Restrictions relaxed for foreign tourists to visit Arunachal

In a move aimed at boosting tourism in Arunachal Pradesh, the Centre has relaxed the Protected Area Regime in the state, easing curbs on visit by foreign tourists.     

The entire Arunachal was covered by the Protected Area Regime under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) order, 1958 and foreign tourists needed special permission to visit the state.     

The Centre has also decided to delegate powers to the state government to issue Protected Area Permit to foreign tourists in a group of two or more persons for a maximum period of 30 days.     

The tourist circuits that have been opened for the foreign tourists include Along Mechukha, Daporijo-Nacho circuit via Taliha and Sayum and Ziro-Palin to Sangram and Kaloriang, an official release here said.     

Relaxation has also been lifted on Pasighat-Jeging and Yiungkiong circuit which will be extended up to Tuting.     

The state authorities will also be able to issue the permit to a group of two foreign tourists even if they are not married couple and to foreigners married to Indian nationals belonging to the state for visiting the state on tourist visas.