Leh, Feb 18: In a bid to simplify travel procedures for international visitors, the Union Territory Administration has established a dedicated Protected Area Permit (PAP) counter in the arrival hall of Leh Airport, with operational facilitation being provided by the airport authorities.
The newly introduced facility enables foreign nationals to obtain mandatory permits immediately upon landing, eliminating the need for prior processing through online portals or local intermediaries. The initiative aims to ensure seamless access to protected and strategically sensitive destinations such as Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri and Khardung La.
These high-altitude regions, located near international borders, fall under regulated zones requiring special clearance for foreign visitors. The UT Administration has put in place a streamlined mechanism at the airport to ensure that tourists can secure approvals without delay while maintaining established security protocols.
Officials said the counter operates during peak arrival hours and is equipped with digital systems to expedite the process. Applicants are required to present valid passports, visas and detailed itineraries. Biometric verification and payment of the prescribed fee form part of the clearance procedure, with approvals generally issued within an hour.
A senior official associated with the Tourism Department said the move is expected to enhance visitor convenience and strengthen Ladakh’s standing as a preferred destination for overseas travellers. “By enabling on-arrival issuance of permits, we are addressing long-standing concerns regarding processing timelines and logistical hurdles,” the official said.
Airport authorities are facilitating the operational aspects of the counter to ensure smooth coordination between security agencies and administrative staff. The arrangement is designed to accommodate both pre-planned and last-minute travel schedules.
Local tour operators in Leh have welcomed the development, noting that delays in permit approvals previously disrupted itineraries, particularly for short-duration visitors. They said the new system would allow tourists to proceed directly to their destinations upon arrival.
The Protected Area Permit framework remains in place to regulate access to ecologically fragile and border-adjacent zones. Authorities reiterated that all foreign visitors must adhere to environmental norms, including waste disposal guidelines and transport regulations applicable in notified areas.
Permits issued at the airport are typically valid for seven days, with extensions subject to prevailing rules. While group permits for two or more travellers are encouraged, individual applications may also be considered in accordance with eligibility criteria.
With Ladakh witnessing steady interest from global travellers drawn to its unique landscape and cultural heritage, the introduction of the on-arrival PAP counter reflects the administration’s effort to balance tourism facilitation with regulatory oversight.
