Rio seeks extended PAP relaxation for Hornbill Festival 2026 and year-round exemption for foreign tourists visiting Nagaland
DIMAPUR — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has urged the Centre to extend the relaxation of the Protected Area Regime (PAP) in Nagaland from 10 days to at least one month for the Hornbill Festival 2026, while reiterating the state government’s demand for a complete exemption for foreign tourists visiting the state throughout the year.
In a letter to the Union Home Minister, Rio sought relaxation from November 15 to December 15, stating that the 10-day exemption granted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, from December 1 to the 10th, fell short of addressing the broader requirements of Nagaland, particularly in tourism, investment, sports and international cooperation.
According to the DIPR, the chief minister said international tourists generally planned their itineraries well in advance, with many arriving before the commencement of the Hornbill Festival and continuing their stay beyond the festival period to explore the state. Restricting the relaxation to 10 days, he said, created practical difficulties for tourists, tour operators, travel agencies and hospitality establishments, thereby limiting the potential benefits of tourism for the state’s economy.
Referring to the experience of the previous year, Rio said a similar limited relaxation had adversely affected tourism-related activities. He, therefore, reiterated the state government’s request for a complete exemption from the PAP requirement for foreign tourists visiting Nagaland throughout the year.
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Rio also sought specific exemptions for foreign nationals visiting Nagaland for investment, trade, business engagements, sporting events and international partnerships.
On sports, he pointed out that Nagaland was increasingly emerging as a venue for national-level events and was now hosting the Indian Football League with the participation of Nagaland United Sports Club. National-level football clubs are scheduled to arrive in the state from November 14, with professional teams having foreign nationals among their players.
He said the existing restrictions could create considerable difficulties for the participation and movement of international players and associated personnel.
The chief minister also sought exemptions for foreign corporate representatives, investors and business delegations, as well as diplomats and representatives of Nagaland’s international country partners visiting for official engagements, cultural exchange and tourism promotion. He further sought exemptions for representatives of foreign firms and institutions collaborating with the state government or its authorised agencies in human resource development, employment generation and overseas placement of skilled and professional manpower.
While acknowledging the security considerations underlying the Protected Area Regime, Rio emphasised the need for facilitation measures to ensure that legitimate tourism, economic, cultural and sporting activities were not unduly constrained.
He expressed hope that the Centre would favourably consider the requests, stating that the exemptions would help Nagaland attract investment, promote employment opportunities and establish international partnerships.