What Are the Protected and Restricted Areas in India?

India is a big country and one may not able to see everything on their visit. So, people choose special places in India to visit. But it's not like you can go anywhere in the country, there are places in the country which are prohibited for tourists to visit. 

So, if you are going to make your travel itinerary for India, then you should definitely check out this article to help you with that. In addition to an entry visa, you are required to acquire a special permit to visit a few areas in India. 

This article explains what are the protected areas and how you can visit them. 

Let’s get started. 

What is the Foreigners Act

Foreigners act 1958 states that a protected area permit is required for non-Indian citizens to visit certain parts of the country. And according to this act, the traveler must meet a few requirements to get the protected area permit. 

Requirements for the foreigners to comply to get the restricted area permit:

• Travelers must travel in a group of at least two persons.
• They must travel with a registered agent in India and keep him close at all times. 
• In a few areas, only a few entry and exit points exist and some areas are closed off for non-Indians. 
• People from Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, and Myanmar can only get Protected Area Permit and that requires the approval of the home ministry. 
• The PAP is valid for only 10 days but it can be extended for another 7 days if required.

The processing of the application may take up to 15 days and longer in some cases. 

Now, let’s look at the areas where you need PAP in addition to e visa India. 

Nagaland – Nagaland is now open to foreigners for a maximum of 10 days but you have to travel in a group of a minimum of 4 people. And the permits can be issued by the Ministry of External Affairs and Directorate of Tourism Nagaland. 

Assam – There are a few great places in Assam that are restricted to foreigners such as Kaziranga National Park, Kamakhya temple, etc. 

Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram – You would also need to acquire PAP if you want to visit Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. 

Sikkim – Parts of Sikkim are declared as the protected areas and that is why you would require a special permit to visit these areas. 

Manipur – If you are looking to visit the famous Loktak Lake in Manipur, you would require a permit. So does other places in Manipur; the maximum stay in Manipur is five days. 

Andaman Islands – The best islands the country has require a special permit for foreigners to travel there. 

Parts of Lakshadweep, Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan also require a special permit for traveling. 

You would have to follow all these instructions and rules after you apply for an Indian e visa. These rules are there to protect the culture of India and the travelers also from unsocial elements. 

Note:- Apply for an online r-tourist visa from here:- https://www.indiane-visa.com/online-tourist-visa-india

Can I Travel to India With Criminal Records?

In recent changes made to the Indian e-visa structure, you can apply for an e-business visa, e-tourist visa, and e-medical visa. And the tourists from 169 countries are eligible to apply for the Indian e tourist visa.

If you are looking for the information related to an Indian visa and how you can travel with your criminal record, you’ve found the right article. Today we will focus on how you can go to India with criminal records and what type of documentation is required for that.

Let’s get started.

The travelers are required to have at least six months' validity on their passport from the date of travel and at least two blank pages for the stamp. You must also have a return ticket and enough money to spend in India.

When you apply for the visa, you will be asked a few questions about your criminal records. You will need to provide that; those are questions related to criminal charges.

Are Countries Obligated to Share Information?

It is pretty common for countries to ask about your criminal charges back home. It can be done in the form of a questionnaire or ask you to submit the evidence for criminal charges.
But most countries don’t ask others to give out information about criminal charges. And they mostly rely on the information given by the applicant and official documents from back home. Many international organizations share the data with most countries, but the sharing is limited to a few selected cases and people.

Can You Travel to India With Criminal Record?

Yes, they can, and there is a new rule that was introduced back in 2018. Before that, they didn’t even ask about the criminal history of any traveler.

In 2018, after a few cases, the government had mended their rules and added a new questionnaire in the application form when you apply for an Indian e visa. We are not saying that you will be denied a visa to India, but now your criminal history will be taken into consideration before handing out the visa.

Here are the questions asked by Indian visa authorities when you are applying for e visa India.

• Have you ever been arrested/prosecuted/convicted in any country?
• Have you ever been denied entry into an airport in any country, including India?
• Have you ever been engaged in cybercrime, terrorist activity, espionage, sabotage, or any other type of violence?
• Have you ever engaged in human trafficking, child abuse, drug trafficking, financial frauds, or crimes against women?