Restricted & Protected Areas

In addition to entry visas, special permits may be required to visit certain areas of the country. Areas such as North Eastern Frontier States of Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, border areas of Jammu & Kashmir, certain areas of Uttar Predesh and Rajastan, Union Territories of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep are out of bound for foreign nationals. If you plan to visit any of these areas, apply for a permit well in advance, at least four weeks in advance at:

The Under Secretary,
Ministry of Home Affairs,
Foreigners Division,
Lok Nayak Bhavan, Khan Market,
New Delhi 110 003

Nagaland

In order to promote tourism in the North-eastern region, the Government of India has decided to allow foreign tourists to visit Nagaland. Until recently the entire state of Nagaland was a restricted area. However the Government of India has decided to allow foreign tourists to visit the destricts of Dimapur, Kohima, Mokokchong and Wokha for a maximum period of 10 days and in a group of 4 or more. this restriction of group is not valid for married couples.

In addition to Ministry of Home Affairs, these permits are issued by:

Directorate of Tourism,
Nagaland, Kohima
Phone- +91 (370) 21607/ 22214/ 21945

and

Secretary,
Tourism, Nagaland, Kohima
Tele-Fax- +91 (370) 33067

Assam

In Assam Kaziranga National Park, Manas Bird Sanctuary, Guwahati City and Kamakhya Temple, Sibsagar, jatinga Bird Sanctuary are restricted areas. 10 days stay is allowed but individual tourist is not permitted. Permits can be obtained from Ministry of Home Affairs, all FRROs and Indian missions.

Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram

These States have been designated as protected areas and foreigners can not enter these areas without special permits. These permits are issued by:

the Under Secretary,
Ministry of Home Affairs, Foreigners Division,
Lok Nayak Bhavan, Khan Market,
New Delhi 110 003

at least 4 weeks before the date of the expected visit.

Sikkim

Certain areas of Sikkim like Gangtok, Rumtek, Phodang and Zongri in West Sikkim and Pamayangtse have been declared as restricted areas. Individual tourist is permitted to visit Gangtok, Rumtek and Phodang. Tourists are permitted to visit Zongri and Pamayangtse. The duration of stay has been raised from 7 to 15 days.

In addition to Ministry of Home Affairs, permits are issued at all Indian Missions abroad, all FRROs, Immigration Officers at Airports at Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai and New Delhi.

Manipur

Manipur has also been opened to foreign tourists.To visit Loktak Lake, Imphal, Moirang, Keibul Deer Sanctuary and Waithe Lake, permits can be obtained from all Indian Missions abroad, all FRROs and Home Commissioner, Manipur, Imphal. The duration of stay has been raised from 3 to 5 days.

Meghalaya

The government of India has decided to allow foreign tourists to visit Shillong, Barapani, Cherrapunji, Mawsynram, Jakern, Ranikor, Thadlaskein, Nartiang, Tura and Siju. Individual tourist is not permitted and a stay of 10 days is allowed. Permits are issued at all FRROs, Indian Missions abroad, Ministry of Home Affairs and by the Home Commissioner of Meghalaya.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Individual foreign tourists can visit Port Blair Municipal Area, Havelock Island, Long Island, Neil Island, Mayabunder, Diglipur, Rangat, where a night halt is allowed and Jolly Buoy, South Cinque, Red Skin, Mount Harriet, Madhuban where only day visits are allowed. Prior permit is necessary. Permits are issued at all FRROs, Indian Missions abroad and by the Immigration Officer, Port Blair.

Lakshadweep Islands

Only Bangaram and Subeli Islands are open to foreign tourists. Permits are required and obtainable from the

Lakshadweep Administration,
Wellington Island,
Harbour Road, Kochi.

Himachal Pradesh

Poo-Khab-Sumdho-Dhankar-Tabo, Gompa-Kaza and orang-Dabling in Himachal Pradesh are protected areas. Individual tourist is not permitted to visit.

Kashmir

Tourists can visit the following areas provided they obtain special permits. Ministry of Home Affairs and District Magistrates of concerned districts issue the special permits.

Individual tourists are not permitted. Tourist groups are to travel on the identified tour circuits only. Groups should consist of 4 to 20 persons and should be accompanied by a liaison officer. A period of 7 days is permitted. For more information, contact Indian Missions abroad or the Ministry of Tourism, Delhi.

Uttar Pradesh

Nanda Devi Sanctuary, Niti Ghati and Kalindi Khal in Chamoli, Uttar Kashi districts are off bound to tourists. Adjoining areas of Milam Glacier is also addes to the list. Individual tourists are not allowed to visit these areas.