How Many States Do You Need To Take The Permit To Stay & Travel, Even For Indians?

In India, every Indian citizen can stay and travel, and foreigners also have access to travel in India. But in India, there are some states which come under the PROTECTED AND RESTRICTED AREAS. So, do you know how many states you need to take the permit to stay & travel in, even for Indians?

There are nine states, which are Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand.

Among these 9 states, states are wholly protected and restricted areas, and the other 5 states are partially, which means some part of the states comes under the Protected and Restricted Areas.

To enter these fully protected and restricted areas, you need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) in some states, while in the other five states, you need to take a Protected Area Permit (PAP)/Restricted Area permit.

Let’s explore this article in detail and learn all about these 9 states which come under the Protected and Restricted Areas & you need to take a permit to stay & travel, even for Indians

How Many States Do You Need To Take The Permit To Stay & Travel, Even For Indians?

There are 9 states for which you all need a permit to stay and travel, even for Indians.

These states are:

As per the instructions issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on 30.12.2010,

“The entire area of the States of Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland has been excluded from the Protected Area regime notified under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order 1958, initially for a period of one year w.e.f. 1.1.2011, which has been extended from time to time. This relaxation has been extended till 31.12.2022 subject to the following conditions:- 

(i) Citizens of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan and foreign nationals having their origin in these countries would continue to require prior approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs before their visit to the States of Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland. 

(ii) All foreigners visiting these States will register themselves with the Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) of the State/District they visit within 24 hours of their arrival.

Myanmar nationals visiting the States of Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland are also excluded from the requirement of obtaining a Protected Area Permit till 31.12.2022 subject to the following conditions:- 

(i) All such Myanmar nationals shall obtain a visa from the Indian Missions/ Posts abroad or e-Tourist Visa facility which has been made available to the nationals of Myanmar under the existing procedure. 

(ii) All such Myanmar nationals shall have to compulsorily register themselves with the Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) of the State/ District they visit within 24 hours of their arrival. No such registration would be required if the Myanmar nationals are only passing through the State by road with no intention of staying in that particular State. ”

What Is an Inner Line Permit?

An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is an official travel document that regulates the entry of Indian citizens from outside a particular state into designated areas.

The system originated from the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873. Today, it is primarily intended to regulate movement and help protect the interests, culture and customary rights of indigenous communities in sensitive border regions.

Which States Require an ILP?

As of 2026, the states commonly associated with the ILP system for Indian visitors are:

1. Arunachal Pradesh: ILP required for visitors from outside the state

2. Manipur: ILP required for Indian citizens visiting the state

3. Mizoram: ILP required for visitors from outside the state

4. Nagaland: ILP required for Indian citizens who are not indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland

States/Areas Where Special Permission May ApplyILP vs Protected Area Permit: What's the Difference?