Nagaland chief minister seeks longer PAP exemption for foreign visitors

State chief minister Dr Neiphiu Rio on November 12 wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah urging the Centre to extend the Protected Area Permit (PAP) relaxation for foreign tourists beyond the usual ten-day period during the Hornbill Festival. Rio referenced the Ministry of Home Affairs' November 4 letter that confirms the existing relaxation from December 1 to December 10 each year, and asked for an extension from November 15 to December 15, 2026, as well as a comprehensive year-round exemption.

Request for extended and year-round exemption

Rio said the ten-day window does not meet Nagaland's broader needs in tourism, investment, sports and international cooperation. He highlighted that the state, known as the "Land of Festivals", hosts cultural events throughout the year and that foreign tourists typically plan trips well in advance, often arriving before the Hornbill Festival and staying afterwards to explore other destinations. The chief minister argued that the limited exemption creates practical difficulties for tourists, tour operators, travel agencies and hospitality establishments.

Implications for tourism, investment and corporate visits

The letter also sought specific exemptions for foreign corporate representatives, investors, business delegations and their families visiting Nagaland for trade and investment activities. Rio noted that such exemptions would facilitate foreign nationals’ movement, help attract investment, promote employment and support tourism-related growth. He emphasized that the security considerations underlying the PAP regime should be balanced with facilitation measures to avoid undue constraints on legitimate economic and cultural activities.

Sports events and international partnerships

In the sports sector, Rio requested exemptions for foreign sportspersons, coaches, technical officials, team management and accompanying family members participating in tournaments. He pointed out that Nagaland is emerging as a venue for national-level sporting events, citing the Indian Football League in which Nagaland United Sports Club is participating, and said national-level football clubs would begin arriving in the state from November 14. Rio cautioned that existing restrictions could hinder their participation and movement.

Rio also asked for exemptions for diplomats, officials of Nagaland’s international country partners, and representatives of foreign private firms collaborating with the state on human-resource development, employment generation and placement of skilled manpower abroad. He expressed hope that the proposed extensions would make Nagaland a more accessible and welcoming destination while advancing the state’s economic and developmental interests.

Nagaland Post reported that Rio’s appeal seeks both a month-long relaxation for the Hornbill Festival this year and a permanent year-round exemption for foreign tourists, alongside targeted exemptions for corporate, investment, sports and diplomatic engagements.