If you’re planning a trip to Sikkim this summer, there’s an important update that you should be aware of. Starting in March 2025, the Sikkim government will implement a new entry fee for tourists, set at INR 50. This fee is part of the Sikkim Registration of Tourist Trade Rules and is designed to support the state’s Tourism Sustainability Development (TSD) Fund.
The fee is aimed at gathering resources for enhancing tourism infrastructure and services across the region. Notably, all tourists aged five and above will be required to pay this fee for their stays, which can extend up to 30 days. However, if you plan to return to Sikkim after a one-month interval, you will be expected to pay the fee again upon your next visit.
According to government officials, the revenue collected from this initiative is earmarked for several key improvements. These include enhancing road connectivity to make travel within the state more accessible, maintaining cleanliness in tourist hotspots, and upgrading various tourism facilities to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors. This move reflects Sikkim’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism while preserving its natural beauty and cultural integrity.
Entry fees are becoming increasingly common across India, and the world. These fees are often introduced to limit tourist numbers or to generate funds for infrastructure improvements. The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department recently announced an entry fee at popular beaches across the state to enhance facilities, ensure cleanliness, and support sustainable development. Read about it here.
In September 2024, New Zealand announced that it will significantly raise tourist entry fees, nearly tripling the current charges. In April 2024, Venice implemented a pilot plan aimed at reducing overtourism by charging an entry fee to its famous canals. Day-trippers were required to pay INR 445 on selected dates from April to July that year. The fee only applied to tourists visiting for the day, between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4 PM.
