Sikkim introduces online clearance for foreign visitors, replacing physical permits.

The Government of Sikkim’s Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation has declared that, as of right now, foreign nationals will no longer be granted physical Protected Area Permits (PAPs) or Restricted Area Permits (RAPs).

The Ministry of Home Affairs‘ (MHA) stringent guidelines were followed in making the judgement. The state government made it clear in an official statement that all foreign citizens wishing to travel to Sikkim must apply online in advance for their RAP/PAP permits via the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (e-FRRO) portal on the IVFRT platform.

Applications must be submitted after the traveler arrives in India but before they enter Sikkim. The portal is available at indianfrro.gov.in. The agency has made it clear that physical or offline permits will no longer be granted in any situation, and that all travellers are required to make sure they are following the new digital procedure.

It has been recommended that travel agencies, tour operators, and other interested parties notify international visitors appropriately and spread the word about this. According to the updated regulations, foreign nationals are only allowed to visit Yumthang Valley and Tsomgo (Changu) Lake in East Sikkim, as well as Zero Point in North Sikkim, provided they have obtained the required online permissions from the assigned permit cell. In order to prevent visitors from being inconvenienced at entry points, authorities have designated the directive as urgent and encouraged all relevant parties to ensure strict adherence to the revised permit procedure.