Sikkim Travel Information
India & Sikkim Visa Information
Indian Visa
Citizens of all countries (including Commonwealth) require a valid passport an an appropriate (entry, transit or tourist) visa. The visa must be obtained abroad from an Indian Mission. If planning to visit a neighboring country such as Nepal and then re-entering India, a double/multiple entry visa should be obtained.
General requirements:
Original passport valid for at least six months
Correct visa fee.
Two passport-size photographs (five photographs in case of Pakistani nationals)
Supporting documents, where necessary
Duly completed application form (Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals need to apply on special application forms)
Tourists from other countries are advised to check current applicable visa fee/visa extension fees with government of India Tourist Offices or Indian Consular Offices located in their respective countries.
Validity of all visas is counted from the date of their issue.
For each visit on a tourist visa or business visa, the duration of stay in India is only for a period of six months even though a valid visa may be for more than six months.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child’s travel from the absent parent(s) or legal guardian. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.
Tourist Visas:
Usually, a multi-entry visa, valid for a period of 180 days, is granted for the purpose of tourism. The visa is valid from the date of issue. Tourist Visa can also be given for 3 months, valid from date 1st entry into India which should be within 2 months from date of issue.
Collective Visas:
The facilities exists for issuing collective visas to group tours of not less than 4 members and sponsored by a government recognised travel agency. Such groups may split into smaller groups to visit different places in India after obtaining a collective "licence to travel" from Indian immigration authorities. They must reassemble and depart as the original group.
Transit Visas:
Transit visas are granted by Indian Missions abroad for a maximum period of 15 days.
Employment Visa
This visa is issued to skilled and qualified professionals or persons who are engaged or appointed by companies, organizations, economic undertakings as technicians, technical experts, senior executives, etc. Applicants are required to submit proof of contract/employment/engagement of foreign nationals by the company or organization.
Exemption from Registration:
Foreigners coming to India on tourist visas for 180 days or a shorter period are not require to register themselves with any authority in India. They can move about freely in the country, except to restricted/protected areas and prohibited places.
Visa Extension
For extending the visa apply for a letter of permission from the
Ministry of Home Affairs
Lok Nayak Bhavan, 1st floor
Khan Market, New Delhi 110003
Phone: 24693334, 24612543, 2461764
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sikkim Inner Line Permit
Foreigners must obtain Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Sikkim apart from Indian Visa and Passport. These can be obtained from following places for free of cost (Except some of the Indian Mission Abroad) on the strength of a photocopy of Indian Visa, passport and 2 passport size photograph along with the showing of the original copy for stamp. The 15 days duration Permit is issued on the spot without any delay provided photocopies of the passport and visa along with two passport photos of the applicants are made available. The permissible duration of the stay for foreign tourists is 15 days initially.
1. Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, Lok Nayak Bhawan , New Delhi.
2. All Foreigners Registration Officers.
3. All Indian Mission Abroad.
4. Immigration Officers at Airports at Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and New Delhi.
5. Deputy Director, Tourism Department, Government of Sikkim, Pradhan Nagar , SNT Complex, Siliguri , West Bengal.
6. Assistant Director, Tourism Department, Government of Sikkim. Panchasheel Marg. Sikkim House, New Delhi .
7. Assistant Director, Tourism Department, Government of Sikkim 4/1Middleton Street, Kolkata . Tele. Fax No. 033 22817905.
8. Assistant Director, Tourism Department, Government of Sikkim, Sikkim Tourism Office, Rangpo , East Sikkim.
9. Assistant Director, Tourism Department, Government of Sikkim, Melli, Near Melli Police Check Post, South Sikkim.
10. Residence Commissioner, Government of Sikkim, Sikkim House, New Delhi.
11. Deputy Commissioner, Darjeeling, West Bengal.
12. Deputy Secretary/ Under Secretary, Home Department, Government of West Bengal,Kolkata.
The State Government is authorized to extend the same twice by a further period of 30 days (15 days each). The extension of the permit can be obtained from FRO at Gangtok and office of Superintendent of Police of the North, West and South Districts.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A recent Initiative by the Sikkim Government - Now one can Apply online for Provisional Sikkim Inner line Permit!
https://sikkimpts.azurewebsites.net/ilp/index