Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has urged the Centre to extend the exemption from the Protected Area Permit (PAP) requirement for foreign nationals visiting the state throughout the year, stating that the existing 10-day relaxation during the annual Hornbill Festival is not sufficient to support tourism, trade, investment and international cooperation.
In a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Rio welcomed the Ministry of Home Affairs’ decision to relax the Protected Area Regime in Nagaland from December 1 to 10 every year, coinciding with the Hornbill Festival. However, he said a longer exemption period was necessary to meet the state’s broader economic and tourism requirements.
For the 2026 edition of the Hornbill Festival, the Chief Minister has requested that the exemption be extended from November 15 to December 15. He pointed out that international visitors often arrive in Nagaland before the festival begins and remain in the state after its conclusion to explore its cultural heritage, traditions and tourist destinations.
Rio said limiting the relaxation to just 10 days creates practical difficulties for foreign tourists, tour operators, travel agencies and hospitality businesses. Such restrictions, he argued, could also reduce the economic benefits that Nagaland could otherwise gain from international tourism.
The Chief Minister has also sought similar exemptions for foreign investors, corporate representatives, business delegations and their accompanying family members visiting the state for trade and investment-related activities. He said easier access would help encourage business engagement and attract investment into Nagaland.
Another major concern raised in the letter relates to international sporting events. Rio has requested exemptions for foreign sportspersons, professional players, coaches, technical officials and team management personnel participating in competitions organised in the state.
Referring to the Indian Football League, which Nagaland is hosting, he said national-level clubs were scheduled to arrive from November 14, including teams featuring foreign players. He cautioned that the existing PAP restrictions could create difficulties for their participation and movement during the competition.
The Chief Minister has also called for exemptions for diplomats and representatives of countries that have international partnerships with Nagaland. He further sought relaxation for foreign companies and institutions working with the state government in areas such as human resource development, employment generation and overseas placement of skilled professionals.
Describing Nagaland as the ‘Land of Festivals’, Rio said cultural programmes and tourism activities take place throughout the year. He maintained that a limited relaxation during the Hornbill Festival does not adequately address the requirements of the state’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
He also referred to the difficulties arising from a similar limited exemption last year and reiterated the need for a broader arrangement to facilitate foreign visitors and other legitimate activities.
While acknowledging the security considerations behind the Protected Area Regime, Rio said genuine tourism, business, cultural and sporting engagements should not face unnecessary restrictions.
