All areas falling close to the international border of the Indian states have been declared to be either Protected Areas or Restricted Areas. A number of specific tourist circuits can be visited by foreign tourists in groups of four or more, or as couples or individuals, once the necessary permission from the Indian government has been obtained. Specific requirements may vary from one area to another. The government has made continued efforts over many decades to regulate movement to certain sensitive areas due to concerns over national security and to ensure the protection of foreign tourists and indigenous cultures alike.
The Foreigners (Protected Areas) Act established in 1958 requires all foreigners to obtain a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit certain protected areas in India, as well as Indian citizens who are not resident in these areas requiring an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to do so.
In addition, the Foreigners (Restricted Areas) Order 1968 states that a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is required for all foreign nationals who plan to visit areas defined as restricted in India.
These permits are predominantly issued to tourists. However, in the event of business travels or employment of foreign nationals in these areas, special permits must be obtained which allows them to conduct business or work related activities. Also, in cases where a foreign national is employed in a different location in India and wishes to visit the restricted or protected area, a PAP or RAP will have to be applied for.
Areas for which a PAP is required
Travel to any part of Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Mizoram requires a PAP, as does travel to specific areas of:
Sikkim
Himachal Pradesh
Jammu and Kashmir
Rajasthan
Uttarakhand
Areas for which a RAP is required
Travel to any part of both Andaman and Nicobar requires a RAP, as does travel to specific areas of:
Sikkim
A foreign national is not normally allowed to enter or stay in a protected or restricted area unless an application justifying the need for a visit has been approved by the Indian government prior to travel. Every foreign national who wishes to do so, except a citizen of Bhutan, is required to obtain a special permit from a competent authority delegated with powers by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), such as an Indian Mission abroad or a local Foreigners Regional Registration Office or Foreigners Registration Office in India. In cases where these powers have not been delegated to any subordinate authority, the application for a permit will be referred to the MHA for prior approval. An application for a PAP or RAP must be made at least four to eight weeks before the date of the expected visit.
Applications by citizens of Afghanistan, China, Pakistan and foreign nationals of Pakistani origin, will not be granted without mandatory clearances and approval by the MHA.
As an exception, permits for foreign diplomats and members of the United Nations or international organisations holding diplomatic or official passports are issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Points to remember
A PAP or RAP is valid for tourist groups consisting of two or more travellers. A permit for an individual is issued post review and consultation with the MHA.
A permit cannot be extended under any circumstances.
A permit is valid for a specific tourist circuit or route and for specific entry and exit points. No area other than that indicated on the permit can be visited.
The permit holder must keep sufficient numbers of photocopies of the permit as they may be required to submit a copy at each point of entry or exit.
The permit holder must not stay in the restricted or protected area after the expiry of the permit.
A foreigner must enter and exit the north eastern states by air only.
A foreigner may travel within the north eastern states by road or by air. While travelling by road, the route should largely make use of the National Highways. Where places to be visited are situated on a National Highway, no other road should be utilised. Those places not on a National Highway should be visited in a way which restricts the taking of other roads to an absolute minimum.
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