Sikkim Makes Online Travel Permits Mandatory for Protected Areas, Valid for 30 Days

Digital permits replace physical clearance for foreign tourists

The Government of Sikkim has officially discontinued the issuance of physical travel permits for foreign tourists visiting protected and restricted areas, making online clearance mandatory. In an official communication issued by the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, the state government stated that the move follows strict directions from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Under the revised system, no Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Restricted Area Permit (RAP) will be issued on paper. All foreign visitors are now required to obtain permits digitally before travelling to notified regions within the state.

Once issued, the online permit will be valid for 30 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days at the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) in Gangtok or at designated Superintendent of Police offices.

Popular destinations, including Tsomgo (Changu) Lake in East Sikkim, as well as Yumthang Valley and Zero Point in North Sikkim, will now be accessible only after securing the mandatory online approval. The Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation said the change is intended to streamline the permit process while ensuring stronger security compliance in the sensitive border region.

In a related development, Sikkim Member of Parliament Indra Hang Subba met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to discuss infrastructure priorities in the state, including the restoration of connectivity along the North Sikkim Highway. The route had been severely disrupted by the Teesta flash floods in October 2023, affecting civilian movement and defence logistics to the northern sectors.

While connectivity has been restored through an interim alignment constructed by the Border Roads Organisation between Mangan and Naga, the MP highlighted that the route passes through an active landslide zone and may not be sustainable over the long term. He urged the expeditious approval and implementation of a permanent alternative alignment currently under consideration to ensure safe, reliable and all-weather connectivity in Northern Sikkim.