Manipur Travel Guide for International & Out-of-State Visitors

Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Foreign nationals no longer require a Restricted Area Permit to visit Manipur (relaxed by the Ministry of Home Affairs). However, foreign passport holders must register with the local Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) or at the Imphal Bir Tikendrajit International Airport arrival desk within 24 hours of arrival.

Indian Citizens (ILP): Domestic travellers from outside Manipur require an Inner Line Permit (ILP), obtainable online or at Imphal airport / Mao gate checkposts.

UPI & Digital Payments: Unified Payments Interface (UPI via PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm) is widely accepted across Imphal cafes, boat jetties, and artisan workshops.

Cash (INR): Carry physical cash (INR ₹100 / ₹200 / ₹500 notes) when travelling to remote highland villages in Ukhrul, Churachandpur, or floating phumsang huts on Loktak Lake where cellular signal may be limited.

Best Providers: Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel offer 4G/5G coverage in Imphal, Moirang, Sendra, and Ukhrul town.

Foreign SIM Activation: International travellers can purchase an Indian Tourist SIM card at Delhi/Kolkata international airports upon arrival using their passport and tourist visa.

Ima Keithel (Mothers Market): Ima Keithel is run exclusively by over 4,000 married Meitei women. Always ask permission before taking portraits of market elders.

Sacred Sanctuaries: Remove shoes when entering traditional Meitei homesteads, sacred Sanamahi altars, or Tangkhul village meeting halls.