Sikkim Ends Physical Permits, Online Clearance Mandatory

• By Thetripurapost Desk, Gangtok
• Jan 08, 2026
• 799

The Sikkim government has officially discontinued the issuance of physical permits for foreign nationals seeking to visit protected and restricted areas of the state, making online clearance mandatory for all such travellers.

In a formal notification issued by the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, the state government stated that the move follows strict directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The instructions categorically prohibit the issuance of Protected Area Permits (PAP) or Restricted Area Permits (RAP) in physical form under any circumstances.

Under the revised system, foreign tourists are required to apply for the necessary permits exclusively through the e-FRRO portal available on the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration & Tracking (IVFRT) platform. Authorities have stressed that applications must be completed in advance, prior to entering Sikkim.

Officials further clarified that foreign visitors should submit PAP or RAP applications only after arriving in India and must use the official e-FRRO website. Entry into protected or restricted areas without prior online approval will not be allowed.

The Tourism Department has directed all travel agencies and tour operators in Sikkim to immediately inform foreign tourists about the updated procedure. Agencies have also been instructed to assist visitors with the online application process to avoid last-minute delays or disruptions.

Terming the matter urgent, the government has called for wide dissemination of the new guidelines among all stakeholders to ensure seamless compliance and uninterrupted tourism activities in the state.