Kohima, November 30, 2025 – In a major move aimed at boosting tourism and promoting cultural exchange, the Government of India has notified a relaxation of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime for Nagaland ahead of the 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival, the state’s flagship 10-day cultural and tourism event. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) conveyed the decision to the Chief Secretary of Nagaland in an official letter on Saturday, paving the way for foreign nationals to visit the state more freely during the festival period.

The Hornbill Festival, often referred to as the “Festival of Festivals,” is a marquee event in Nagaland’s tourism calendar. Scheduled to begin on Monday, December 2, 2025, the festival coincides with Nagaland Statehood Day, marking the rich cultural heritage of the region. Over the years, it has attracted domestic and international tourists, providing a significant boost to local businesses, artisans, and the hospitality sector. This year, the festival will feature six Partner Countries — France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Austria, Malta, and Switzerland — participating in cultural showcases, business roundtables, and networking engagements.

Background of the PAP Regime

The Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime is a system requiring foreign nationals to obtain special permission to visit certain areas of India, primarily in the northeastern states and other sensitive border regions. Introduced with the dual objectives of security management and monitoring foreign visitors, the PAP has historically been a contentious measure in states that rely on tourism for economic development.

In 2011, the PAP was lifted from Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland to promote tourism and ease movement for foreign visitors. The relaxation was seen as a positive step toward integrating the northeastern region with global tourism and improving economic opportunities for local communities. However, citing “security concerns,” the PAP regime was reimposed in December 2024, prompting criticism from state governments, tourism operators, and local stakeholders.

Since the reimposition, the Nagaland government has repeatedly requested the Centre to review the decision, emphasizing the festival’s economic and cultural importance. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, a key member of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), has personally engaged with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to facilitate smooth participation of foreign delegates in the festival.

Chief Minister’s Appeal

On Friday, November 28, 2025, CM Rio wrote to Home Minister Shah highlighting the significance of the Hornbill Festival for Nagaland’s economy. In his letter, Rio noted that the festival welcomes tourists from across India and abroad, providing vital employment opportunities and generating livelihoods in the hospitality, craft, and cultural sectors.

“This year, the festival will host six Partner Countries, each participating in various cultural events, business roundtables, and networking engagements,” the Chief Minister wrote. He also stressed that all programmes had been finalised and preparations completed, and that timely approval of foreign visits under the relaxed PAP regime was essential for the event’s success. Rio emphasized the economic multiplier effect of tourism during the festival, from hotel bookings and local transport to handicraft sales and cultural performances.

MHA’s Response and Decision

The Ministry of Home Affairs responded positively to the request, acknowledging the importance of the Hornbill Festival and the potential benefits of tourism for Nagaland’s economy. The MHA letter to the Chief Secretary highlighted that the festival would witness participation from international guests and that lifting the PAP regime would promote tourism, improve ease of movement, and strengthen integration with the rest of the country.

The letter further underscored that the 26th edition of the festival was of national and international significance, given the involvement of Partner Countries and the expected influx of tourists. By allowing foreign nationals to visit without the standard PAP restrictions during the festival, the Centre aims to facilitate cultural exchange, business networking, and global visibility for Nagaland’s heritage and traditions.

Significance of the Hornbill Festival

The Hornbill Festival is named after the hornbill bird, a symbol deeply revered in Naga folklore, and brings together all 17 Naga tribes to celebrate their cultural diversity. The event includes traditional music and dance performances, indigenous sports, food festivals, handicraft exhibitions, and workshops on local art forms. It serves as a platform for cultural diplomacy, attracting international delegates, media, and tourists.

Tourism experts note that the festival has become a major revenue generator for the state, with thousands of visitors contributing to the hospitality sector, local markets, and allied services. By easing the PAP regime, the government aims to maximize tourist participation, ensuring that Nagaland’s artisans and performers benefit from global exposure.

Economic and Cultural Implications

The relaxation of the PAP regime is expected to boost local business opportunities during the festival. Hotels, restaurants, transport operators, and souvenir vendors stand to gain significantly from the influx of domestic and international tourists. The move is also anticipated to enhance Nagaland’s cultural footprint globally, with partner countries engaging in cultural showcases and bilateral interactions.

Officials have highlighted that such measures are crucial for sustainable tourism development in the northeast, where connectivity, security, and administrative procedures often influence tourist inflows. By temporarily relaxing PAP restrictions, the government balances national security concerns with the economic and cultural interests of the region.

Political and Strategic Context

The decision to relax the PAP regime also reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between the Centre and northeastern states, particularly in the context of tourism-driven development and regional integration. Nagaland’s government, led by CM Rio, has actively lobbied for greater autonomy in facilitating international events, highlighting the economic and diplomatic value of the Hornbill Festival.

Union authorities have repeatedly emphasized that while PAP restrictions are primarily security-oriented, flexible measures for cultural and tourism events are permissible when adequately coordinated with state governments and security agencies. The Hornbill Festival, given its scale and international participation, provided a compelling case for such flexibility.

Preparations and Security Measures

Despite the relaxation of PAP restrictions, security will remain a priority during the festival. State authorities have coordinated with central agencies to ensure the safety of tourists and delegates, especially given the participation of international guests. Measures include enhanced surveillance, deployment of security personnel, and coordination with local communities to facilitate smooth festival operations.

The Nagaland government has also streamlined logistics for foreign delegates, including visa facilitation, transportation, and accommodation, to ensure a seamless experience. With international participation, the festival also serves as an opportunity to showcase Nagaland as a safe, vibrant, and culturally rich destination to the world.

Looking Ahead

The relaxation of the PAP regime represents a milestone in promoting tourism and cultural diplomacy in Nagaland. As the Hornbill Festival unfolds over its 10-day schedule, the state is expected to witness a significant influx of domestic and international tourists, creating opportunities for economic growth, cultural exchange, and global visibility.

For the state government, the event underscores the importance of strategic planning, international collaboration, and sustainable tourism development. By coordinating with the Centre, security agencies, and foreign participants, Nagaland aims to demonstrate that the northeast can host large-scale international events without compromising security.

In conclusion, the Centre’s decision to ease the PAP regime ahead of the Hornbill Festival reflects a balanced approachto promoting tourism, supporting economic development, and preserving security. With the participation of six partner countries and an expected surge of domestic and foreign tourists, the 26th edition of the festival promises to be a landmark event for Nagaland, celebrating its cultural richness and positioning the state as a premier international tourist destination.

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