What Is the Inner Line Permit?
The Inner Line Permit (ILP) is a travel document required for Indian nationals to enter certain protected states of Northeast India. The system was introduced by the British in 1873 to protect tribal populations from outside encroachment into their lands.
Currently, four Northeast Indian states require an ILP for Indian nationals:
**Arunachal Pradesh****Nagaland****Mizoram****Manipur** (ILP requirement added in 2020)Foreign nationals require a different document — a Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Restricted Area Permit (RAP) — applied through the Ministry of Home Affairs or registered travel agents. Foreign nationals also cannot visit certain border areas even with a PAP.
Meghalaya, Assam, Sikkim, Tripura, and Meghalaya do NOT require an ILP for Indian nationals.
Arunachal Pradesh ILP
Who Needs It
All Indian nationals who are not residents of Arunachal Pradesh.
Where to Apply
Online:: The official Arunachal Pradesh ILP portal (itanagar.nic.in/e-ilp) — the fastest and easiest methodIn person:: At Arunachal Bhavan offices in Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, and major citiesAt border checkpoints:: Sometimes available at Bhalukpong/Balipara (border entry from Assam), but not guaranteedDocuments Required
Valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, or driving licence)Passport-size photographApplication form (available online)
Northeast India permit regions
Fee & Validity
Free for Indian nationals: Validity:: 15 days (extendable inside Arunachal)Processing time:: Online applications are usually approved within minutes to a few hoursTips
Apply at least 1–2 days before travel to have a printed copy readyCarry the original printed ILP plus your ID — digital copies on phone may not be accepted at all checkpointsThe ILP must specify the districts you intend to visit — include all potential districtsNagaland ILP
Who Needs It
All Indian nationals who are not residents of Nagaland.
Where to Apply
Online:: Nagaland ILP online portal (ilp.nagaland.gov.in)In person:: At Nagaland House offices in Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, JorhatDocuments Required
Same as Arunachal (valid ID + photograph)
Fee & Validity
Fee:: ₹20 for Indian nationalsValidity:: 30 days (extendable)Key Note
The ILP does not permit entry into all areas of Nagaland — some border and restricted villages require additional permissions from district administration.
Mizoram ILP
Who Needs It
All Indian nationals who are not residents of Mizoram.
Arunachal Pradesh border
Where to Apply
Online:: mizoramtourism.org/ilp or through the Home Department portalIn person:: At Mizoram Houses in major cities or at the Vairengte border (Assam-Mizoram)Fee & Validity
Fee:: ₹30 for Indian nationalsValidity:: 15 days (extendable)Manipur ILP
Since 2020, Manipur requires an ILP. Apply through the official Manipur government portal or at entry points from Assam (Jiribam) and Nagaland.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
**Not printing the permit.** At checkpoints, officers may not accept digital/phone copies. Print your ILP.**Wrong district listed.** If you plan to visit both Tawang and Ziro in Arunachal, make sure both West Kameng and Lower Subansiri districts are on your ILP.**No ID match.** The name on your ILP must exactly match your ID. Discrepancies cause problems at checkpoints.**Assuming the permit works everywhere.** Even within ILP states, some border areas (like Bumla Pass near Tawang) require additional military permission.**Not extending when needed.** If your trip runs longer, get the ILP extended at the local deputy commissioner's office — overstaying is a legal issue.For Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for Arunachal, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and parts of Sikkim. This requires:
Application to the Ministry of Home Affairs (through a registered travel agent or directly)Group of minimum 2 persons for most permitsPrior approval can take 4–6 weeksSome border areas are entirely off-limits regardless of permitOur Recommendation
If you're planning any ILP-required state as part of a Northeast India trip, apply online 2–3 days before travel to have all permits in order and printed. Keep digital backups as well.
Meghalaya Cabs assists travelers with ILP guidance and can coordinate permit applications for Arunachal Pradesh as part of our Northeast India packages. WhatsApp us for permit advice and travel planning.
