North East India's restrictions on foreign tourists lifted

January 29, 2013: The federal government has withdrawn restrictions imposed on foreign tourists traveling to the northeast region of India.

The home ministry allowed free movement of foreign tourists to the three northeastern states of Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland by suspending a decades-old rule under which foreign nationals had to take mandatory permission from authorities for visits.

However, citizens of Pakistan, China, Afghanistan and Myanmar will not enjoy the benefit of the latest order, which would initially be applicable for a year, an official said.

Travel to these states will now be easier, but tourists will still have to register themselves with the foreigners registration officers of the districts concerned within 24 hours of arrival.

The move to liberalize travel rules is expected to boost tourism in the northeast which is rich in natural diversity and has high adventure tourism potential.

The union government and states are eyeing a substantial market with about 58,000 foreign tourists visiting the northeast last year – up by 18% from 2011.

Officials expect a 25 per cent increase of tourist arrivals within a year after relaxation of rules.

Under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order 1958, all areas in Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim and parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand are declared "protected areas" and foreign nationals need permission to visit these areas.