Restricted & Protected Areas

Certain parts of the country need special entry permits before they can be visited.
Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland : These Sates/Union Territories have been designated as protected areas and foreigners cannot enter these areas without special permits. These permits are issued by the Under-Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Foreigner Division, Lok Nayak Bhavan, Khan Market, New Delhi –110003 at least 4 weeks before the date of the expected visit in some instance by Indian Mission, consulates near your home. Advisable to check before leaving.

Sikkim: Certain areas of Sikkim like Gangtok, Rumtek and Phodang and Zongri in West Sikkim and Pamayangtse have been excluded from the inner line and declared as Restricted Areas. Individual tourists are permitted to visit Gangtok, Rumtek and Phodang. Group tourists are permitted to visit Zongri and Pamayangtse. The duration of stay has been raised from 7 to 15 days. Permits can be issued by all Indian missions abroad, all FRRO-Immigration officers at Airports at Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai and New Delhi Chief Secretary, Govt. of Sikkim, Secretary, Hotel Department Govt. of Sikkim, L.G. Police, Govt. of Sikkim, Siliguri, Dy. Director Tourism, Government of Sikkim, New Delhi, Resident Commissioner, Govt. of Sikkim, New Delhi Calcutta, Dy Commissioner of Darjeeling and Dy. Secretary, Home department, Govt. Of West Bengal.

Manipur: Manipur has also been opened to foreign tourists, permits can be issued by all missions abroad, all FRRO, Home Commissioner, Manipur, Imphal. The duration of stay has been raised from 3 to 5 days.

Pakistan : Presently visitors from many countries (except diplomats) are not allowed to cross India - Pakistan Border, ex India.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Individual foreign tourists can visit Port Blair municipal area, Havelock Island, Long Island, Neil Island, Mayabunder, Diglipur, Rangat, where a night halt is allowed and Jolly Buoy, South Cinque, Red Skin, Mount Harriet, Madhurban where only day visits are allowed. Prior permit is necessary. Individual tourists are permitted 30 days allowed.

Lakshadweep Island: Of this only Bangaram, Agatti and Suheli Islands are open to foreign tourists. Permits are required, obtainable from the Lakshadeep Administration, Wellington Island, Harbour Road, Cochin-3. However foreign tourists traveling in organised groups may obtain permits in advance from the administrator at Cochin through a recognized Travel Agent / Tour Operator.