Meghalaya Plans Mandatory Visitor Registration for Enhanced Monitoring

Introduction of Visitor Registration System

Guwahati, July 12: The government of Meghalaya is set to implement a compulsory registration system for tourists and other individuals entering the state, aimed at enhancing the monitoring of their movements.

As part of this initiative, all visitors will need to register and have their identities, backgrounds, and reasons for visiting verified before they can enter Meghalaya.

This system is designed to create a detailed record of visitors and improve entry monitoring, similar to the registration and verification processes in place under the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur.

Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira mentioned in an interview with a Shillong-based news outlet that this initiative aims to enhance visitor tracking and tackle issues related to illegal entries, especially given the consistent rise in tourist numbers.

Shira stated, "A proper registration system is essential as numerous individuals enter the state under the guise of tourism. We must scrutinize their documents to confirm whether they are legitimate Indian citizens or foreign nationals with valid documentation," as reported by the outlet.

The minister also highlighted that a proposed food court at Umling would function as both a tourist facilitation center and a registration point for visitors arriving in Meghalaya.

"Our objective is to establish it as a facilitation center along with a tourist registration facility. We have allocated office space there. Since the registration process may take some time, visitors can enjoy amenities like restaurants while waiting," the minister added.

Shira further noted that similar tourist registration centers would be set up in various locations across the state, including Berubari in Garo Hills, to ensure consistent application of the new system.

Officials believe that this system will enhance oversight of visitor movements, improve safety protocols, and create a structured and transparent registration process.

Additionally, it will allow the government to maintain real-time data on visitor arrivals and strengthen the verification of individuals entering the state.

This proposed system is part of the Meghalaya government's ongoing efforts to bolster border management and regulate visitor movements amid persistent calls for a formal ILP system.