Sikkim Mandates Online Permits for Foreign Tourists Amid Security Concerns, ETTravelWorld

The Sikkim government has officially discontinued the issuance of physical permits for foreign nationals visiting protected and restricted areas of the state, making online clearance mandatory for all such travellers.

In an official communication issued by the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, the state government stated that the decision follows strict directions from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The directive clearly specifies that no Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Restricted Area Permit (RAP) shall be issued in physical form under any circumstances.

As per the revised guidelines, foreign nationals are permitted to visit only Tsomgo (Changu) Lake in East Sikkim and Yumthang Valley along with Zero Point in North Sikkim, subject to obtaining the necessary online permits through the designated permit cell.

According to a release, the move is aimed at ensuring stricter compliance with national security norms while streamlining the permit process through digital means.

Meanwhile, Sikkim Member of Parliament, Indra Hang Subba, Lok Sabha, on Saturday, called on Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and discussed issues of strategic and developmental importance concerning the state of Sikkim.

During the meeting, the MP conveyed New Year greetings to the Defence Minister and appreciated his leadership in strengthening India’s defence preparedness, particularly in strategically sensitive border areas. He highlighted Sikkim’s strategic location, sharing international borders with three neighbouring countries, and reiterated the State’s commitment to national unity, peace, and security.

Subba apprised the Defence Minister of the disruption to the North Sikkim Highway following the Teesta flash floods of October 2023, which had adversely affected civilian movement and defence logistics to sensitive northern sectors. While connectivity has been restored through an interim alignment by the Border Roads Organisation between Mangan and Naga, the MP pointed out that the route passes through an active landslide zone and may not be sustainable in the long term. He requested expeditious approval and implementation of the permanent alternative alignment under consideration to ensure safe and all-weather connectivity in North Sikkim.