The Sikkim government has officially ended the system of issuing physical permits to foreign nationals visiting protected and restricted areas of the state. From now on, all such visitors will have to obtain clearance only through an online process, making digital approval mandatory for entry into these areas.
The decision was communicated through an official notification issued by the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sikkim. According to the department, the move has been taken following clear and strict instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The central directive states that Protected Area Permits (PAP) and Restricted Area Permits (RAP) will no longer be issued in physical form under any circumstances.
Under the new system, foreign tourists will have to apply for permits only through the e-FRRO portal, which operates under the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration and Tracking platform. The authorities have made it clear that no offline or manual applications will be accepted. Without online approval, foreign nationals will not be allowed to enter protected or restricted locations in Sikkim.
Officials also clarified that foreign visitors must apply for the required permits only after arriving in India. The application must be submitted through the official e-FRRO website, and travellers are advised to complete the process well in advance to avoid inconvenience. Entry into restricted areas without prior online clearance will be strictly prohibited.
The Tourism Department has asked all travel agencies and tour operators in the state to immediately inform foreign tourists about the new rules. Agencies have also been directed to assist visitors with the online application process so that tourists do not face last-minute problems or disruption in their travel plans.