similar to the inner line permit needed for entering union territory of Ladakh and the state of Nagaland.
Once you have the permit for Arunachal, you can enter the state through any of the entry points. Indian citizens can obtain inner line permit for Arunachal Pradesh either online or offline or upon arrival.
How to Apply Online for ILP Arunachal Pradesh?
You can apply for an Inner Line Permit for Arunachal Pradesh online. The price for ILP is 100 INR for solo travellers and 100 INR per person for group travellers.
You can also apply for an instant ILP online for 400 INR. You will get it within a few hours.
Steps for Application
The detailed steps for applying for an ILP for Arunachal Pradesh are as follows –
Step 1Fill out the form and make sure that you have filled in the correct information. The email address will be verified and you will receive an email with your login information. When applying, you can select any of the processing offices. Pick the one that is more convenient to you. You are also required to select the district through which you will enter Arunachal Pradesh. You can select multiple (or all) districts Also, fill out your date of visit and return, other personal details and address. You need to mention a ‘local reference’ as well. This reference does not necessarily have to be a resident of Arunachal Pradesh. It can be anyone you know. |
Step 2After filling up the details, scan and upload the documents for identity proof and passport size picture. Although you can upload any identity proof, try and upload the one which also has our address, for example, Aadhar, Driving Licence, Voter ID etc. An SMS alert of your application ID is sent to your registered mobile number. |
Step 3Submit the application. The concerned authority will process the application. You can check the status through the “Check Status” Button |
Step 4Once the application is approved, go to the “Payment” link and pay for the permit. After a successful verification and online payment, an ILP code will be generated. |
Step 5Post-approval of payment, a “Print” link will be activated. Take a printout and carry all original documents with the permit to be verified at the entrance gate. |
In recent years, Arunachal Pradesh has made the process for obtaining permits easy. So don’t worry about it much. Just follow the correct steps and you will have a legit permit with you to explore the region.
Arunachal Pradesh is a gorgeous state with a rustic landscape and green environment. Obtaining the right permits will ensure that you don’t miss out on any lovely locale. Furthermore, with the correct documents, the permit can be obtained easily. This shot was clicked on the way to Tenga Valley, an offbeat destination in Arunachal Pradesh.
Time Required for Obtaining the Online ILP for Arunachal Pradesh
It takes not more than 24 hours for the ILP application to be processed. Sometimes it may delay, but not for more than a few days.
After you upload the documents, it may take another 24 hours for processing. They will either accept or reject your application. If it is accepted, you need to pay the amount online, after which you can download your ILP Arunachal Pradesh without a delay.
If your application is rejected, you can reapply instantly. Just rectify the cause of the rejection mentioned.
How to Apply Offline for ILP Arunachal Pradesh
Indian citizens can also apply for permits for Arunachal Pradesh offline, in addition to the online mode.
There are many options for you to get the ILP offline.
Let me share them with you below.
Option 1: At major cities and cities of Assam near ArunachalAn ILP Arunachal Pradesh can be issued by the authorities of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh at offices situated in these places: Delhi Kolkata Guwahati Shillong Tezpur Dibrugarh North Lakhimpur Jorhat |
Option 2: At the Guwahati AirportYou can apply for ILP at Arunachal Pradesh tourism counter at Guwahati airport. You can get one easily and within an hour by showing the relevant documents. |
Option 3: At Facilitation CentresYou can also get your ILP Arunachal Pradesh at these Facilitation Centers – Guwahati Asom Paryatan Bhawan near Nepali Mandir Guwahati LGBI Airport (mentioned above) Naharlagun Railway Station Gumto railway station Visit the facilitation centres with your documents and passport size pictures, and apply for the ILP Arunachal Pradesh as directed. |
Option 4: from DC officesYou can also get the ILP Arunachal Pradesh from the office of all the Deputy Commissioners of 16 Districts of the state. |
Time Required for Obtaining the Offline ILP
It takes about one day from the time of application to get the Permit, except the holidays of course. Try to apply for the permit in the morning by 12 pm. A lot of offices do not accept the applications after lunch.
Arunachal Pradesh is not just home to beautiful views, but also to a host of endangered species of birds. All you need to do is keep your eyes open at all points, and be alert. For bird-lovers and photographers, this place is a treasure trove!
Permits Needed for Foreign Nationals in Arunachal Pradesh
Foreign Nationals also need permits for Arunachal Pradesh. Foreigners to obtain a Protected Areas Permit or PAP in order to visit the state. This is similar to the PAP needed by foreign nationals to visit the union territory of Ladakh.
However, visitors from China and Pakistan cannot obtain a PAP for Arunachal Pradesh.
Documents RequiredA copy of your passport A copy of your Indian visa and entry stamp Flight Tickets |
FeeAbout 3500 INR ($50) |
Duration30 days (cannot be extended) |
The time needed to get a PAP Arunachal Pradesh2-5 Days |
You cannot obtain a PAP for Arunachal Pradesh online. You have to apply for it offline. There are a number of ways to obtain a PAP for Arunachal Pradesh.
The two most convenient ways of getting the PAP are through a travel agent or by visiting the office in Guwahati. Applying for a PAP Arunachal Pradesh through a travel agent in Guwahati is the easiest. However, it will be a little more expensive.
Alternately, you can also apply for the Permit at the Deputy Resident Commissioner Office of Arunachal Pradesh in Guwahati.
The office is located on G.S. Road, near the Indian Oil Petrol Pump. You can visit the office from Monday to Friday and apply for permits up to 2 pm on these days.
You need to fill up a form that asks basic personal details, passport number, visa number, etc. Carry with you some copies of your passport, visa, etc. You also need to fill up your date of visiting Arunachal Pradesh and the places you intend to cover.
The PAP Arunachal Pradesh is valid for a maximum of 30 days starting from the date of entry. It takes about 2-5 business days for the process to complete. Until then, you can explore Guwahati and stay at one of the guesthouses there.
Foreigners can also apply for PAP Arunachal Pradesh along with their e-Visa.
The beautiful tea gardens in Arunachal Pradesh. If you do visit the state, make it a point to explore the tea plantations. You could take part in the picking process, take back packets of tea home, or simply enjoy a cup of delicious tea with views like these.
Can Solo Travelers Apply for a PAP Arunachal Pradesh?
Starting 2014, the Government of India has allowed solo foreign nationals to travel to Tawang, Dirang, Bomdila and Ziro Valley.
In this case, the best place to apply for permits for Arunachal Pradesh is the Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Resident Commissioner’s Office in Kolkata or Guwahati. Only these two places have the authority to issue PAPs to solo foreign travellers. The processing time is 2-5 business days.
If as a solo traveller, you also wish to travel to other places in Arunachal Pradesh, try to find fellow travellers beforehand so you can join their group at least for the application process. Later you can travel and explore on your own.
You can find groups either online through the travel forums like TripAdvisor or Thorn tree by Lonely Planet. Otherwise, you can have a registered travel agent have you listed with a group. He will also take care of all the application process for PAP in Arunachal Pradesh.
In this case, you can send your travel documents by email to the agent at Guwahati in advance.
Additional Permits
The ILP entitles you to travel everywhere in Arunachal Pradesh as mentioned on the permit, except a few places near India-China Border or India-Myanmar Border. For visiting these places, additional permits will be required.
These places are as follows –
BumLa Pass and Pankangteng Tso (PTSO) LakeIf you are wanting to visit the Bumla Pass and PTSO Lake in Tawang District, you need a special permit is from SDM/DC office, Tawang and Army Brigadier Office. It may take up to 24 hours for processing. The pass is valid for one day only. Hire a local taxi for the journey because local taxi unions do not allow any other vehicles in the area. In order to get the permit, visit the DC office at Tawang along with your Documents including passport, ID proof, passport photographs, copies of your Inner Line Permit, details of the vehicle. It takes about 3-5 hours to obtain permission. After this, get the paper signed by military officials at War Memorial. Submit the papers by 6.30 pm, and you can collect them by 8 pm on the same day or the next day morning. |
Kibithoo VillageKibithoo is a beautiful little village located in the easternmost part of India on the LAC or Line of Actual Control. It is located in District Anjaw. ILP Arunachal Pradesh allows you to travel up to Walong. You need another permit to travel beyond Walong. It can be obtained from the Commanding Officer of the Indian Army at Walong. |
Pangsau PassLocated in District Changlang, the Pangasu Pass lies on the India-Myanmar border. It is host to the Pangsau Pass Winter Festival, celebrating the tribes and culture of Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar. Your ILP Arunachal Pradesh will be sufficient enough to reach Nampong Village. You need permission to reach the Pangsau pass which is 12 km away from Nampong village. You can get this permission from the Sub Divisional Officer, Nampong. Take 3 copies of this permission. Keep one with you, submit one to the Post Commander, Assam Rifles and the last one to the Post Commander, Myanmar Army at Pangsau Pass. |
I hope that my blog helps you in understanding the permits for Arunachal Pradesh with absolute clarity. If you have any concerns, feel free to post them in the comments section.
Arunachal Pradesh is one of the least visited states of India. Most people evade it because they falsely believe that permits for Arunachal Pradesh are tedious to obtain.
I assure you that Arunachal Pradesh has made the process of obtaining the permits very easy.
So, the next chance you get, go and explore this beautiful and unexplored beauty.
Happy Wayfaring 🙂
