Tibetan Refugee Settlements in India, particularly in South and North Eastern India, are considered restricted areas by the Indian Government. A Protected Area Permit (PAP) from the Ministry of Home Affairs of Government of India, New Delhi is therefore required for all foreign nationals to stay overnight anywhere inside these Tibetan Refugee Settlements.

PLEASE NOTE: Without a PAP foreign nationals may only visit the area during the day but cannot stay over night.

Normally it requires 3-5 months from the time of Application to the approval of a PAP.

The Indian Consulates in Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney may be able to facilitate a PAP for your convenience. You can alternatively send your application directly to :

Mr. K. B. Singh
Government of India
Ministry of Home Affairs
Rehabilitation Wing
Jaisalmer House, Mansingh Rd.
New Delhi , INDIA

The usual process is as follows:

1. Obtain your Indian Visa
2. Apply for your PAP from Delhi or your local Indian Consulate
3. Indian Ministry of Home Affairs sends a copy of your application to the local Police where you are proposing to visit
4. The Local Police would inquire at the proposed settlement, monastery, Guest house etc., as to whether or not you are expected
5. Upon confirmation, your PAP application will be approved
6. Upon arrival, you will need to proceed to the P.R.C.F. Office to pick up your PAP and may also need to visit the local Police Station at the Settlement for registration and documentation.

Take a photo copy of your PAP application while travelling without the approved PAP.

You can download a PAP Application Form here: PDF | MSWord

You need to provide:

• 1 competed and signed PAP Application Form
• 2 recent passport size photographs of yourself
• 1 photocopy of the photo page of your passport

For Information and Assistances Contact:

The Secretary
Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
10/B Ring Road
Lajpat Nager IV
New Delhi – 24

The Secretary
Tibet Information Office
8/13 Napier Close
Deakin ACT – 2600