Studying or working in Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur or Arunachal? Inner Line Permit basics for PG residents
Updated November 2026 · 4 min read
Four Northeast states — Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur — require visitors from outside the state to carry an Inner Line Permit (ILP). If you are moving there to study or work, sort out the permit before you book a bed, because many owners will ask to see it.
Who needs an ILP
Indian citizens who are not residents of the state generally need an ILP to enter and stay. Students and employees usually apply for a longer-term permit, often supported by a letter from the college or employer. Rules, fees and validity differ by state and change from time to time.
- Apply only on the state government's official ILP portal or at its official counters.
- Keep a printed copy and a photo of the permit on your phone.
- Note the expiry date and renew before it lapses.
What PG owners usually ask for
Owners often verify tenants with the local police too. That is routine. Share documents only with the owner of the PG you are moving into.
- A valid ILP, if the state requires one.
- A government photo ID and passport-size photos.
- Your college admission letter or job offer letter.
- An emergency contact, usually a parent or guardian.
Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Sikkim
Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura do not use the ILP system. Sikkim does not require a permit for Indian citizens to enter, though some border areas need special permits. Always check the official state website before travel.
Common questions
- Can a PG owner book my bed before my ILP is ready?
- Some owners will hold a bed for a short time. Ask what they need and how long they can hold it, and don't pay a large deposit until you know your permit dates.
- Does Dimapur need an ILP?
- Nagaland extended the ILP requirement to Dimapur in 2019. Check Nagaland's official ILP portal for the current rules before you travel.
See live bed availability in Guwahati and the Northeast
Every listing updates from the PG's own bed records, so you're not calling about a bed that went last week.
Browse PGs