HORNBILL · KISAMA
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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

Foreign nationals should check the latest Protected Area Permit (PAP) requirements before travelling, as rules are reviewed periodically by the Ministry of Home Affairs. For most nationalities, registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 24 hours of arrival in Nagaland is required. Citizens of Pakistan, Afghanistan and China need prior approval from the MHA.

Always confirm the current PAP position with the Indian mission in your country or the FRRO before finalising travel. Processing for a formal PAP typically takes 7–10 working days — apply at least 3 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 PAP should approach the Ministry of Home Affairs, the FRRO or an Indian mission abroad with their passport, Indian visa, two photographs and a confirmed itinerary.

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?

Foreign nationals should check the latest Protected Area Permit (PAP) requirements before travelling to Nagaland. PAP rules are reviewed periodically by the Ministry of Home Affairs; many nationalities can register with the FRRO on arrival, but citizens of Pakistan, Afghanistan and China require prior MHA approval. Always confirm current rules with the Indian mission or FRRO before booking.

How long does permit approval take?

Online ILP approval is usually issued within 1–2 working days, but allow up to a week during the November–December Hornbill Festival peak. PAP approvals for foreign nationals take 7–10 working days, so apply at least 3 weeks before travel.

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