sikkim travel card requirements

• Destinations
• Hotels & Homestays
• Food & Drink
• People & Culture
• Mindful Travel
• Readers' Travel Awards
• Escape to Rajasthan
• READERS TRAVEL AWARDS
• #LOVEGREATBRITAIN
• TAJ SAFARIS
• BOUTIQUE HOTELS
• CNT TOP RESTAURANT AWARDS
• DESTINATION WEDDING GUIDE
• DON’T TRAVEL WITHOUT IT
• #UNDISCOVERAUSTRALIA
• ESSENTIALLY RAJASTHAN

Sikkim opens to fully vaccinated travellers, but…

By Condé Nast Traveller

As of today, Sikkim has lifted its temporary ban on the entry of tourists and visitors, and is now ready to welcome those who have received two doses of the vaccine. Hotels and homestays can now reopen with COVID protocol, which includes a 50% cap of occupancy. But before you jump on to the flight to make the most of off-season Sikkim, here’s some fine print:

Travelling to Sikkim?

Here’s what we know:

• As per the state government's notification , anyone who has been fully vaccinated can enter Sikkim now. They will be allowed entry through two checkposts: Melli near Kalimpong in West Bengal, and further up, Rango. The former gives you access to West Sikkim, whereas the latter is what you cross on your way to Gangtok. So long as you have the relevant vaccination documents, an RT-PCR test report is not required.
• However, do consider that Bagdogra, the most preferred airport for travel to Sikkim, lies in West Bengal , which has much tighter entry restrictions. As of 5 July, anyone arriving from outside of Bengal must produce a negative RT-PCR report, no older than 72 hours.
• Your other option is Sikkim’s own Pakyong airport, which has limited flights. You can fly in from Kolkata or New Delhi and carry a negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival, without which a 10-day quarantine is mandatory. The SpiceJet customer support helpline told CNT on Monday afternoon that they had not been notified of any exemptions for vaccinated travellers yet.
• Additionally, as per the tourism board’s website, all tourists to Sikkim also need a “ Travel Card ”, a sort of an e-pass, which they have to carry on them at all times. The Travel Card has details of the trip and the accommodation and has to be updated daily. Apply for it here .

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

We use cookies to improve your website experience and provide more personalized services to you, both on this website and through other media. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Cookie Policy . Please read our Cookie Policy for more information on how we use cookies and how you can disable them.

New User? Register

• Manage bookings
• Cancellation
• On Behalf Booking
• My Quotation

Login to SOTC

We're unable to sign you in because the password entered incorrect.

Your request for OTP will be sent to registered email id and mobile number, if not registered please do the same.

You exceed the OTP limit. Please try again after some time

Don't have an account?

To deregister, please email us at

• Contains between 8-12 alphanumeric characters.
• Can add special character but not mandatory(Only !, @, #,$,%,^,&,* to be used).
• Does not contain White spaces

I would like to be kept informed of special Promotions and offers. I hereby accept the Privacy Policy and authorize SOTC and its representatives to contact me.

Already have an account?

• Your existing Google or Facebook Id will be a SOTC ID
• No need to remember different Ids & Passwords
• One click login

Forgot Password

Fill in the email Address that you used to register or book with SOTC.

We will reset and send your new password.

Please enter the valid email address

SOTC Staff / Preferred Agents / corporate's, please enter your Login-id only. E.g. Tcil_aalok / Jaft_prakash / Rc_mumbai

Your request for new password has been accepted.

The new password would be emailed to the registered email address only.

Please do write us at [email protected] in case you any require any assistance.

• Honeymoon Packages
• Travel Guidelines
• India Honeymoon Packages

Experience spirituality

Enjoy 4-Day Free International Holiday

Additional 5% CashBack up to Rs. 6,000 SBI Credit Cards*

I hereby accept the Privacy Policy and authorize SOTC and its representatives to contact me.

Sikkim Travel Guidelines

• Epass is required.
• Health Screening:
• Fully Vaccinated: passengers with both the doses of vaccine  Certificate  can travel to Sikkim-WB without any RT-PCR Test
• Partially vaccinated: Can travel with Vaccine Certificate + RT-PCR Test conducted under 72 hrs of travel to the destination
• Not vaccinated: Shall not be permitted to enter the State
• All vaccinated passengers entering the State will have to fill the details for generating Travel Card [EPass]. This can be done by visiting: https://sikkimtourism.gov.in/
• Domestic & International :
• Travellers from other states are allowed to travel in Sikkim
• 07 days Quarantine: Asymptomatic Government functionaries returning can apply for discharge after 7 days of quarantine, provided that: They will be tested on the first day with RAT, register themselves for RT-PCR Testing between the 5th and 6th day and resulted covid-19 negative.
• 03 days protocol: Any person who wishes to enter the State with a planned duration of stay of 3 days or less will have to register themselves.
• They shall be required to possess a valid return ticket (Air/Rail). Those intending to travel by road shall mention the vehicle number that they shall return in.
• If they possess a COVID -19 NEGATIVE RTPCR report from a recognised laboratory for which sample collection time is within 72 hours from the time of arrival, they will be exempted from RAT.
• Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for travellers:
• Tourists planning to visit Sikkim will need to mandatorily register on the Sikkim Tourism App and, at the same time, generate an e-invite for the proposed itinerary. You can find the Sikkim Tourism App both on Google Play Store and the Apple Store.
• The e-invite can be generated on the official website of Sikkim Tourism. All you need is a valid photo ID card of yours as well as of other members who are travelling with you; the same needs to be uploaded on the Sikkim Tourism App. travelling in a group can register and generate one e-invite,
• You will be required to book at least two-nights stay (either at homestay, hotel, or guest house) and provide a declaration of the complete itinerary for the e-invite to be generated.
• The services of registered tour operators listed on the Sikkim Tourism website and on the Sikkim Those Tourism App, can also be used to get an e-invite.
• Further, those staying as a guest of any family or friend in Sikkim, need to declare the contact details and full address of the family or friend. They will also need to submit the complete itinerary to obtain an e-invite.
• Operating Status:
• Hotels are operational
• Markets are open
• Tshangu Lake/ Baba Mandir operational
• Some sightseeing points like Museums and Monasteries are closed

"Reserve Your Getaway for Sikkim Tour Packages !"

ENTRY FORMALITIES FOR SIKKIM

Sikkim is known as a state that boasts of natural beauty in abundance. The state takes pride in its mountains, lakes and rivers and attracts tourists from all over the world.

But each tourist that enters the state has to go through an entry formality, except Indian citizens. Indian Nationals have no formalities other than restricted areas. However, foreigners have to obtain the Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Sikkim.

Inner Line Permit is an official travel document that is issued by the Government of India. The ILP is not only considered to be a document but it is the efforts of the Indian Government to regulate movement to certain areas located near the international border of India.

In fact, the ILP was originally created by the British Government. It was done in order to safeguard their commercial interests. But the ILP still continues to be used in India to officially protect the tribal cultures.

Also, there are different kinds of ILP’s, one for tourists and the other kinds for people who intend to stay for long-periods. These are usually for employment purposes.

The Government of Sikkim has compiled a very simple process for obtaining the ILP for foreign nationals and just like the website of Sikkim Government says, “it is as simple as 123”.

Below is an in-depth detail of the entry formalities.

STANDARD PERMITS

The ILP for foreigners are free to obtain and getting one is merely a formality to follow. All you have to do is bring along a passport-sized photograph and photocopies of your passport and visa. There are checkpoints where you can submit these documents and acquire the entry.

Entry Checkpoint at Melli and Rangpo: Here the permits are issues between 8 am to 7.30 pm.

Bagdogra Airport’s Sikkim Tourism Booth: Here the permits are issues between 10 am to 4 pm.

Sikkim House in Kolkata or Delhi: It is open throughout the working hours of the day. The house is shut on bank holidays.

Sikkim Tourist Office in Siliguri: It is open throughout the working hours of the day. The house is shut on bank holidays.

Permits are also available at the Pakyong Airport. In fact, one can also avail entry permits at the Darjeeling but the process at Darjeeling is more lengthy and complex. It is a two-stage process in Darjeeling that involves first visiting the Foreigners’ Registration Office (FRO) with the passport copy and then cross the town to the District Commissioner’s Office (DCO).

Foreign Nationals can also ask for 15-day Sikkim permits at the Indian Embassies abroad.

Also, there is a lack of a checkpoint at Jorethang and hence no permits are issued and indeed foreigners may not cross to/from West Bengal.

ONLINE APPLICATION FOR ENTRY PERMITS

In the world where most of us function with the help of internet, same way you can obtain entry permits online.

The Inner Line Permit (ILP) can be obtained by filling up an online application form. Although it would still be considered as a provisional Inner Line Permit unless you get the stamp on it. This stamp can be obtained at any of the border check posts of Sikkim.

WHO CAN ISSUE ENTRY PERMITS

Here is a list of who can issue entry permits.

All Indian Missions Abroad

Ministry of Home Affairs

Foreigners Registration Officers

Immigration Officers at Airports: Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and New Delhi

Deputy Commissioner, Darjeeling

Deputy Secretary/Under Secretary, Home Department, Govt. of West Bengal, Kolkata

Government of Sikkim

Chief/Home Secretary, Gangtok

Secretary Tourism, Gangtok

I.G.P. of Police, Gangtok

Resident Commissioner, Sikkim House, New Delhi

Deputy Secretary Tourism, Siliguri

Resident Commissioner STCS, Kolkata

Tourism Officer, Rangpo

The validity of any ILP lasts for only 15 days. In case, a foreign national wishes to extend their stay then on request, the stay can be extended but only for some time.

However, only The State Government is authorized to extend the stay, twice by a further period of 30 days. This extension of the permit can be obtained from Foreign Registration Office (FRO) at Gangtok and also at the office of Superintendent of Police of the North, West and South Districts.

CANCELLATION

In case of any kind of military action or any other security problems, the Entry Permits can be cancelled within 2 hours. This can happen without any prior notice and cannot be argued upon.

Also, in such a case the paid amount for the Entry Permit will not be refunded.

Get Instant Call Back

Our experts will get in touch with you shortly.

View Sikkim Packages

Why Choose us ?

What makes us diffrent from other tour package companies

Best Travel Experts

Our travel experts have core and intense knowledge about Sikkim sector with over 10 years of experience that will help you choose the best possible itinerary as per your requirements.

24 X 7 On-Trip Assistance

Our travel experts are just one call away during your tour to help you with any kind of immediate assistance so that your tour is a more enjoyable and hassle-free tour.

Best Rate Guarantee

eSikkim Tourism ensures best rates to all our esteemed guests since we have our own hotels and fleet of vehicles and drivers and there is no third-party involvement. This ensures personalized service and best rates.

Sikkim Best Sellers View All Packages

03 Nights / 04Days

Gangtok tour, rs. 6200 rs. 7500.

07 Nights / 08Days

Gangtok pelling darjeeling tour, rs. 14500 rs. 17500.

04 Nights / 05Days

Gangtok darjeeling tour package, rs. 9200 rs. 11000.

Gangtok Lachung Pelling Tour

Rs. 15000 rs. 18000.

Gangtok Lachung Tour

Rs. 8800 rs. 10500.

08 Nights / 09Days

Gangtok lachung pelling darjeeling tour, rs. 17000 rs. 20500.

05 Nights / 06Days

Delightful gangtok and darjeeling, rs. 10500 rs. 12500.

The Sparkling Gems of Sikkim

Rs. 11400 rs. 13500.

Gangtok Pelling Tour

Rs. 10300 rs. 12500.

Gangtok Lachen Lachung Tour

Rs. 12000 rs. 14500.

Gangtok Kalimpong Darjeeling Tour

Rs. 10800 rs. 12900.

06 Nights / 07Days

Extended gangtok pelling darjeeling tour, rs. 13000 rs. 15500.

Blissfull Sikkim Darjeeling Pelling Tour

Rs. 11700 rs. 14000.

Gangtok Lachen Lachung Pelling Tour

Rs. 15900 rs. 19000.

Gangtok North Sikkim Tour

Rs. 13700 rs. 16500, popular places to visit in sikkim view all.

Popular Attractions To Visit in Sikkim View All

TSOMGO LAKE

• RABDENTSE RUINS

• Nathu La Pass

• Khecheopalri Lake

• Khangchendzonga National Park

• GURUDONGMAR LAKE

• BUDDHA PARK RAVANGLA

• BARSEY RHODODENDRON SANCTUARY

• Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple

Top Things to do & see on your Holiday to Sikkim -->

Monasteries In Sikkim

Adventure Tourism Sikkim

Lakes In Sikkim

Wildlife In Sikkim

Buddhist Circuit

Fair and Festivals

People and Culture

Shopping In Sikkim

From our blog view all blogs.

Places To Visit In Sikkim

Published on May 28,2019

Places to visit in Gangtok

Published on Apr 19,2019

Places to visit in Lachen

Places to Visit in Lachung

Places to visit in Pelling

Places To Visit In Sikkim During Summer

Published on Apr 27,2019

Places To Visit In Sikkim During Monsoon

Places To Visit In Sikkim During Winter

Things to Do in Sikkim During Summer

Published on Apr 22,2019

Things To Do In Monsoon: 7 Magical Experiences...

Things To Do In Winter: Experiences That Account...

Things To Do In Sikkim

Things to do in Gangtok

Things to do in Lachen

Things to do at lachung, sikkim travel information at a glance.

Find the authentic information on how to plan a hassle free tour to Sikkim. Travalghar puts together for you relevant details on how to reach Sikkim along with information on different means of transportation and the best time to visit. Also explore the different attractions and destinations in Sikkim with the help of our map, made easy for you to navigate.

• About sikkim
• Sikkim Darjeeling Tour Packages
• Visiting Sikkim in Winters
• South Sikkim
• Sikkim Tourism Destinations
• How to Reach Sikkim
• Visiting Sikkim in Summers
• West Sikkim
• Sikkim Tourist Attractions
• Sikkim Travel by Road
• Visiting Sikkim in Monsoon
• East Sikkim
• Best Things to Do in Sikkim
• Sikkim Travel by Train
• Darjeeling Gangtok Tour Packages
• North Sikkim
• Best Time to Visit Sikkim
• Sikkim Travel by Air
• Entry Formalities to Sikkim
• Trekking in Sikkim
• Honeymoon in Sikkim
• Sikkim Tourism Map
• Restricted Area Permit
• Hill stations in Sikkim
• Gangtok Tour Packages
• Sikkim Tour Packages
• Places to visit in Sikkim
• Do's and Dont's
• Nathang Valley
• Thangu Valley
• Rinchenpong
• Tsomgo Lake
• Sikkim in January
• Sikkim in February
• Sikkim in March
• Sikkim in April
• Sikkim in May
• Sikkim in June
• Sikkim in July
• Sikkim In August
• Sikkim in September
• Sikkim In October
• Sikkim in November
• Sikkim in December
• Sikkim Honeymoon Packages

or call us at: +91 7838-052-199

Send Enquiry

How it works?

• 1 Tell us details of your holiday plan.
• 2 Our Tour Experts will customize the plan based upon your requirements & will email the tour quote with 2-3 different hotel options
• 3 Select & book best deal.

+91 7838-052-199

Get free quote, how it works, get the best sikkim tour packages, why travel with us.

Best Price Guranteed

Package Customization

24*7 Trip Assistance

Refine your package, budget per person (in rs.).

• Less Than 10,000
• 10,000 - 20,000
• 20,000 - 30,000
• 0 To 5 Nights
• 6 To 8 Nights
• 8 or More Nights

Type Of Packages

• Best Seller
• Family/Leisure
• --> --> --> --> -->