Foreign tourists (excluding Bhutanese nationals) wishing to enter and stay in Protected or Restricted Areas of Sikkim need to obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP). Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to obtain these permits:

How to Obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

1. Application Process:
   • Foreign tourists must fill out the prescribed application form available at permit offices.
   • Attach necessary documents, including a copy of a valid passport and visa, and a passport-size photo.
   • Submit the application for approval from the designated authority.
2. Required Documents for RAP:
   • Valid passport
   • Valid visa
   • Passport-size photographs (2 copies)
   • Identity card for Nepalese and Bangladeshi citizens
3. Registration:
   • All foreign tourists must register within 24 hours of their arrival in Sikkim.

Offices for Obtaining RAP

RAP can be obtained free of cost from the following locations:

• Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, Lok Nayak Bhawan, New Delhi
• All Indian Missions abroad
• Immigration Offices at airports in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and New Delhi
• Tourist Information Center, SNT Complex, Siliguri (Phone: +91 8348554260 / +91 9832438118 / +91 9775600888)
• Assistant Director, Tourism Department, Sikkim Tourism Office, Kolkata (Phone: 033 22817905)
• Assistant Director, Tourism Department, Melli, Near Melli Police Check Post, South Sikkim (Phone: 03595-248536, Mobile: 9775453611)
• Assistant Director, Tourism Department, Sikkim Tourism Office, Rangpo, East Sikkim (Phone: 03592-240818)
• Resident Commissioner/Assistant Director, Government of Sikkim, Sikkim House, New Delhi (Phone: 011-41680421/011-26115346)
• Deputy Commissioner, Darjeeling, West Bengal
• Deputy Secretary/Under Secretary, Home Department, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata
• Tourist Information Center, Bagdogra (Phone: +91 9933133819)
• Tourist Officer, Tourism Information Centre, Pakyong
• Tourist Officer, Tourism Information Centre, Rambam (Phone: +91 7318714900)
• Tourist Officer, Tourism Information Centre, Reshi

Note: ILP issuing time is from 8 am to 8 pm every day.

Restricted Areas for Foreigners

Foreign tourists with a valid RAP can visit the following places strictly for tourism:

• East Sikkim: Gangtok, Rumtek, Pakyong, Barapathing, Rongli, Rhenock, Aritar, and Rorathang
• West Sikkim: Gyalshing, Soreng, Pemayangtse, Khecheopalri, Tashiding, and Yuksom
• South Sikkim: Namchi and Ravangla
• North Sikkim: Phodong, Mangan, Singhik up to Toong

To visit Tsomgo Lake in East Sikkim and Lachen-Lachung-Yumthang-Thangu Valley in North Sikkim, a Protected Area Permit (PAP) is required.

Validity and Extension of RAP

• Duration: Foreign tourists are allowed to stay for a maximum of 30 days.
• Extension: Applications for extension must be submitted at least 2 days before the permit expires. Extensions can be obtained from the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) in Gangtok and the Superintendents of Police in Namchi, Mangan, and Gyalshing. The total duration should not exceed 60 days.

Special Cases

• Nationalities of Pakistan, China, Taiwan, Myanmar, and Nigeria: Permits will not be issued without prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
• Non-Tourism Activities: If visiting for purposes other than tourism, prior permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs is required.
• Trekking Permits: Can be obtained from the Assistant Director, Sikkim Tourism Office, in New Delhi and Gangtok. Trekkers must provide a valid fitness certificate from a competent medical officer.

Process Flow for RAP Application

1. Fill the Application: Foreign tourists or travel agents fill out the application form with required details.
2. Submit Documents: Submit copies of the passport, visa, and passport-size photos.
3. Verification: Permit office verifies the documents.
4. Issue of Permit: Upon successful verification, a permit is issued for 30 days with a unique reference number.
5. Register with FRO: Submit a copy of the application/permit to the Foreigners Registration Office.
6. Exit Registration: Tourists must present themselves at the FRO office for exit details upon departure.

This structured process ensures that foreign tourists can enjoy their visit to the beautiful regions of Sikkim while adhering to regulatory requirements.