However, save for Indian nationals, all tourists who visit the state must go through an entrance procedure. Except in limited regions, there are no requirements for Indian nationals. Foreigners must, however, get an Inner Line Permit (ILP) before entering Sikkim.
The Government of India issues Inner Line Permits, which are official travel documents. The ILP is more than just a paper; it represents the Indian government’s attempts to limit migration to certain locations near India’s international boundary.
In reality, the British government established the ILP. It was done to protect their business interests. However, the ILP is still utilized in India to formally conserve tribal customs.
There are also two types of ILPs: those for visitors and those for persons who plan to remain for an extended length of time. These are mainly for work reasons.
The Sikkim Government has developed a relatively easy method for acquiring the ILP for foreign nationals, and as the Sikkim Government website explains, “it is as simple as 123”.
The Entry formalities are described in great detail below
Table of Contents
Standard Permit
Foreigners may receive ILPs for free, and acquiring one is only a formality. All you need to provide is a passport-sized picture and copy of your passport and visa. There are checkpoints where you may provide these papers and get entrance.
| Entry Checkpoints | Location | Permit Issuance Timings |
|---|---|---|
| Melli and Rangpo | Entry Points | 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. |
| Bagdogra Airport | Sikkim Tourism Booth | 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
Sikkim House in Kolkata or Delhi is open during regular business hours. Bank holidays result in the home being closed.
Sikkim Tourist Office in Siliguri is open during regular business hours. Bank holidays result in the home being closed.
You can get permits at Pakyong Airport. Indeed, you could snag entrance permits in Darjeeling too. However, it’s a bit of a headache. In Darjeeling, you need to visit two places. First stop, the Foreigners’ Registration Office, bring your passport. Next, you have to traverse the town to reach the District Commissioner’s Office.
Foreign nationals may also apply for 15-day Sikkim permits at Indian embassies overseas.
In addition, since there is no checkpoint at Jorethang, no permits are given, and foreigners are not permitted to enter or exit West Bengal.
Also Read: How to Reach Pelling
Online Form For Entry Permits
In today’s environment, when most of us work over the internet, you may also get entrance permits online.
The Inner Line Permit (ILP) may be acquired by completing an online form. However, it will still be deemed a temporary Inner Line Permit until stamped. This stamp may be bought at any of Sikkim’s border stations.
Who Can Issue Entry Permits
Here’s a list of who may grant admission permits.
All Indian Missions abroad
Ministry of Home Affairs.
People visiting from other lands take note! Registration officers and folks handling immigration duties are stationed at airports in such bustling cities as Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and New Delhi.
The stunning region of Darjeeling has its own Deputy Commissioner. Over in Kolkata, the vibrant capital of West Bengal, you’ll find the Deputy Secretary or Under Secretary from the home department of the West Bengal government.
- The Sikkim government
- Chief/Home Secretary, Gangtok:
- Secretary Tourism, Gangtok.
- IGP of the Gangtok Police
- Resident Commissioner at Sikkim House in New Delhi.
- Deputy Secretary of Tourism in Siliguri
- Resident Commissioner of STCS in Kolkata
- Tourism officer in Rangpo
Validity
Any ILP has a maximum validity of 15 days. If a foreign citizen chooses to prolong their stay, they may do so on request, but only for a limited period of time.
However, only the State Government has the authority to extend the stay twice for another 30 days. You can ask for this permission update at the FRO. That’s the Foreign Registration Office in Gangtok. Or, you could go to the Police Superintendent. They’re in the North, West, and South Districts.
Cancellation
Entry Permits may be canceled within two hours of any military activity or other security concerns. This may happen without warning and cannot be challenged.
In such a circumstance, the Entry Permit fee will not be returned.
Also Read: How to Reach Sikkim
