Sikkim Mandates Online Permits for Foreign Tourists, Ends Physical Permit Issuance

Sikkim has mandated online permits for foreign tourists visiting protected and restricted areas, discontinuing the issuance of physical Protected Area Permits (PAP) and Restricted Area Permits (RAP). This decision, in compliance with directives from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, aims to enhance national security by improving monitoring of foreign tourist movements in sensitive border regions. The shift to a digital system is intended to streamline the permit process, reduce paperwork, and speed up approvals for designated tourist locations.