Foreigners require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) in addition to normal Indian visa to enter Sikkim and can visit Gangtok, Rumtek, Phodang and Pemayangtse. No permit is required to enter & stay in Darjeeling & other parts of North Bengal including Kalimpomg.

All foreigners intending to visit Sikkim can avail of 15 days inner-line permit with a further 15 days extension available in Gangtok. Re-entry into Sikkim is not possible within 3 months of leaving Sikkim. Restricted area permit for individuals & groups for restricted areas i.e., Gangtok. Rumtek, Phodong, Pemagyantse can be obtained in advance from all Indian missions aboard, Sikkim tourism offices at Delhi, Calcutta, Siliguri & Gangtok, after furnishing requisite documents. A standard Permit allows one to visit Gangtok, Rumtek, Phodong and Pemagyantse. The permits are checked and the visas stamped while entering and leaving Sikkim.

Foreigners without a valid passport and permit are not allowed to enter Sikkim. The best and the easiest way to get the permit is when the individual/group is getting their Indian visa stamp on their passport. All they have to do is express their desire to visit Sikkim & the Indian missions abroad endorses the permit while granting the India visa.