General Information:
All the Tibetan settlements established in India are classified as Protected Areas by the Government of India. Foreign nationals who wish to visit the Tibetan settlements in India for whatever reason are required to take note of the following:
Protected Area Permit (PAP) is MANDATORY for visiting Tibetan Settlements in India.
Procedure for applying for a Protected Area Permit (PAP)
Foreign nationals can apply for PAP through the Indian Missions in their respective countries simultaneously while applying for an entry visa for their visit to India. Foreign nationals can also apply for PAP directly from the Rehabilitation Section, Ministry of Home Affairs, NDCC Building II, Jai Singh Road, Opposite Jantar Mantar, New Delhi 110 001.
Alternatively, the foreign nationals can route their application for Protected Area Permit through the Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
All above documents mentioned below are required to be sent to the Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, New Delhi via email: rehab@tibetbureau.in or either by post addressing to:
The Secretary
Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
10B, Ring Road, Lajpat Nagar IV
New Delhi 110024
Applicants applying for more than 4 applications are requested to send the required documents by post.
Documents required for applying for a Protected Area Permit:
- 3 copies of Filled-in Application Form, which is downloadable in your preferred format. (word/ pdf)
- 2 Copies of the applicant’s passport with Indian visa details (if visa is already in place in the passport)
- A Recommendation or a Supporting Letter from the Tibetan Settlement Officer (Settlement where they plan to visit) or from the Administrator of the Monastery (they wish to visit).
How long does it take to process PAP application?
3 (three) months from the date when the application is lodged at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
Kindly note:
In order to process the PAP within the stipulated time frame, applicants are required to send in the complete required documents and duly filled PAP proforma well in advance.