Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has written a letter to the Centre urging a longer exemption from Protected Area Permits (PAP) for foreign visitors, citing that the existing 10-day relaxation during the Hornbill Festival was inadequate to promote investment and tourism.
The Hornbill Festival 2026 will take place from December 1 to 10 at Kisama Heritage Village near Nagaland’s capital Kohima.
While he acknowledged the security concerns that underlie the need for permits, Rio said that the 10-day exemption period leads to practical difficulties for tour operators, travel agencies, international visitors and hospitality establishments, limiting the benefits of tourism.
The Nagaland CM said that an exemption of at least one month, from November 15 to December 15, from the PAP regime can help Nagaland attract investment, generate employment and strengthen international partnerships, PTI reported.
Rio’s letter has drawn focus on the Protected Area Permits (PAP) for foreign visitors to certain states, Union Territories and areas of the country.
What are protected area permits and restricted area permits
These are mandatory travel documents that all foreign nationals need for visiting or staying in certain areas, such as parts of the Northeast and Tibetan refugee settlements.
Protected areas are those regions falling between the ‘Inner Line’ and the international border of the state, as per the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958. Restricted areas are classified under the Foreigners (Restricted Areas) Order, 1963.
Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders also need these permits while visiting certain areas. These permits are needed even if visitors have a valid visa for India.
Which states and areas require them
Foreigners visiting Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim and Nagaland need a PAP. Some parts of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Ladakh are also protected areas, so visitors need a permit for them.
The entire Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands is considered a restricted area. Tibetan settlements, monasteries, institutions, nunneries and other locations mentioned in the Fourth Schedule of Immigration and Foreigners Order, 2025, fall in the category.
???? Are you a foreign national? Are you planning to visit any restricted/protected area in India?
???????? All foreign nationals including OCI Cardholders intending to visit or stay in any restricted or protected areas are required to obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) or Protected Area Permit (PAP) before visiting such places.
Here is a quick guide on the permit requirements for the same. ????????
???????? PROTECTED AREAS
➤ Currently the entire area of the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim and Nagaland are Protected Areas
➤ Some parts of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Ladakh are also Protected Areas.???????? RESTRICTED AREAS
➤ Entire area of the Union Territory Andaman & Nicobar Islands is Restricted
➤ Tibetan Settlements, Monasteries, Institutions, Nunneries and other locations mentioned in the Fourth Schedule of Immigration and Foreigners Order, 2025 (https://t.co/oqIamLUS2Z) are Restricted areas.Note: This is subject to change from time to time by the orders of the Government of India.
???????? How to Apply for PAP or RAP online if you are already in India on a valid visa:
➤ Visit the e-FRRO portal: https://t.co/NIXAW37IH5
➤ Register to create your User ID
➤ Choose “Restricted/Protected areas” from the main services menu
➤ Fill the online application form and select the areas to be visited.
➤ Upload the required documents in PDF format (Copy of Passport Bio Page, Current Visa, Recent Photograph, Request Letter and Proof of Residence/ Form C)
➤ Submit your application
➤ If applicable, you will be sent a payment request. Pay the applicable fee online
➤ Provided the requisite conditions are met, your RAP/PAP certificate will be emailed to you and will be uploaded on the portal after due process
???????? Important Guidelines
1. Do not attempt to visit Restricted Areas/ Protected Areas without requisite permits.
2. Do not stay in the Restricted/Protected area after the expiry of the permit.
3. If applying for PAP/RAP for purposes other than tourism, the visa held by the foreigner should be of appropriate category/sub-category with reference to the purpose of visit.
4. Obtaining an RAP to visit a Tibetan settlement within a Protected Area does not waive off the PAP requirements; you must obtain a separate PAP to enter those areas.
#Foreigners #IndianImmigration #SpecialPermit
— Bureau of Immigration, Government of India (@BOIndiaOfficial) September 9, 2026
Why these restrictions were introduced
These permits were introduced to regulate tourism in sensitive border regions. These restrictions regulate the movement of foreigners in these regions, maintain internal stability and enhance border security.
The restrictions cover areas that are geographically and geopolitically sensitive, such as Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.
The permits can also help preserve local cultures by limiting external influences in the region. Foreign visitors can get aa permit from the e-FRRO portal before visiting these regions. Approvals must be obtained at least 30 days in advance before any visit.
How permits affect tourism businesses
The permits make it difficult for tourists to plan their itineraries. As Neiphiu Rio pointed out in his letter, the tourists visiting Nagaland for the Hornbill Festival often arrive before the event and extend their stay afterwards to explore the local culture and tourist destinations.
Extending a permit or renewing it may be cumbersome for tourists. Some may choose to change their plans instead of staying in the state. This affects local businesses, tour operators and other sectors that are dependent on tourists for their livelihoods.
The permits can also lead to difficulties in getting investment from foreign firms or entrepreneurs or even organising events. Rio cited the Indian Football League, which Nagaland is hosting, as an example. He said that national-level clubs, with some foreign players, are arriving from November 14, and the existing restrictions could hamper their participation and movement.
Whether tourism growth and security concerns can be balanced
The debate at the heart of the matter is whether investment and tourism opportunities can be balanced with security concerns. The Central government has stated that the guidelines regarding these permits are subject to change from time to time.
As Rio suggests, longer exemption periods may be the balancing act. Instead of 10 or 15 days, a month-long exemption period from permits can boost tourism and enable states to attract more investment.
