Foreign Nationals
Official Information

Protected Area Permitfor Foreign Nationals

Arunachal Pradesh is a Protected Area under Indian law. All foreign nationals must obtain a Protected Area Permit (PAP) through an approved local tour operator before entering the state.

USD 30 / person

Royalty Fee

Via tour operator

Application

4 official offices

Apply At

PAP (Protected Area)

Permit Type

Apply in Advance Through an Approved Tour Operator

Foreign tourists visiting Arunachal Pradesh must apply through an approved local tour operator. The tour operator will submit your PAP application to the relevant authority on your behalf. A royalty fee of USD 30 per person is payable to the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. Nationals of Pakistan, China, and Myanmar (land border) require separate clearance.

Key Requirements

Everything you need to know before applying for your Protected Area Permit.

Approved Tour Operator

All PAP applications by foreign nationals must be submitted through a government-approved Indian tour operator. Individual applications are not accepted.

USD 30 Royalty Fee

Foreign tourists pay USD 30 per head as royalty to the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. This is typically handled by your tour operator during the application process.

Register on Arrival

Present your PAP and passport at the entry checkpoint. Register with the local police station within 24 hours of arriving in each district you visit.

Where to Apply for PAP

PAP can be obtained physically from any of these four official government offices, or online via the FRRO portal.

Ministry of Home Affairs
Central Govt.

Govt. of India

North Block, Central Secretariat, New Delhi – 110001

Primary authority for PAP approvals. Applications accepted in person or through the official e-FRRO portal.

Resident Commissioner
New Delhi

Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh

Kautilya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi

The state government representative in New Delhi. Can process and forward PAP applications to the state authority.

Secretary (Tourism)
Itanagar

Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh

Tourism Department, Itanagar – 791111, Arunachal Pradesh

State Tourism Department in Itanagar. Best contact for tour operator–assisted PAP applications and tourism-related queries.

Commissioner (Home)
Itanagar

Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh

Home Department, Itanagar – 791111, Arunachal Pradesh

The state Home Department has final authority on PAP approvals within Arunachal Pradesh. For escalations and extended visits.

Apply Online via e-FRRO Portal

The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) online portal allows tour operators to submit PAP applications digitally — the fastest and most convenient channel.

Rules to Follow

Important rules all foreign visitors must observe while in Arunachal Pradesh.

Carry Permit at All Times

Your original PAP and passport must be carried at all times. Checkpoints are frequent, especially in border districts.

Photography Restrictions

Photography near army camps, bridges, and military installations is strictly prohibited. Always check local signage.

Stay Within Permitted Areas

Only visit districts specified in your PAP. Border-area districts require an additional Restricted Area Permit (RAP).

Respect Local Culture

Always seek permission before entering tribal villages or photographing community members. Remove shoes at monasteries.

Police Registration

Register with the local police station within 24 hours of arriving in each district. Your tour operator will assist.

No Individual Travel in RAP Zones

For restricted border areas (Tawang, Bumla, Mechuka), travel must be in a group with your registered tour operator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from foreign nationals planning to visit Arunachal Pradesh.

Ready to Explore Arunachal Pradesh?

Once your permit is secured, let us help you plan the perfect itinerary through India's most beautiful and unexplored state.