Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
He wants foreign tourists to be free from a special permit all year round.
The permit is called the Protected Area Permit, or PAP. The Ministry of Home Affairs has already allowed a short relaxation.
It runs for 10 days, from December 1 to 10, every year, to match the Hornbill Festival.
Rio welcomed that decision.
But he said 10 days is not enough for the state's needs in tourism, investment, sports and international cooperation.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
Key points
- Rio wants a full year-round PAP exemption for foreign tourists.
- For the 2026 Hornbill Festival, he asks for one full month, from November 15 to December 15.
- The current relaxation covers only 10 days each year, from December 1 to 10.
- He also seeks exemptions for investors, sports teams and foreign partners.
What is the Protected Area Permit?
The PAP is a special permission.
Foreign nationals, including most Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, need it to enter or stay in designated sensitive border regions of India.
It is issued under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958. The purpose is national security.
It lets the Central Government monitor the movement of foreigners in strategic areas.
Why is the state asking for more?
Rio said many international tourists arrive before the Hornbill Festival.
They often stay longer to see the state's culture and natural places.
He said Nagaland hosts many festivals and events through the year.
A 10-day window does not support steady growth for tourism and hospitality.
The state says a similar short relaxation affected tourism last year.
Sports is another concern.
National-level football clubs, some with foreign players, will arrive from November 14 for the Indian Football League.
Rio warned that existing restrictions could make it hard for them to take part.
What happens next?
Rio has asked the Centre for favourable consideration of his requests.
These include exemptions for foreign investors, business delegations, sports personnel and officials of international partners.
He also asked for facilitation for foreign private firms that help with skilled manpower and overseas placement.
The sources do not give a date for a decision.
Explainer
What happened before
- The Ministry of Home Affairs approved a 10-day relaxation of the PAP regime in Nagaland, from December 1 to 10 every year.
- The ministry shared this decision in a letter dated November 4, 2026.
- The state says a similar short relaxation affected tourism last year.
Why it matters
Tourists plan trips early and stay longer, so a 10-day window limits tourism, investment and sports plans in Nagaland.
What to watch next
- The request now goes to the Union Home Ministry, and the sources give no date for a decision.
