Travel permits and documents, explained.
Which permits you need for Sikkim, Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass and North Sikkim, which documents to carry, and how the process works for Indian and foreign nationals.
Permits at a glance
| Place | Indian nationals | Foreign nationals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Mirik | No permit needed | No permit needed (West Bengal) | Carry ID for hotel check-in. Foreign nationals need a passport and valid Indian visa. |
| Gangtok, Pelling, Namchi, Ravangla | No permit needed | Restricted Area Permit (RAP), applied online | Since January 2026, foreign nationals apply online via the e-FRRO portal after arriving in India and before entering Sikkim. |
| Tsomgo (Changu) Lake & Baba Mandir | Protected Area Permit via a registered operator | Permitted with online permit | Day permit. Issued only when the road is cleared, usually the evening before. |
| Nathula Pass | Protected Area Permit via a registered operator | Not permitted | Indian nationals only. Generally open Wednesday to Sunday and closed Monday and Tuesday, subject to weather and Army clearance. |
| North Sikkim: Lachung, Yumthang, Zero Point | Protected Area Permit via a registered operator | Permitted with online permit | Road access has been suspended after landslides in recent seasons. We confirm the status before you book. |
| North Sikkim: Lachen & Gurudongmar Lake | Protected Area Permit via a registered operator | Not permitted | Very high altitude. Access depends on road status and Army clearance. |
| Zuluk & Old Silk Route | Protected Area Permit via a registered operator | Generally not open | Confirm current status with us before planning. |
Indian nationals
You can drive into Sikkim and stay in Gangtok, Pelling or Namchi without a permit. Protected Area Permits (PAP) are needed for the high-altitude, border-adjacent areas: Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, Nathula Pass, North Sikkim and the Zuluk / Old Silk Route. These permits are not issued to walk-in tourists. A Sikkim-registered tour operator applies on your behalf, together with the details of the vehicle you will travel in.
Documents to carry for each traveller
- An original government photo ID with address, such as Aadhaar, Voter ID, passport or driving licence, plus two photocopies. PAN cards are commonly not accepted because they do not show an address.
- Four recent passport-size colour photographs.
- For children: a school ID card, Aadhaar or birth certificate.
- A soft copy of everything on your phone, in case a copy is lost.
A nominal government fee applies to some permits. It is shown as a separate line in your quote. Sikkim has been moving permits to a digital, QR-coded system issued through registered operators, so you may receive your permit on your phone.
Foreign nationals, including OCI cardholders
Since January 2026, Sikkim no longer issues physical permits to foreign nationals. Under directions from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to enter Sikkim and the Protected Area Permits for permitted sightseeing are applied for online through the e-FRRO portal (indianfrro.gov.in). Apply after you arrive in India and before you enter Sikkim.
- Permitted with online permits: Gangtok and the rest of the state's open areas, Tsomgo (Changu) Lake in East Sikkim, and Yumthang Valley and Zero Point in North Sikkim.
- Not permitted: Nathula Pass and Gurudongmar Lake.
- Carry: your passport, a valid Indian visa, printed and digital copies of your approved permits, and passport-size photographs.
- Protected areas have historically required foreign visitors to travel in a group arranged by a registered operator. Ask us how this applies to your dates.
Bhutanese nationals and some other categories follow different rules. Tell us your nationality when you enquire and we will confirm.
How we handle permits for you
- When you confirm, we tell you exactly which documents each traveller needs.
- You send clear copies by WhatsApp or email. We check every one before your trip, not on the morning of it. [NEEDS APPROVAL: document deadline, e.g. X days before arrival]
- Permits for Tsomgo, Nathula and North Sikkim are filed in Gangtok, usually the day before travel, once the authorities clear the road.
- If a permit is refused or a road is closed, you will hear from us that evening along with the alternative plan.
Questions travellers ask us most.
Do Indian tourists need a permit to visit Sikkim?
No permit is needed to enter Sikkim or to visit Gangtok, Pelling and Namchi. A Protected Area Permit is required for Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, Nathula Pass, North Sikkim and the Zuluk / Old Silk Route, arranged through a Sikkim-registered tour operator.
Which documents are needed for the Nathula Pass permit?
Each traveller needs an original government photo ID with address, such as Aadhaar, Voter ID, passport or driving licence, with photocopies and recent passport-size photographs. Children can use a school ID, Aadhaar or birth certificate. PAN cards are commonly not accepted.
On which days is Nathula Pass open?
Nathula Pass is generally open to Indian nationals from Wednesday to Sunday and closed on Monday and Tuesday. It can also close at short notice for snow, landslides or security reasons.
Can foreigners visit Nathula Pass?
No. Nathula Pass is open only to Indian nationals. Foreign nationals, including OCI cardholders, can visit Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, Yumthang Valley and Zero Point with permits applied for online through the e-FRRO portal.
How do foreign nationals get a Sikkim permit in 2026?
Since January 2026, Sikkim no longer issues physical permits to foreign nationals. The Restricted Area Permit and Protected Area Permits are applied for online through the e-FRRO portal at indianfrro.gov.in, after arriving in India and before entering Sikkim.
Do I need a permit for Darjeeling?
No. Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Mirik are in West Bengal and need no special permit for Indian or foreign travellers. Foreign nationals need a passport and valid Indian visa as usual.
Unsure what you need?
Send your nationality, travel dates and the places you want to see. We will tell you which permits apply and whether the roads are likely to be open.