Arunachal Pradesh is a restricted area in India under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873. Indian citizens who are not permanent residents of Arunachal Pradesh must obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter and travel in the state. The ILP system is intended to safeguard the culture, land rights, and demographic balance of local tribal communities while managing security and ecological concerns.
What Is An Inner Line Permit (ILP)?
An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is an official travel authorization required for Indian citizens from outside Arunachal Pradesh to enter and move within the state. It is issued under the regulatory framework of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation and implemented by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
The ILP system does not apply to foreign nationals; those visitors require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) issued under separate central government rules.
Who Needs An ILP?
All Indian citizens who are not residents of Arunachal Pradesh must obtain an ILP before entering the state. This applies whether entry is by road from Assam or Nagaland or by any other route.
Exemptions and special provisions:
- Children under the age of 14 do not need an individual ILP if accompanied by an adult holding a valid permit.
- Government officials on duty generally follow different procedures and may be exempt based on their authorization.
Types Of ILP
The Government of Arunachal Pradesh currently offers two main categories of permits on the official e‑ILP system:
- Provisional / Temporary eILP
Short‑term permit for visitors, including tourists or short stays. - Regular / Permanent eILP
Longer‑term permit valid up to one year, generally used by those with extended engagements in the state.
Permits can be issued for single individuals or groups.
How to Apply
1. Online Application (Official e‑ILP Portal)
The easiest and most widely used method to obtain an ILP is through the official government portal:
e‑ILP portal: https://www.eilp.arunachal.gov.in/
Steps:
- Create an account or log in.
- Complete the application form with personal details and intended travel/duration.
- Upload scanned copies of a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License, etc.) and a recent photograph as specified.
- Pay the applicable fee depending on the permit type.
- Submit the application and await approval.
Once approved, you can download and print the permit – a digital copy on a mobile device is usually accepted at checkpoints.
2. Offline Application
Offline applications can be submitted at Deputy Commissioner (DC) offices or Jan Suvidha Centres in Arunachal Pradesh, but an online application is strongly recommended for speed and convenience.
Documents Required
Commonly required documents for ILP applications include:
- Valid government‑issued photo ID (Aadhaar / Voter ID / Passport / Driving License).
- Recent passport‑style photograph meeting portal requirements.
- For those under 18, documents of the parent or guardian must be provided.
Ensure all documents are in English or Hindi where possible, as per e‑ILP portal guidelines.
Cost And Fees
Official Fees (eILP Portal)
According to the official ILP fee table on the e‑ILP portal, the fee for most categories and purposes is set at:
- INR 100 per person for both Provisional (temporary) and Regular (permanent) permits, regardless of number of districts covered.
Note: These fees are the official government charges as listed on the e‑ILP portal.
Tourist eILP (Separate Fee Structure)
There is a distinct fee structure for “Tourist eILP” applications on the portal specifically designed for short tourist stays:
- Up to 3 days: INR 300
- Up to 14 days: INR 500
This category may sometimes be presented separately in the online application interface.
Important: ILP fees are non‑refundable once paid.
Validity
The validity of ILPs depends on the permit type:
- Provisional / Temporary eILP: Usually valid up to 30 days from the date of issue.
- Regular / Permanent eILP: Valid for up to 365 days (1 year).
- Tourist eILP: Specific short‑duration permits (e.g., 3 or 14 days) for tourism purposes.
Always check the actual validity printed on your permit document.
Extension Of ILP
If your travel plans change or you need to stay longer than your initial permit validity:
- Apply for an extension through the local Deputy Commissioner’s office in Arunachal Pradesh before your current permit expires.
Extensions are granted at the discretion of local authorities and may involve additional documentation or fees.
Entry And Enforcement
- The ILP must be presented at border checkpoints when entering Arunachal Pradesh.
- Authorities enforce ILP requirements strictly, and individuals found without valid permits may face legal action or detention under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.
It is advisable to carry both printed and digital copies of your ILP during your travel.
Key Points to Remember
- ILP is mandatory for all Indian citizens (non‑residents) entering Arunachal Pradesh.
- Children under 14 may not require a separate permit if traveling with an adult.
- ILP fees vary by type: standard eILP fees are low (around INR 100), whereas tourist ILP categories may have different rates (INR 300–INR 500).
- Applications are largely processed online through the official portal.
- Enforcement is active, including regular checking by police and magistrate officials.
Summing Up
The Inner Line Permit system is an essential requirement for non‑resident Indian citizens wishing to visit Arunachal Pradesh. Whether for tourism, work, study, or long‑term stay, understanding the application process, fee structure, and permit validity is critical to planning your trip. Applying online through the official portal helps ensure a smooth travel experience, and compliance with ILP rules helps uphold the legal and cultural framework established by the government.
