Foreigners Advised to Obtain Prior Permission Before Visiting Protected and Restricted Areas in India

New Delhi, India  — The Embassy of the Republic of Korea has issued an important advisory for foreign nationals in India, warning that prior permission is mandatory for visits to Protected Areas (PA), Restricted Areas (RA), and Prohibited Places under India’s updated immigration framework.

According to the advisory, the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, which came into force on September 1, 2025, clearly mandates that foreign visitors must obtain a Protected Area Permit (PAP) or a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) in advance before entering security-sensitive regions, including border-adjacent areas. The Government of India has also specified enforcement measures and penalties for violations through official gazette notifications.

Foreign nationals who enter or remain in protected or restricted areas of India without obtaining prior permission are subject to significant financial penalties, which are determined by the length of their unauthorized stay. A fine of ₹50,000 may be imposed for violations lasting up to 30 days, while stays of 31 to 90 days can attract a penalty of ₹75,000. For unauthorized presence extending from 91 to 180 days, the fine increases to ₹1,00,000. Those remaining without approval for a period between 181 days and one year may be fined ₹2,00,000, and violations exceeding one year can result in a penalty of ₹3,00,000.

Certain regions of India are routinely subject to these permit requirements due to their strategic or security-sensitive nature. A Protected Area Permit (PAP) is generally required for travel across the entire states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram, as well as in select border districts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Similarly, a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is typically necessary for visiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, except for a few specifically notified tourist areas, the Lakshadweep Islands, and certain border regions of Sikkim. Additional restrictions may apply to locations situated near the India–China, India–Myanmar, and India–Bangladesh borders.

Beyond PAP and RAP regions, there are also prohibited or specially regulated locations where foreign access is either severely limited or entirely barred. These include military installations and cantonment areas, strategically important infrastructure, sensitive tribal reserves, and zones that may be temporarily declared restricted due to security concerns. Entry into such places without explicit authorization can invite serious legal consequences.

Travelers should be aware that permit requirements vary depending on both the location and the visitor’s nationality, and these regulations are subject to change. While limited access may be permitted in some areas without prior approval, many regions enforce strict entry controls. Practical arrangements such as domestic flight tickets, hotel bookings, or guided tour packages do not substitute for official PAP or RAP authorization. Even brief or unintended visits without final approval may lead to penalties.

Foreign nationals are therefore strongly advised to consult the latest notifications issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, or to rely on official government portals before finalizing their travel plans. Verifying permit requirements in advance, applying well ahead of the intended journey, and waiting for final approval before travel are essential steps to avoid fines, travel disruptions, or restrictions on departure from India.

Authorities have clarified that even if an application for permission has been submitted, any visit made before final approval will be treated as an unauthorized visit and penalised accordingly.

Exit from India May Be Restricted

The advisory further cautions that failure to pay the prescribed fine may lead to restrictions on departure from India. In general, exit clearance is granted only after payment of fines and issuance of an Exit Permit by immigration authorities. Non-compliance or incomplete procedures may result in delays or denial of exit.

Embassy Cannot Intervene

The Embassy emphasized that PAP/RAP permissions fall solely under the jurisdiction of the Government of India. Diplomatic missions cannot apply on behalf of travelers, facilitate approvals, or arrange fine waivers. Foreign nationals are therefore urged to verify permission requirements well in advance to avoid legal and logistical complications.

Emergency Contacts

For emergencies related to accidents or personal safety, the following numbers have been shared:

• RoK Embassy (New Delhi): +91-11-4200-7000
• Emergency (night/holidays): +91-99-5359-6008

Foreign visitors are advised to stay informed and comply strictly with local regulations to ensure safe and lawful travel within India.

INFOBOXES:

Heavy Fines for Unauthorized Visits

Foreign nationals found visiting or staying in such areas without prior approval may face substantial fines, depending on the duration of unauthorized stay:

• ₹50,000 for stays of 1–30 days
• ₹75,000 for 31–90 days
• ₹1,00,000 for 91–180 days
• ₹2,00,000 for 181 days to 1 year
• ₹3,00,000 for stays exceeding one year

Protected Area Permit (PAP) – Typically Required For:

• Arunachal Pradesh (entire state)
• Nagaland (entire state)
• Manipur (entire state)
• Mizoram (entire state)
• Certain parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand close to international borders

Restricted Area Permit (RAP) – Typically Required For:

• Andaman & Nicobar Islands (excluding limited notified areas)
• Lakshadweep Islands
• Certain border areas of Sikkim
• Select locations near the India–China, India–Myanmar, and India–Bangladesh borders

Prohibited / Specially Regulated Places May Also Include:

• Military zones and cantonment areas
• Strategic infrastructure locations
• Sensitive tribal reserves
• Areas temporarily notified during security alerts

Important Notes for Travelers

• Requirements vary by location and nationality and are subject to change.
• Some areas allow limited access without permits, while others require strict prior approval.
• Domestic flights, hotels, or tour bookings do not substitute for PAP/RAP approval.
• Visiting even briefly without final approval may attract penalties.

Foreign nationals are strongly advised to check the latest notifications from the Ministry of Home Affairs or consult official Indian government portals before finalising travel plans to avoid fines, travel disruption, or exit restrictions.

Before You Travel

✔ Check the latest Ministry of Home Affairs (India) notifications
✔ Confirm permit needs before booking flights or road travel
✔ Apply well in advance and wait for final approval