Sikkim Visa Information

How do I get to Sikkim ?

Sikkim can be reached by flight, regular flights are of all carriers are avaible upto Bagdogra airport. From airport frequent pre-paid taxis are available to Sikkim. By rail nearest railway station is new jalpaiguri station( NJP). From NJP frequent pre-paid taxis are available to Sikkim. Buses are also available from siligurilocated near NJP. Bagdogra airport to Gangtok is 123 kms. From New jalpaiguri 125 kms to Gangtok .

Why there is need for Inner Line Permit , Restricted area permit / Protected area permit required for foreign nationals ?

Sikkim being a border state sharing its boundaries with 3 other countries. The foreigners are required to obtain ILP for security reasons. The numbers of the Tourist Information Centers are listed in

Standard Permits ? 

Foreigners require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Sikkim (Indians don’t). These are free and getting one is a formality, although to apply you’ll need a passport 2-4 -sized photo and photocopies of your passport and India Valid visa on arrival (show the original too). You can usually apply on the spot at the entry checkpoints at. Rangpo  Checkpost ( East Sikkim) - issued between 8am to before 8pm .Melli  Checkpost for West Sikkim Pelling – Yuksoom - issued between 8am to before 8pm. Note : If you are a national of Pakistan, China, or Myanmar, then it gets a little more difficult to enter Sikkim. You must get a written approval from Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi before the Restricted Area Permit can be issued. 

OR

You can also apply at in Darjeeling by a more complicated two-stage process in Darjeeling involving first visiting the FRO (Foreigners' Registration Office with your Passport Copy ) then crossing town to the DCO (District Commissioner's Office). You could also ask for a 15-day Sikkim permit at Indian embassies abroad when applying for your Indian visa.

  • New Delhi - Sikkim House, Panchsheel Marg, Chanakyapuri
  • Kolkata - Sikkim House, 4/1 Middleton Street
  • Siliguri - Office of Sikkim Nationalized Transport, Sevoke Road

Validity of Sikkim Permit :

Normally the permits are issued for a duration of fifteen (15) days for the specific purpose of tourism only. Once in Sikkim these permits can be further extended for 30 more days in two spells of 15 days each. These extensions are granted only at Gangtok by State Home Department.