What is a Restricted Area Permit (RAP)?
A Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for foreigners is an official document issued by the government that grants permission to foreign tourists to visit specific areas within a country that are deemed restricted or protected due to security, environmental, or cultural reasons. The permit is a regulatory measure aimed at controlling and monitoring the entry of foreign nationals into specific regions that may require special attention. These areas are considered restricted to safeguard security interests, preserve the local culture, and protect the environment. Foreign tourists seeking to explore these restricted regions need to obtain the RAP, which specifies the duration and places permitted for visitation.The issuance of RAPs is typically controlled by the government authorities, and tourists are required to apply for these permits through designated offices or agencies. The process may involve submitting necessary documents, such as a valid passport, visa, and passport-sized photographs, along with filling out a prescribed application form.
Application Process and Offices
- Foreigners, excluding those of Bhutanese origin, must fill the prescribed form available at permit offices, attaching necessary documents for approval.
- Citizens of Nepal/Bangladesh need a valid identity card reflecting their origin for permit applications.
- Registration within 24 hours of arrival is mandatory for all foreign visitors.
Permit Issuing Offices
- Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, Lok Nayak Bhawan, New Delhi.
- All Indian Missions Abroad.
- Immigration Offices at Airports in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and New Delhi.
- Tourist Information Center, SNT Complex, Siliguri.
- Assistant Directors – Tourism Department in Kolkata, Melli, and Rangpo.
- Resident Commissioner/Assistant Director, Government of Sikkim, Sikkim House, New Delhi.
- Deputy Commissioner, Darjeeling, West Bengal.
- Deputy Secretary/Under Secretary, Home Department, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata.
- Tourist Information Centers in Bagdogra, Pakyong, Rambam, Reshi.
Restricted Areas for Foreigners
- East: Gangtok, Rumtek, Pakyong, Barapathing, Rongli, Aritar, Rorathang.
- West: Gyalshing, Soreng, Pemagyangtse, Khechepopalri, Tashiding, Yuksom.
- South: Namchi and Ravangla.
- North: Phodong, Mangan, Singhik up to Toong.
Protected Area Permits (PAP)
- For Tsomgo Lake in East Sikkim and Lachen-Lachung-Yumthang-Thangu Valley in North Sikkim, a Protected Area Permit (PAP) is required.
- PAP for Tsomgo Lake is for a day excursion, while for Lachen/Lachung/Yumthang/Thangu, it's issued for a minimum of 3 days and a maximum of 5 days & 4 nights, supervised by a registered guide.
Read more on Protected Area Permits
Permit Extension
Extension beyond 30 days can be obtained from the Foreigners Registration Office, Gangtok, and Superintendents of Police at Namchi, Mangan, and Gyalshing.Group Permits and Trekking
Group permits for foreign tourists can be obtained through recognized Travel Agents of Sikkim registered with the Tourism Department.Trekking permits in protected areas can be obtained from the Assistant Director, Sikkim Tourism Office in New Delhi and Gangtok.
Special Permissions
Prior permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs is needed for nationals of Pakistan, China, Taiwan, Myanmar, and Nigeria.Special permits may be granted for tourism in places opened for tourism on a Tourist Visa.
Application Process Flow
- Fill the application form with necessary details.
- Submit a copy of a valid passport, visa, and a passport-sized photo.
- Permit is issued for 30 days after successful verification.
- A copy is submitted to the Foreigners Registration Office for record.
- Foreigners can stay for the permit duration, with an option for extension.
- While exiting, present at the Foreigners Registration Office for recording exit details.
