Nagaland Tourism In Spotlight: Will Foreign Tourists Finally Get Easy Access!

Published on December 10, 2025

Nagaland has requested the Central government to lift the Protected Area Permit (PAP) system for foreigners who visit the state, a decision that according to the state government would immensely help in developing tourism, inter-cultural understanding and reviving the economy. The application is made while the states around are still cautious, mentioning security issues. The alteration might become a milestone for both Indian and foreign tourists who want to discover Nagaland’s diverse tribal culture, mountains, and pristine nature.

Background: What is PAP and why does Nagaland want it removed

• Under current regulations, foreign tourists need a PAP issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to visit protected areas, a classification covering all of Nagaland.
• For Indian citizens, a different permit the Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required to enter Nagaland.
• The PAP was relaxed for Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram in 2011 to encourage tourism.
• However, from December 2024, the MHA reinstated the PAP requirement for all three states, citing border-security concerns.
• The re-imposition has triggered concern in Nagaland: the state government argues that the security situation in Nagaland has remained stable, and that the uniform application of PAP, without differentiating between states ignores the ground realities in Nagaland.

What the state government says and why tourism stands to gain

At a recent state cabinet meeting, the government resolved to formally urge the Centre to lift the PAP regime. According to the state’s Tourism department, as advertised on the official portal, foreign visitors previously did not need PAP (with certain nationality-based exceptions), only domestic travellers required ILP.

Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland, has repeatedly appealed to Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, pointing out that continued PAP restrictions are harming tourism growth, foreign collaborations in education and skill development, and the state’s overall image.

Officials argue that removing the PAP or at the very least streamlining it would:

• Make it easier for foreign tourists to explore Nagaland’s cultural festivals, tribal villages and natural landscapes.
• Encourage international participation in events like the Hornbill Festival, which in turn stimulates livelihoods, especially for tribal artisans, performers, local guides and hospitality providers.
• Attract more domestic tourists (who need only ILP) and foreign visitors alike, helping diversify the tourism base beyond festival-season spikes, and enabling more sustainable long-term growth.

As one official said during a press briefing, the state believes its ground realities are different and that the blanket restriction under PAP does not reflect the peaceful and stable scenario in most parts of Nagaland.

What it means for tourists: Easier access, richer experiences

If PAP is lifted or significantly relaxed, travellers from India and abroad could expect:

• Easier entry procedures — no delays waiting for PAP clearance, more flexibility in planning itineraries, less uncertainty.
• Greater spontaneity: simpler travel to remote hills, tribal villages, sanctuaries and cultural spots without heavy red tape.
• Better tourism infrastructure utilisation: state-approved guesthouses, resorts, home-stays in tribal villages or heritage locations as promoted by the state tourism department.
• Enhanced cultural exchange: festivals like Hornbill could take on a truly global flavour if international tourists, researchers, cultural delegations, and travel writers can visit without cumbersome paperwork.

For Indian visitors, who already use ILP, the free movement of foreign friends or travel partners could become a possibility, opening up opportunities for joint travel to Nagaland’s famed hills, tribal communities, scenic villages and wildlife sanctuaries.

Tourism revival: Why this matters now

Tourism has emerged as a key economic lifeline for Nagaland, especially after years when security concerns, limited private investment and under-development constrained large-scale growth.

Events like the Hornbill Festival have already demonstrated the drawing power of Nagaland’s tribal heritage and cultural richness: in the last festival alone, several thousand foreigners participated alongside domestic tourists and local visitors.

Officials believe that by easing PAP restrictions, the state can harness its Cultural-and-Nature tourism potential: homestays in tribal villages; treks in scenic hills; wildlife-sanctuary visits; traditional arts, crafts and food experiences; and immersive cultural interactions. This would not only bring in more tourism revenue, but also provide livelihoods to local communities, artisans, guides and service providers.

A representative of the tourism department implied that if the Centre accedes, Nagaland could emerge as a major eco-cultural travel destination for both domestic and international travellers, a narrative many states in the region are already banking on.

Caveats: Why the PAP remains

The PAP regime was reinstated by the MHA in December 2024 for Nagaland, along with Manipur and Mizoram. The decision was driven by security concerns along the sensitive India–Myanmar border, given porous border areas, refugee influx and past issues of illegal immigration.
While Nagaland’s government argues that its border areas are currently peaceful and that blanket restrictions are unwarranted, the Centre may be cautious about revoking PAP altogether given broader regional security dynamics.

Thus, tourists (especially foreigners) who plan to visit Nagaland now must still apply for PAP through the official portal or FRRO, as per the guidelines of the state’s tourism website.

What’s next: A potential turning point for Nagaland tourism

The state’s renewed push to lift PAP comes at a strategic time: with the Hornbill Festival 2025 around the corner and tourism already showing signs of revival, the government sees an opportunity to transform Nagaland into a globally accessible destination for culture, nature, heritage and adventure travel.

The decision might not only bring new life to Nagaland’s local communities, tribal artisans, tour operators and hospitality providers but also provide them with the great opportunity to work, keep their traditions alive and interact with different cultures.