Sikkim is set to roll out a digital permit system for restricted and protected areas, including Nathu La, Tsomgo Lake, Lachen, Lachung, and Zuluk, replacing the existing paper-based process and streamlining visitor entry to sensitive zones near international borders.
The QR-based permits will serve as the official entry document for high-altitude destinations and areas adjacent to borders. Authorities indicate the digital system will cut long queues at permit offices, enhance management of visitor movement, and provide stronger oversight in regions with fragile ecosystems.
Travel into high-altitude terrain within Sikkim has traditionally required clearance with Restricted Area Permits and Protected Area Permits. These documents have been handled at in-person counters that process applications for visitors.
Demand for movement into these areas has grown in recent years, leading to lengthy queues and crowded approval points. Officials report that these conditions have created an environment in which extended waiting periods are common during months of high inflow.
The new system will allow travellers to submit applications online, with approval verified across tourism, police, transport, and Army departments in real time. Once issued, the QR permits will be recognised at all authorised entry points.
Officials describe the platform as accessible and straightforward, allowing users from diverse locations and backgrounds to navigate the process efficiently.
Trial runs have already commenced with a limited set of operators, enabling authorities to identify potential issues and fine-tune the system. Once fully implemented, officials anticipate smoother processing during peak tourist seasons, faster approvals, and improved tracking of visitor presence in ecologically sensitive areas.
The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to ensure sustainable tourism in Sikkim by maintaining ecological balance while facilitating legal and convenient access to border-adjacent destinations. Officials highlight that the system is expected to improve security, efficiency, and monitoring without introducing new administrative burdens for visitors.
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