If you’re planning to visit Nagaland from another state in India, you need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter the state. The Government of Nagaland now allows domestic tourists to apply for the ILP online.
For domestic tourists, the ILP is valid for 30 days and costs ₹200 per person.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for the Nagaland ILP online, including the documents you need, details to keep ready, checking your application status and downloading the approved ILP.
Documents required for Nagaland ILP
- Applicant’s recent passport photo
- Any one of Aadhaar Card, PAN, Voter ID, Bank Passbook or Ration Card
You can check the latest document checklist on the Nagaland ILP Document Checklist page.
How to apply for Nagaland ILP online
1. Open the Nagaland ILP application portal
Go to the Government of Nagaland’s online ILP application page and select Domestic Tourist as the category. You will need to enter your phone number and verify it using the OTP sent to your phone.
2. Fill in the ILP application form
Once your phone number is verified, fill in the application form with your personal and travel details.
Some of the less common details you should keep ready before starting the application are:
- Nearest police station and post office from your present address
- Districts in Nagaland you plan to visit
- Local contact’s full name, phone number and address
- The application also requires a live photograph, which is taken using your device’s camera during the application process.
3. Submit the application and check its status
After submitting the application, you will be redirected to the application status page and you will also receive an email and SMS confirming your submission.
You can check its progress through the Nagaland ILP status page. You will need your Application ID, date of birth and the captcha to check the status.
4. If ILP is rejected
If ILP is rejected, you will receive an email and SMS explaining the issue.
You can use the link to the Document Re-upload page provided in the email to re-upload the required documents. Make sure the replacement document meets the requirements before submitting it again.
5. If ILP is approved: Make the ILP payment
Once your application is approved, you will receive an email and SMS with a link to the ILP Payment Page.
For domestic tourists, the ILP fee is ₹200 per person and is valid for 30 days. Additional payment gateway charges may apply.
After successful payment, you will receive an email and SMS confirming the payment and providing your ILP number.
Note that the ILP number is different from your Application ID, so keep the confirmation message safely.
6. Download your Nagaland ILP
Once you have received your ILP number, go to the Government of Nagaland’s Download ILP Card page.
Enter your:
- ILP number
- Date of birth
- Captcha
You can then download your ILP card in PDF format.
If you’re exploring Nagaland, don’t miss my complete guide to the Puliebadze Trek from Kohima.
Frequently asked questions about Nagaland ILP
Whose details should I put for the “local contact” if I don’t know anyone in Nagaland?
As a tourist, you can provide the name, phone number, and physical address of the hotel, homestay, or guesthouse you have booked for your trip (e.g., in Dimapur or Kohima).
How long does it take to get a Nagaland ILP?
Processing time can vary. In my case, I submitted my application on August 6 and received the approved ILP on August 11, so it took 5 days.
The Nagaland ILP portal mentions shorter processing times under certain circumstances, but it is better to apply well in advance of your trip rather than relying on the stated processing time.
What happens if my Nagaland ILP documents are rejected?
You will need to re-upload the required documents through the ILP portal. Check the reason for rejection and submit a replacement document that meets the specified requirements.
What if I forget or lose my Nagaland ILP Application ID?
You can retrieve your Application ID using your phone number and date of birth through the Find Application ID page.
Does a tourist need a local guarantor for the Nagaland ILP?
No. Domestic tourists do not need a guarantor, but you will need to provide details of a local contact while filling out the application.
Do I need a physical printout of the Nagaland ILP?
While a PDF on your smartphone is useful, network coverage is highly erratic in mountainous districts. So it is highly recommended to keep at least one physical printout with you