Mizoram Initiates Steps to Reinstate Protected Area Permit for Foreign Nationals

The northeastern state of Mizoram is in the process of implementing the Protected Area Permit (PAP), a travel document required by foreigners to visit certain sensitive areas in India. The state government’s move came following the directive of the Centre to re-impose PAP in three northeastern states—Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland—that share a border with Myanmar.

The state government has been taking steps towards implementing the PAP, also known as the Restricted Area Permit (RAP), as stated by Mizoram Home Secretary Vanlalmawia. “We are in the process of implementing the PAP. A holding area is also being identified at Lengpui airport as directed by the Union Home Ministry,” he said.

According to the officials, the state government also urged the Centre to open a designated office in Aizawl for ease of foreigner registration, as the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) is in Kolkata. The authorities concerned and law enforcement agencies remain vigilant, although the PAP is yet to be fully implemented, Vanlalmawia added.

To boost tourism and exempt all foreigners except Afghanistani, Pakistani, and Chinese from the PAP, the centre had relaxed the PAP regime from Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram in 2011. This relaxation was later extended from time to time, and it was valid till December 2027.

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