Arunachal Pradesh state government has announced to reopen the state for travellers in a move to promote tourism in the region. As per the reports, travellers who are fully vaccinated, with both the doses of approved COVID-19 vaccine, will be allowed to enter the state.
Further, the state government also passed an order, stating that the issuance of Inner Line Permit (ILP)/ Restricted Area Permit/ Protected Area Permit shall be resumed with immediate effect under existing rules and regulations.
ILP is an official travel document that is issued to Indian citizens, who are keen to visit restricted/protected areas or states including Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram for a limited period.
Likewise, the Foreigner (Protected Areas) Act is required by foreign travellers to obtain a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit certain areas in India, including Arunachal. Reportedly, this decision will prove beneficial to hoteliers, tour operators, homestays, cab operators, and all tourism-related stakeholders as they have been facing economic hardships due to the suspension of the permits.
Therefore, in a bid to reopen the tourism sector, the state government issued orders to withdraw suspension on issuing Protected Area Permit and ILP to travellers as the COVID-19 situation in the region is under control.
Moreover, the administration will also issue an advisory on COVID appropriate behaviour for travellers.
