Entry formalities: Besides the Indian visa , foreign visitors must obtain inner line permit (ILP) to enter into Sikkim. The permits can be obtained from all Indian missions Tourism Office- New Delhi, Sikkim, Tourism office- Kolkota and Sikkim Tourism Office- Siliguri, Rangpo Tourist Lodge on the strength of an Indian visa. The 15 days duration permit is issued on the spot without any delay provided photocopies of passport and visa details along with two passport photos of the applicants are made available then and there. The permissible duration of stay by foreign tourists would be fifteen days initially with state Government authorized to extend the same by a further period of 30 days with  15 days extension at a time. The extension of permits can be obtained from FRO Gangtok, Office of the Superintendent of Police of West Sikkim (Rabdentse).

For those interested in going for trekking to interior and higher regions like Dzongri, Goechala and Thangsing the department of Tourism( Gangtok) issues special trekking permit or protected area permit (PAP) for groups of two or more foreigners subject to the condition that the trekking program is arranged through a registered trekking agency.