What Is the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in India?
What Is the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in India? — Complete 2026 Guide What Is the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in India? — Complete 2026 Guide By BUGLE | June 2026 | Last updated: June 2026 | 12 min read Covers all 4 ILP states — Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur — including the December 2024 PAP change for foreigners and the January 2025 Manipur update The short answer: The Inner Line Permit (ILP) is an official travel document that Indian citizens from outside certain states must obtain before entering those states. Currently, four states require an ILP : Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur. The concept dates from British colonial rule in 1873. The permit is free or very cheap (₹0–200 depending on state), can be obtained online in minutes, and is usually approved within 24–48 hours. Foreign nationals need a separate, stricter document called a Protected Area Permit (PAP). What's in this guide ...