Arunachal Pradesh is a protected border state, which means every visitor — Indian or foreign — needs permission to enter. The good news: the paperwork is simple once you know the process. Here's exactly what's required for a Tawang, Ziro or Mechuka trip.
What is the ILP, and who needs one?
The Inner Line Permit (ILP) is a mandatory travel document for Indian citizens visiting Arunachal Pradesh, required under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation. Foreign nationals need a separate Protected Area Permit (PAP) instead, with additional restrictions. This guide focuses on the ILP for Indian travellers, which covers the vast majority of our Kolkata clients.
How to apply for an ILP
- Apply online through the Arunachal Pradesh government's official ILP portal, or
- Apply offline at designated ILP counters in Guwahati, Kolkata or at entry checkpoints like Bhalukpong.
We handle the online application for every guest booking our Arunachal packages, so you don't need to navigate the portal yourself — you just share your documents and we take care of the rest.
Documents you'll need
| Valid photo ID | Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID or Driving Licence |
| Passport-size photo | Recent, clear photograph |
| Travel dates | Entry and exit dates for your trip |
| Entry point | e.g. Bhalukpong, Nafra, or your specific route |
How long does it take?
Online ILP applications are typically processed within 1–3 working days, though we always recommend applying at least a week before travel to account for any delays. Offline permits at border checkpoints can sometimes be issued the same day, but this isn't guaranteed — don't rely on it for a tight itinerary.
What does the ILP cost?
The government fee is nominal — typically under ₹100 per person for a standard tourist ILP, valid for a set number of days (usually up to 30). Some tour operators bundle a processing fee on top of this; we don't charge extra for it when you book an Arunachal package with us.
Let us handle the paperwork
Send us your ID and travel dates, and we'll get your ILP sorted while you focus on the fun part — planning what to see in Tawang, Ziro and Mechuka.
Get Help on WhatsAppA few things people get wrong
- The ILP is location-specific — make sure it covers every district you plan to visit (Tawang, Lower Subansiri for Ziro, Shi-Yomi for Mechuka are separate districts).
- Carry a physical or downloaded copy — checkpoints don't always have reliable internet to verify an online record.
- It doesn't replace your regular ID — carry your Aadhaar or passport alongside the ILP at all checkpoints.
Once your permit is sorted, our Breathtaking Arunachal package covers the full Tawang circuit — Shergaon, Sangti Valley and Tawang — with the ILP already built into the booking.