DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 24 (MExN): The Office of the Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, has issued a directive reiterating the mandatory requirement for foreign nationals to obtain a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for entering Nagaland. A press release from the CP’s office noted that foreign nationals have continued to visit the state without the permit despite previous advisories mandating prior obtaining of PAP.
It reminded that the “relaxation granted in Protected Area regime notified under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958 has been withdrawn from the State of Nagaland.” This measure followed the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Circular No. 602, dated December 17, 2024, which cited “growing security concerns in the border areas of the state.”
Under the revised regulations, all foreign nationals must "mandatorily obtain PAP from the authorities to whom powers have been delegated.” These authorities include the Ministry of Home Affairs, Indian Missions abroad, Foreigners Regional Registration Officers (FRROs), the Home Commissioner of Nagaland, Resident Commissioner in New Delhi, and Secretary of Tourism, Nagaland.
For citizens of Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan, as well as foreign nationals “having their origins in these countries” would continue to require prior approval of the MHA. Citizens of Myanmar also require prior MHA approval for the grant of a PAP. Additionally, all foreign visitors are required to register themselves with the Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) within 24 hours of arrival.
To facilitate the process, all applications are to be handled via the e-FRRO portal. The CP instructed travel agents, tour operators, and hospitality providers to verify that foreign nationals possess a valid PAP before providing accommodation or facilitating travel. It said that compliance is essential “in the interest of security and regulatory requirements.”
