Permits
Northeast India for foreign nationals
The foreigner’s permit map: PAP for Arunachal and Sikkim zones, registration in Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur, and free entry in Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura.
The rules
What applies, with sources
Foreign nationals
Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura: no special permits for foreign nationals beyond the Indian visa. Source: Tripura Tourism ↗
Foreign nationals
Arunachal Pradesh: PAP required for foreign nationals. Source: Arunachal Tourism ↗
Foreign nationals
Sikkim: PAP zones apply; Nathula, Gurudongmar and Zuluk not open to foreigners. Source: Sikkim Tourism PAP page ↗
Foreign nationals
Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur: state permit/registration systems apply; verify current rules. Source: Nagaland ILP portal ↗
Detail
The full picture
For foreign passport-holders the Northeast splits three ways. Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura: no permits beyond your standard Indian visa. Arunachal Pradesh and the protected zones of Sikkim: Protected Area Permits with real lead times and route restrictions. Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur: state permit or registration systems apply, with details that change; verify each state’s official portal.
Within Sikkim the current PAP rules permit foreigners at Tsomgo Lake and the Lachen-Lachung-Yumthang-Thangu valleys, but Nathula, Gurudongmar and Zuluk are not open to foreign tourists. In Arunachal, PAP routes and durations are specified on the permit itself.
Quick answers
Permit FAQs
Which is the easiest Northeast state for foreigners?
Meghalaya or Tripura: minimal formalities, big scenery.
How early should I apply for the Arunachal PAP?
Weeks, not days: PAP lead times are real and routes are specified on the permit.
Plan it
Permits handled, honestly
Every trip we run includes permit handling: you upload ID details, we run the paperwork, and we flag it immediately when a rule changes.
Rules verified 2026-09-26 against official portals · Permit rules change: confirm on the official portal before travel.