Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Kinnaur Spiti: A Step-by-Step Guide
An Inner Line Permit, or ILP, is an official travel document that lets Indian citizens enter restricted or protected border regions of the country. Before August 2021, this requirement covered a wide stretch of territory running from Ladakh through to Arunachal Pradesh along the India-China border.
Ladakh’s administration dropped the ILP requirement for domestic travellers in August 2021. Among the northeastern states, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur still fall under the ILP system today. Prior to 11 December 2019, only Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland required it – a presidential order signed that day brought Manipur under the same framework.
Beyond these Himalayan border regions, an ILP is also required for domestic travel to Lakshadweep, the island archipelago off Kerala’s coast.
It’s worth noting that the ILP applies only to Indian citizens. Foreign nationals wanting to visit these same restricted zones need to apply separately for a Protected Area Permit (PAP) instead.
Under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, a “protected area” refers to the zone lying between the inner line and the international border.
Which Parts of Kinnaur and Spiti Fall Under the Protected Area?
| Pooh Block Villages (Kinnaur) | Spiti Valley |
| Sumra, Shalkhar, Chango, Nako, Maling, Maling Dogri, Yangthang, Kaa, Leo, Hango, Chuling, Hangmat, Namgia, Khab, Tashigang, Dubling, Dabling, Pooh, Shayaso, Sunnam, Giabong, Taling, Ropa & Rushkulang, Nesang, Kanam, Labrang, Spillow, Moorang, Gramang, Thobaring, Khopka, Shilling, Ruwang, Thangi, Lumber, Charang, Kunu, Lippa and Asarang | Dhankar, Shichling, Tabo, Hurling, Lari, Gue, Sumdo, Korik |
Section 3 of the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958 states that no foreign national may enter or remain in a protected area except under a permit issued by the Central Government or an officer it has authorised for the purpose.
ILP/PAP for the Northeast vs. ILP for Kinnaur Spiti
| Kinnaur & Spiti Valley | Northeastern States |
| Not required for Indian citizens | ILP is mandatory for Indian citizens |
| Foreign nationals can apply for ILP/PAP; it’s granted as a matter of routine | Foreign nationals can apply for a PAP, but it’s issued only in extraordinary circumstances |
| Offline application process only | Both online and offline application processes available |
One important condition applies across the board: an ILP or PAP holder may only visit the locations named on the permit, and only for the duration it authorises. Permits for Kinnaur Spiti are issued to groups of two or more travellers, and no one may remain in the restricted zone once the permit has lapsed.
How to Apply for an Inner Line Permit for Kinnaur Spiti
Applications can be submitted at any of the following offices:
• District Collector/Magistrate (DC) office, Shimla
• DC/SDM office, Reckong Peo
• DC office, Kullu
• SDM office, Keylong
• SDM office, Bhaba Nagar (Kinnaur)
• ADC/SDM office, Reckong Peo
• SDM office, Pooh (Kinnaur)
• ADC office, Lahaul & Spiti at Kaza
Documents Required
- A copy of a valid visa
- A copy of a valid passport
- A fully completed application form
Note: Passport-size photographs aren’t a mandatory part of the application, though it’s worth carrying a couple just in case.
Where to Apply for Faster Processing
The permit offices at Reckong Peo and Pooh tend to see fewer applicants than elsewhere, which usually translates into quicker turnaround. If you’re short on time and would rather avoid extra paperwork delays, these two offices are generally the better choice.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Whether you apply at the ADC office in Shimla, the ADC office in Kaza, or the SDM/DTDO office in Reckong Peo, the process is broadly the same:
- Carry your visa and passport, along with photocopies of both.
- Fill out the application form completely.
- Submit it to the designated officer.
- Get photographed at the counter – this happens at the Sugam Centre if applying in Shimla.
- Your form is reviewed by the ADC or SDM on duty.
- Expect a few routine questions about your trip and itinerary.
- Wait for the permit to be approved.
Applicants who hold Pakistani, Afghan or Chinese citizenship won’t be able to get their ILP approved at any of these designated offices – such applications can only be cleared by the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi.
For any specific questions about the application or processing timeline, it’s best to reach out directly to the relevant authorities in Shimla or Reckong Peo.
ILP Fee for Kinnaur Spiti
The official ILP fee is Rs 250. At the Sugam Centre in Shimla, the fee comes to Rs 400, while applying directly at the Reckong Peo office without going through a local agent keeps the cost at the standard Rs 250.
Both the Sugam Centre staff in Shimla and local travel agents in Reckong Peo charge this extra amount for helping applicants move through the process faster and with less hassle.
Getting your Inner Line Permit for Kinnaur Spiti sorted early makes the rest of the trip far smoother, especially if your plans include any of the remoter routes further up the valley. If you’re mapping out an itinerary alongside your permit, our team also organises a range of treks in Kinnaur – reach out and we can help plan both together.
