Nagaland ILP (Inner Line Permit): How to Apply Online, Documents, Validity and Fees
How to get the Nagaland Inner Line Permit online: who needs it, step-by-step application on the official portal, documents, validity, fees, Dimapur rules, and tips for the Hornbill Festival.
Indian citizens who are not residents of Nagaland need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter the state, including Kohima, Dimapur and the Hornbill Festival at Kisama. Applications are made only online, on the official portal ilp.nagaland.gov.in, and a tourist ILP is often approved within a few hours on a working day.
Nagaland ILP at a glance
| Detail | Tourist ILP |
|---|---|
| Who needs it | Indian citizens from outside Nagaland |
| Where to apply | Online only, at ilp.nagaland.gov.in |
| Approval | Often within a few hours on working days; apply a few days ahead |
| Validity | Short-term tourist permits, typically up to 30 days |
| Fee | A small fee, shown and paid online after approval |
| Covers | The whole state, including Dimapur |
How to apply online, step by step
- Go to ilp.nagaland.gov.in and choose ILP Services, then Apply New ILP.
- Select the Tourist category, enter your mobile number and verify it with the OTP.
- Fill in your personal details, travel dates, entry point and the places you will visit. Add each member of your group.
- Upload a recent passport-size photo and a government photo ID for each traveller.
- Wait for the approval SMS, then pay the fee online.
- Download the e-ILP and keep a printout and a copy on your phone.
Documents you need
- A government photo ID: Aadhaar, voter ID, passport or driving licence.
- A recent passport-size photograph (digital).
- A working mobile number for the OTP and approval SMS.
Children travelling with parents are usually added to the same application with their own ID, such as an Aadhaar card or birth certificate.
Dimapur and checkpoints
Dimapur, the state's airport and railhead, is now part of the ILP area, and checks happen at the airport, railway station and road entry points. Get your permit before you travel, and carry it with your original ID for the whole trip. If you are flying into Dimapur and driving up, see the Dimapur to Kohima cab page.
Hornbill Festival and other tips
- Apply at least a few days before the Hornbill Festival (1–10 December): applications rise sharply in late November.
- Apply on a weekday if you can; approvals are processed in working hours.
- Make sure your travel dates cover the whole trip, including the day you leave.
- Fees and validity are set by the state and can change; the portal shows the current amount at payment.
Foreign nationals
The ILP is for Indian citizens. Foreign visitors follow separate rules for Nagaland, which have changed in recent years. See our Northeast India permit guide for foreigners.
Travelling on to other states? Our Northeast India permit guide covers every state. And for when to go, see the festivals of Nagaland.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an ILP for Dimapur?
Yes. Dimapur is now included in the Nagaland ILP area, so you need a permit even if you only visit Dimapur.
Can I get the Nagaland ILP on arrival?
Applications are online only. You can apply from your phone, but approval can take a few hours, so apply before you travel.
How long does the Nagaland ILP take?
Tourist applications made during working hours are often approved within a few hours. Allow a few days in peak season, especially before Hornbill.
Do residents of Assam or other Northeast states need a Nagaland ILP?
Yes. All Indian citizens who are not residents of Nagaland need one, whichever state they come from.
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