The Government of India has relaxed the Protected Area Regime (PAR) in Nagaland for the upcoming 26th Hornbill Festival, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) informed the state government in a letter dated 29th November 2025.
The move follows persistent appeals from the Nagaland government, which argued that the festival plays a vital role in promoting tourism and supporting livelihoods. Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio had met central leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah, and written multiple letters over the past year requesting the relaxation.
The Home Ministry’s communication noted that the Hornbill Festival will see participation from six partner countries, with tourists expected from across India and abroad. The festival will include cultural events, business roundtables, and networking engagements. The MHA said the decision was taken in the interest of facilitating tourism, improving ease of movement, and strengthening integration with the rest of the country.
The Protected Area Regime (PAR) is a set of Indian rules under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, which requires foreign nationals to obtain a special permit called a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit certain sensitive areas of the country. These areas are usually located between the Inner Line and the international border in states like Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram.”
Under PAR, foreign visitors must apply for a permit specifying the area, route, place of stay, and duration of visit. The permit is valid only for the specified conditions, and copies must often be deposited at entry and exit points for verification. The regime is periodically relaxed or reimposed depending on security and strategic concerns.