What is a Protected Area Permit (PAP)?
A Protected Area Permit (PAP) is a special travel document required for certain designated areas in India that are considered sensitive due to their proximity to international borders. These areas, often located in states like Jammu and Kashmir, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and parts of Northeast India, have restrictions on the entry of foreigners to maintain security and preserve the local culture and environment.Foreign nationals, including tourists, need to obtain a Protected Area Permit to visit these restricted regions. Indian citizens do not typically require a PAP, but there may be other permits or restrictions for them. The issuance of Protected Area Permits is regulated by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Travelers can apply for these permits through the concerned authorities, such as Indian missions abroad, state government offices, or local Foreigners' Registration Offices (FROs).
What are Protected Area Permit Issued for?
- Domestic tourists /locals for protected areas in Sikkim,
- Foreign tourist for Tsomgo Lake in the East Sikkim and Lachen-Lachung-Yumthang-Thangu Valley in North Sikkim and
- Two-Wheelers/Motor Bike Permit
PAP for Domestic Tourists/Locals
(a) East Sikkim
Tshongo – Baba Mandir- Permits for domestic tourists are issued by the Police Check Post.
- Vehicle permits are obtained through a registered Travel Agency at the Police check post.
- Permits are issued by the Tourism Department.
- Vehicle permits are issued at the Police Check Post for domestic tourists through a registered Travel Agency.
(b) West Sikkim
Dzongri TrekPermits are issued by TIC Pelling & TIC Gangtok.
Singalila Trek
Permits are issued by TIC Pelling after clearance from Home Department, Forest Department, and Army through registered Travel Agencies.
(c) North Sikkim
Yumthang - Yumesamdong - Thangu-Chopta Valley - Gurudongmar- Permit is issued by Police check post for Domestic Tourist.
- Vehicle permit is issued from the Police Check Post.
- Permit is issued by Adventure Cell of Tourism Department.
- Clearance is required from Forest department, Home Department, and Army.
- Applied through a registered Travel Agency.
(d) South Sikkim
Mainam Trekking- Trekking permits are issued by TIC Pelling and TIC Gangtok.
- Permits are obtained through a registered Travel Agency.
- Clearance is required from Home/Army/Forest and Police.
- Permits are issued by the Tourism Department.
- Clearance is needed from Home Department, Forest, Army, and Police.
- TinchenKhang 5603 metres (West Sikkim)
- Jopuno 5935m (West Sikkim)
- Freys peak 5830m (West Sikkim)
- Lama Angden 5868m (North Sikkim)
- Brum Khangse 5433m (North Sikkim)
National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary Entry
Permits are issued by the Forest Department at Gangtok.
PAP for Foreign Tourists
(a) East Sikkim
Tsomgo Lake- Permits are issued by the Tourism & Civil Aviation Department.
- Vehicle permits are obtained at the Police check post through registered Travel Agencies.
(b) North Sikkim
Lachen-Lachung-Yumthang-Thangu Valley- Permits for foreigners are issued by the Tourism Department.
- Vehicle permits are obtained at the Police Check Post.
- Foreigners must apply through a Sikkim Tourism registered Travel Agent in groups of two people or more.
Documents Required for PAP
| Indians | Foreigners | |
| For Nathula Pass | Voters ID/Driving license. 2 passport size photos. |
Not allowed |
| For Gurudongmar | Voters ID/Driving license. 2 passport size photos. |
Not allowed |
| For Lachen & Yumthang | Voters ID/Driving license. 2 passport size photos. |
Photocopy of Valid Passport, Indian Visa, 2 passport size photos, along with their original documents & Inner Line Permit (ILP). |
| For Zuluk | Voters ID/Driving license. 2 passport size photos. |
Not allowed |
For Two-Wheelers/Motor Bike Permit
- Registration certificate of the Bike.
- Driving License.
- Pollution certificate.
- Insurance certificate.
- 2 passport size photos.
- Identity proof of rider and co-rider.
