Rajiv Mehra, the President of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), informed that Taiwanese citizens who are visiting Sikkim are encountering difficulties when trying to enter. The Sikkim Permit, which is issued by the INDIA-TAIPEI ASSOCIATION in Taipei, is not being accepted by the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) at the Rango Checkpost.

As per IATO members, Mr. Mehra reported that clients attempting to enter Sikkim through the RANGPO FRO outpost have faced issues. The officials at FRO have been refusing to accept the SIKKIM PERMIT, claiming that it was not issued by the Indian Embassy. They argue that the INDIA-TAIPEI ASSOCIATION is merely an association and not a recognized authority. The FRO in Rangpo, which is situated at the Sikkim border, has received instructions not to permit individuals holding passports from the Republic of China or the People’s Republic of China to enter Sikkim. The only exceptions are those with clearance from either the Ministry of Home Affairs or the Ministry of External Affairs.

IATO raised the issue with the Joint Secretary (Foreigners) at the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Commissioner at the Bureau of Immigration, Government of India. We highlighted that the Sikkim Permit is issued by the India-Taipei Association, who have been the Visa Issuing Authorities for many years. IATO emphasized that there have been no previous problems with this permit, and it has been accepted by the RANGPO FRO post.

IATO has asked the Joint Secretary (F) – MHA and Commissioner – BOI to investigate this issue and issue appropriate instructions to the officials at Rangpo outpost to accept the Inner Line Permit issued by the India-Taipei Association. This is to ensure that tourists from Taiwan do not face any difficulties when entering Sikkim.

Mr. Mehra expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Home Affairs and Bureau of Immigration, Govt. of India for their favorable consideration of IATO’s request. He mentioned that the Inner Line Permit issued by the India-Taipei Association is now being accepted at Rangpo Check-post. As a result, tourists from Taiwan are now allowed to enter Sikkim.