Foreigners need a Protected Area Permit, and Indians need an Inner Line Permit to visit Arunachal Pradesh.
However, I found that the information online about how to get them is mostly outdated, especially for foreigners.
That’s why I’ll share how I got my PAP permit as a solo traveler in 2024 and then I spoke with an Indian official about the best way to get an Inner Line Permit.
Planning a trip to India at some point? Check out my free ebook to help you save time and money, and avoid headaches. After +4 years in India, I’ve made plenty of mistakes, and this guide shares what I’ve learned so you can have a smoother trip.
Understanding the Permits Needed for Arunachal Pradesh
To visit Arunachal Pradesh, you’ll need to secure specific permits due to the sensitive location and security concerns. Here’s a quick overview of the two primary permits required:
Protected Area Permit (PAP)
The Protected Area Permit (PAP) is mandatory for all foreign tourists visiting Arunachal Pradesh. This permit is necessary because the state borders China and has strict regulations for foreign visitors.
The easiest way to get one is through the Ministry of Home Affairs in Delhi or online at the eFRRO site. But you must apply with two or more people to get it online.
If you’re solo traveling or not near Delhi, I’ll show you another way to get your permit.
Tip: Start applying for your permit at least 5 days in advance, as it takes 3 to 4 business days to process. Mine was approved after 24 hours, though.
Inner Line Permit (ILP)
The Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required for Indian citizens who wish to enter Arunachal Pradesh. This permit is designed to regulate movement into protected areas within India.
The easiest way to get the ILP is online or in person at designated offices such as those in Delhi, Guwahati, or even at entry points to the state.
You can get your permit within a day or two for a low cost, so you won’t need to stress about not getting one like a foreigner might.
Now, read the steps below to learn everything you need to know about getting your permits in 2024.
You may want to rent a scooty in Arunachal Pradesh, so read the rules in my post about whether you need a license.
5 Steps to Get a Protected Area Permit for Arunachal Pradesh
1. Determine the Need for a Permit:
Foreigners need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) before going to the Arunachal Pradesh border, so get yours at least a week in advance.
2. Know Where to Apply:
The easiest place to get the permit is online, but you need at least 2 people. You can also get it at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Delhi. Since I was in Guwahati, I looked for a local option and found one at the Arunachal Bhawan building (Address: 5Q75+H2M, Ulubari, Guwahati, Assam 781007).
Here are the numbers the government office gave me. You can message them on WhatsApp to chat with an accredited tour operator to get your permit from anywhere in India.
- +91 6001647378
- +91 7001647378
3. Prepare Necessary Documents:
Bring copies of your passport and visa. These documents are essential for the application.
4. Complete the Application:
I received an application form and a contract via WhatsApp from an official. The contract included an agreement to abide by local regulations.
You can check out the forms here:
- Arunachal Pradesh PAP Permit Application
- Arunachal Pradesh PAP Permit Contract
5. Make the Payment:
As a foreigner, this may be the most challenging part if you’re paying online. The fee for the permit was 4000 rupees. I paid the tour operator 1200 rupees.
Foreigners can’t easily use Google Pay or the UPI. But if you open Google Pay, it’ll direct you to Wise, the service I used.
Wise is great for international transfers because the fees are low and once you’re setup it only takes a minute. For example, I only paid $0.70 to transfer 5200 rupees for this payment.
But you will need first to input your bank info. I suggest setting one up now so you’re ready to go. I’ve used it for other payments as well, like when paying rent for multiple months so I could avoid going to the ATM so often.
Sign up for Wise now.
6. Wait for the Permit:
The processing time is 3-4 business days. I applied on a Friday, expecting the permit by Wednesday, just in time for my trip. It came back in 24 hours though, so I could sleep easy.
Getting to Arunachal Pradesh is a bit tricky, so learn how I’ve gotten around to every Indian state in my full guide.
Steps to Get an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Arunachal Pradesh for Indian Citizens
Getting an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Arunachal Pradesh is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Fill out one of two types of applications
A. Online Application:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to the Arunachal Pradesh eILP Portal.
- Register/Login: Create an account or log in if you already have one.
- Fill Out the Application Form: Provide your personal details, travel itinerary, and upload the necessary documents.
B. In-Person Application:
1. Visit Designated Offices: You can apply at designated offices like Resident Commissioners’ Offices in Delhi, Guwahati, Shillong, Kolkata, and other specified locations.
2. Required Documents
- Photo: Recent color photograph (20KB to 50KB in jpg or jpeg format).
- Identity Proof: Scanned copy of Driving License, Passport, Ration Card, Voter ID Card, Aadhar Card, or Permanent Resident Certificate (20KB to 200KB in jpg, jpeg, or pdf format).
- For Minors: Submit parent’s or guardian’s documents if the applicant is up to 18 years old.
- Digital Locker: Documents can also be submitted from Digilocker.
3. Payment
The ILP fee is generally INR 100 per person. Payment can be made online via the portal.
4. Processing Time
Processing an ILP usually takes 1-2 days if applied in person and up to a week if applied online.
5. Approval and Download
- Approval Notification: Once approved, you’ll receive a notification via email or SMS.
- Download ILP: Log in to the portal to download and print your ILP.
Additional Tips
- Bring +5 copies: Bring at least 5 copies of your permits on your trip because each checkpoint might want to keep them. I brought 3 on my trip to Ziro Valley and that wasn’t enough, I had to stop and get more copies.
- Plan Ahead: Apply for your ILP well before your planned travel dates to avoid last-minute issues.
- Document Accuracy: Ensure all documents are clear and correctly uploaded to prevent delays in processing.
For more detailed information and to start your application, visit the official ILP portal.
You won’t want to go to Arunachal Pradesh during monsoon, so check the best times to visit here and the most popular places in India.