The Meghalaya government is preparing to introduce a compulsory tourist registration system modelled on the Inner Line Permit (ILP) mechanism followed in several northeastern states, requiring all visitors to complete a verification process before entering the state.
Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira said tourists will have to register at designated centres where officials will verify their identity, purpose of visit and supporting documents. The first registration centre is being set up at Umling in Ri-Bhoi district, while similar facilities are planned across Meghalaya, including in the Garo Hills region.
According to the government, the proposed system is intended to maintain a comprehensive record of visitors, strengthen monitoring of entry into the state and address concerns related to illegal infiltration. Officials will examine the documents of those entering Meghalaya to verify their identity, while foreign nationals will be required to produce valid travel documents.
Shira said the mechanism will operate on the lines of the ILP system implemented in states such as Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Manipur, although Meghalaya does not presently have an ILP regime.
Besides handling visitor registration, the centres will also function as tourist facilitation hubs. The government said office space has been created for the registration process, while facilities such as restaurants and other basic amenities will be available for visitors during document verification.
Officials believe the new registration framework will improve visitor tracking, strengthen security measures and provide real-time data on tourist arrivals, while establishing a more organised system for monitoring the movement of people entering Meghalaya.
