How early should I apply for Northeast India travel permits?

For Indian citizens, apply at least 5-7 days before travel. For foreign nationals, apply 3-4 weeks in advance as PAP processing takes longer and requires additional verifications.

Can I extend my Inner Line Permit while traveling?

Yes! ILP can be extended at the district headquarters of the state you're visiting. Extensions are usually granted for valid reasons.

What happens if I travel without a permit in Northeast India?

Traveling without required permits is a serious offense. You can be detained, fined heavily, and deported from the protected area. There are checkpoints at all entry points.

Do children need separate permits for Northeast India?

Yes, everyone including children requires their own permit. For minors, the parent/guardian's details are included in the application along with the child's identity proof.

Can foreign nationals visit Arunachal Pradesh solo?

No, foreign nationals must travel in groups of minimum 2 people and must book through a registered tour operator. This is a government requirement for Protected Area Permits.

Which Northeast Indian states require travel permits?

Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur require Inner Line Permits (ILP) for Indian citizens. Meghalaya, Assam, and Tripura do not require permits. Sikkim requires permits only for restricted areas like Nathula Pass.

What is the fee for Nagaland ILP in 2025?

The Nagaland ILP fee varies by category: Tourist (30 days) - ₹200, Student (5 years) - ₹300, Business (1 year) - ₹5000, Employment - ₹500. All payments are made online through the official portal.

How long does it take to get Nagaland ILP?

Online applications are typically processed within 1-2 working days. During peak seasons like Hornbill Festival, it may take slightly longer. Apply at least 7-10 days before your travel date to be safe.

Can I get Nagaland ILP on arrival?

No, Nagaland does not issue ILP on arrival. From December 31, 2024, all applications must be submitted online through ilp.nagaland.gov.in. Offline applications are no longer accepted.

Do I need ILP for Hornbill Festival?

Yes, ILP is mandatory for visiting the Hornbill Festival in Kohima. Apply online at least 7-10 days before the festival (December 1-10). Mention 'Hornbill Festival' as your purpose of visit for potentially faster processing.

What documents are required for Nagaland ILP?

For tourists: Valid photo ID (Aadhaar/Voter ID/Passport) and passport-size photo. For students: Additional institution ID and bonafide certificate. For business/employment: Relevant registration documents and mandatory local guarantor.

Is guarantor required for Nagaland ILP?

Tourists and students do NOT need a guarantor. However, for business, employment, and other categories, a local Nagaland resident guarantor is mandatory. The guarantor's details and documents must be provided during application.

Can foreigners visit Nagaland?

Yes, foreign nationals can visit Nagaland but need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) instead of ILP. Apply through e-FRRO portal (indianfrro.gov.in) at least 30 days in advance. Must travel in a group of 2+ with a registered tour operator.

How long is Nagaland ILP valid?

Tourist ILP is valid for 30 days. Student ILP is valid for 5 years. Business ILP is valid for 1 year. Extensions can be requested at the appropriate government office before expiry.

Do I need special permit for Mon district?

While ILP is sufficient to enter Mon district, you may need to register at the local police station upon arrival. This is due to the sensitive nature of the area (home of Konyak tribe near Myanmar border). Check current requirements before travel.

Is Dimapur part of Nagaland? Do I need ILP?

Yes, Dimapur is in Nagaland and ILP is required. It's the only city with an airport and railway station in Nagaland, making it the main gateway. You need valid ILP before entering Dimapur.

Can I apply for Nagaland ILP offline?

No, from December 31, 2024, all ILP applications for Nagaland must be submitted online through the official portal ilp.nagaland.gov.in. Physical/offline applications are no longer accepted.

What is the best time to visit Nagaland?

October to May is the best time to visit Nagaland. December is peak season due to Hornbill Festival. Monsoon (June-September) sees heavy rainfall and landslides. Winter (November-February) is cold but ideal for festivals and trekking.

How to reach Nagaland?

By Air: Dimapur Airport (only airport in Nagaland) with flights from Kolkata, Guwahati. By Train: Dimapur Railway Station connected to major cities. By Road: Well-connected via NH29 from Guwahati (270 km). All entry requires valid ILP.

Updated for 2025 • Hornbill Festival Ready

Nagaland
Inner Line Permit (ILP)

Complete Guide to Inner Line Permit for the Land of Festivals. Complete guide for Hornbill Festival, Kohima, Mon district with step-by-step application process, fee structure, and expert tips.

Apply Now - Official Portal Get Help on WhatsApp

Last updated: January 2025

Tourist Fee

₹200

30 days validity

Processing Time

1-2 Days

Online only

Validity

30 Days

Extendable

On Arrival

Not Available

Online mandatory from Dec 2024

Official ILP Portal

https://ilp.nagaland.gov.in

Visit Portal

Helpdesk: ilphelpdesk.nagaland.gov.in

Festival of Festivals

Hornbill Festival 2025

Nagaland's biggest cultural extravaganza showcasing all 17 Naga tribes. Known as 'Festival of Festivals'.

Hornbill Festival

December 1-10 (Every Year)

Venue: Kisama Heritage Village, Kohima

Festival Highlights

Traditional Naga music and dance performances
Indigenous games and sports
Local handicrafts and food stalls
Night carnival and rock concerts
Tribal fashion shows

ILP Tips for Hornbill Festival

Apply for ILP at least 7-10 days before festival dates
High volume of applications during November - expect slight delays
Mention 'Hornbill Festival' as purpose for quick processing
Book accommodation in advance - gets fully booked
ILP valid for festival period is sufficient (10-15 days)

Book Hornbill Festival Package

Who Needs Nagaland ILP?

ILP Required

All Indian citizens from other states
Includes tourists, students, workers, business visitors
Required for all entry points (road, rail, air)
Even for transit through Nagaland

ILP Not Required

Nagaland domicile holders (Indigene Certificate holders)
Persons with valid employment in Nagaland (different category)
Central government employees on official duty

Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals require Protected Area Permit (PAP) instead of ILP. Apply through e-FRRO portal at least 30 days in advance. Must travel in group of 2+ with registered tour operator.

Apply for PAP on e-FRRO

How to Apply for Nagaland ILP Online

Step-by-step guide - Online application only (offline discontinued from Dec 2024)

1

Register on Official Portal

5 minutes

Create account on the official Nagaland ILP portal

2

Fill Online Application

15-20 minutes

Complete the ILP application form with all required details

3

Pay Application Fee

2 minutes

Complete online payment through secure gateway

4

Track & Download ILP

1-2 working days

Wait for approval and download your e-ILP

Documents Required for Nagaland ILP

Valid Photo ID Proof

Government-issued identity document

Aadhaar CardVoter ID CardDriving LicensePassport

Name must match exactly with application

Recent Passport-Size Photo

Digital photo for upload

JPEG format, max 50KB, white background

Face should be clearly visible

Important Notes

Tourists and students don't need guarantor

All other categories require local guarantor

Offline applications no longer accepted from Dec 31, 2024

Keep scanned copies ready before starting application

Documents must be in English or Hindi

Entry Points to Nagaland

Dimapur

Guwahati, Assam

Main gateway - only airport and railway station in Nagaland

Road/Rail/Air

Kohima

Via Dimapur (74 km)

State capital, Hornbill Festival venue

Road

Medziphema

Via Dimapur

Entry point from Assam

Road

Pfutsero

Via Kohima/Manipur

Entry from Manipur side

Road

Popular Destinations in Nagaland

Kohima

ILP

State capital, War Cemetery, Hornbill Festival venue

1,444mOctober to May

Dimapur

ILP

Commercial hub, Kachari Ruins, gateway city

260mOctober to May

Mon

ILP + Registration

Land of Konyak tribe, headhunter history

897mNovember to March

Khonoma

ILP

India's first green village, Angami culture

1,500mOctober to May

Dzukou Valley

ILP

Valley of flowers, trekking paradise

2,452mJune to September (flowers), October to May (trek)

Mokokchung

ILP

Ao Naga tribe, Longkhum village

1,325mOctober to May

Tuophema

ILP

Tourist village, traditional Naga experience

1,600mOctober to May

Longleng

ILP

Phom tribe, least explored district

1,200mOctober to April

Important Tips for Nagaland ILP

Apply Online Only

From Dec 31, 2024, offline applications are not accepted. Apply only through ilp.nagaland.gov.in

Plan Ahead for Hornbill

During Hornbill Festival (Dec 1-10), apply 7-10 days in advance due to high volume.

Print Colored Copy

Carry colored printout of your e-ILP. Some checkpoints may not accept digital copies.

Carry Original ID

Keep your original ID proof (used in application) for verification at checkpoints.

Mon District Note

Register at local police station when visiting Mon district near Myanmar border.

No Guarantor for Tourists

Only tourists and students are exempt from guarantor requirement. Others need local guarantor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Contacts

Online Helpdesk

ilphelpdesk.nagaland.gov.in

Email

ilp-ngl@gov.in

Nagaland House Offices

New Delhi: 011-23792245

Kolkata: 033-22825522

Guwahati: 0361-2229315

Let Us Handle It For You!

Don't want to deal with the hassle? Our local experts can help you get your Nagaland ILP quickly. Perfect for Hornbill Festival visitors!

Quick processing assistance
Hornbill Festival packages
Mon district arrangements
Complete tour packages available

Get Help on WhatsApp

📞 +91 98641 41211 • Based in Dibrugarh, Assam

NagalandInner Line Permit (ILP)

Official ILP Portal

Hornbill Festival 2025

Hornbill Festival

Festival Highlights

ILP Tips for Hornbill Festival

Who Needs Nagaland ILP?

ILP Required

ILP Not Required

Foreign Nationals

How to Apply for Nagaland ILP Online

Register on Official Portal

Fill Online Application

Pay Application Fee

Track & Download ILP

Documents Required for Nagaland ILP

Valid Photo ID Proof

Recent Passport-Size Photo

Important Notes

Entry Points to Nagaland

Dimapur

Kohima

Medziphema

Pfutsero

Popular Destinations in Nagaland

Kohima

Dimapur

Mon

Khonoma

Dzukou Valley

Mokokchung

Tuophema

Longleng

Important Tips for Nagaland ILP

Apply Online Only

Plan Ahead for Hornbill

Print Colored Copy

Carry Original ID

Mon District Note

No Guarantor for Tourists

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Contacts

Nagaland House Offices

Let Us Handle It For You!

Explore Other State Permits

Arunachal Pradesh ILP

Mizoram ILP

Manipur ILP

Sikkim Permit

Nagaland
Inner Line Permit (ILP)