Ahead of this year’s edition of Sangai Festival-2025, the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) Manipur, led by H. Radhakrishna Sharma (State-in-Charge), met the Manipur Governor, highlighting the challenges encountered by foreign tourists in obtaining the PAP (Protected Area Permit).
The IATO Manipur also submitted a memorandum to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Monday and urged the Governor to facilitate the process for smooth travel to strengthen the state’s tourism. The association also proposed allowing pre-arrival PAP applications at the time of visa processing in the traveler’s home country and authorizing approved tour operators and IATO members to apply for permits on behalf of their clients.
The PAP was re-imposed in the state in December 2024 by the Central Government after the Manipur ethnic conflict. It had earlier been lifted in 2011. According to the permit, foreigners are allowed to visit only the specific areas mentioned in the permit.
As per the PAP guidelines, any foreign visitors need to register with the CID Office in Imphal, and hotels in Imphal can assist with registration formalities if they are willing to stay overnight.
