Nagaland's Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has appealed to the Union Home Ministry for a one-month relaxation of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) from November 15 to December 15, 2026, to coincide with the Hornbill Festival. A year-round exemption for foreign tourists and investors is also being sought to boost tourism and investment in the state. The appeal was addressed directly to Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Currently, the PAP relaxation is limited to a ten-day period from December 1 to December 10 each year. This follows a Ministry of Home Affairs directive issued on November 4, 2024, which grants an annual relaxation for the Hornbill Festival.
Under existing rules, foreign nationals (except Bhutanese) must apply for a PAP through the e-FRRO portal and register with the Foreigners Registration Officer within 24 hours of arrival in Nagaland. Applicants are required to submit documentation at least 30 days before international departure.
Citizens of Afghanistan, China, Pakistan, and Myanmar also need prior clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Protected Area Permit system was originally established under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order of 1958. It was relaxed in 2011 for Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram to promote tourism but was reinstated in December 2024 due to regional security considerations.
Nagaland's tourism industry has expressed concerns that the current ten-day window is insufficient for international travellers to plan their visits. The year-round exemption request also targets foreign investors, and the proposal includes special consideration for sports figures and diplomats, citing the state's hosting of the Indian Football League as a potential benefit.
The Hornbill Festival is Nagaland's premier cultural event, drawing over 100,000 visitors annually. The proposed one-month PAP relaxation is expected to lead to a surge in international arrivals for the festival.