HORNBILL · KISAMA
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Travel Guide · Permits

Hornbill Festival Permits – ILP & PAP Guide

Nagaland is a Restricted Area under Indian law. Every non-resident traveller heading to the Hornbill Festival at Kisama needs a permit — an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Indian citizens, or a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for foreign nationals. Here's what you need to know before you book.

Do I Need a Permit for Hornbill Festival?

Yes. Anyone who is not a permanent resident of Nagaland needs a valid permit to enter the state. The Hornbill Festival is held at Kisama Heritage Village, about 12 km south of Kohima, and permits are verified at Nagaland Entry Gates — including road check posts at Mariani, Dimapur and other border checkpoints. Travel without a permit is not permitted and can result in being turned back at the border.

Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Indian Tourists

Indian nationals require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Nagaland. The ILP is issued by the Government of Nagaland and is valid for a fixed number of days across the districts you list in your application.

  • Documents: ID proof (Aadhaar, voter ID or passport) and one passport-size photo.
  • Validity: typically 30 days for tourism.
  • Processing: usually 1–2 working days online; allow longer during festival peak.

Protected Area Permit (PAP) for Foreign Tourists

The official Nagaland permit portal states that a Protected Area Permit (PAP) is mandatory for foreign tourists visiting the state. These requirements are reviewed periodically by the Ministry of Home Affairs and have been relaxed for certain periods in the past, and separate registration formalities may apply after arrival, depending on nationality and current rules.

Always confirm the current PAP position with the Indian mission in your country or the relevant authority before finalising travel. Processing times vary by case, so apply several weeks before your travel dates.

How to Apply for a Nagaland Permit

The fastest route for Indian travellers is the official Nagaland ILP portal:

  1. Create an account on the ILP portal using your mobile number and email.
  2. Upload your ID proof, photograph and travel itinerary (entry/exit dates, districts).
  3. Pay the permit fee online.
  4. Download the e-ILP and carry a printed or digital copy throughout your trip.

Foreign nationals applying for a permit should approach the Ministry of Home Affairs or an Indian mission abroad with their passport, Indian visa, photographs and a confirmed itinerary, following the current published requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ILP required for Hornbill Festival?

Yes. All Indian non-residents must hold a valid Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Nagaland for the Hornbill Festival. The permit is checked at Nagaland Entry Gates — including road check posts at Mariani, Dimapur and other border checkpoints on the way to Kohima and Kisama.

How can I apply for Nagaland ILP?

Apply online at the official Nagaland ILP Portal (https://ilp.nagaland.gov.in) or directly at https://ilp.nagaland.gov.in/ilp/apply. Upload an ID proof (Aadhaar, voter ID or passport), a passport-size photo and your travel dates. Processing typically takes 1–2 working days.

Do foreign tourists need a permit for Nagaland?

The official Nagaland permit portal states that a Protected Area Permit is mandatory for foreign tourists. These requirements are reviewed periodically by the Ministry of Home Affairs and have been relaxed for certain periods in the past, and separate registration formalities may apply after arrival. Always confirm the current position with the Indian mission in your country or the relevant authority before booking.

How long does permit approval take?

Online ILP approval is often issued within a couple of working days, but allow longer during the November–December Hornbill Festival peak. Permit processing for foreign nationals takes longer and varies by case, so apply several weeks before travel.

See also our detailed ILP & PAP guide or our full travel guide for the Hornbill Festival 2026.