Sikkim that boasts of natural beauty in abundance has certain entry restrictions as well owing to its proximity with International border at China. All foreign nationals require Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit any part of Sikkim. This permit is also known as Inner Line Permit (ILP).

Standard Permits

The ILP for foreigners is free of charge and a simple procedure. The international travellers need to bring along a passport-sized photograph and photocopies of passport and visa, to obtain this permit. There are checkpoints where travellers can submit these documents and acquire the entry.

Entry Checkpoint at Melli and Rangpo: Here the permits are issues between 8 am to 7.30 pm.

Bagdogra Airport’s Sikkim Tourism Booth: Here the permits are issues between 10 am to 4 pm.

Sikkim House in Kolkata or Delhi: It is open throughout the working hours of the day. The house is shut on bank holidays.

Sikkim Tourist Office in Siliguri: It is open throughout the working hours of the day. The house is shut on bank holidays.

Permit can also be obtained at Pakyong Airport of Sikkim.

In fact, one can also avail entry permits at the Darjeeling but the process at Darjeeling is lengthier and more complex. It is a two-stage process in Darjeeling that involves first visiting the Foreigners’ Registration Office (FRO) with the passport copy and then cross the town to the District Commissioner’s Office (DCO).

Foreign Travellers can obtain 15-day Sikkim permits at the Indian Embassies abroad.

Online Application for Inner Line Permit (ILP)

The Inner Line Permit (ILP) can be obtained by filling up an online application form also. Although it would still be considered as a provisional Inner Line Permit unless travellers get it stamped. This stamp can be obtained at any of the border check posts of Sikkim.

Who can isse Inner Line Permit (ILP)

Inner Line Permit can be issued from either of the following offices:

All Indian Missions Abroad

Ministry of Home Affairs

Foreigners Registration Officers

Immigration Officers at Airports: Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and New Delhi

Deputy Commissioner, Darjeeling

Deputy Secretary / Under Secretary, Home Department, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata

Government of Sikkim

Chief / Home Secretary, Gangtok

Secretary Tourism, Gangtok

I.G.P of Police, Gangtok

Resident Commissioner, Sikkim House, New Delhi