Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Permits and Entry Rules for Foreign Tourists
- Top Places Foreign Tourists Can Visit
- Tourist Circuits and Suggested Routes
- Activities and Experiences
- Festivals and Events
- Sample Itineraries
- How to Reach & Inter-Island Transfers
- Accommodation Options and Estimated Costs
- Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Travel Tips and Permit Guidance
- Budget Tips for Foreign Tourists
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are India’s emerald isles—turquoise waters, rainforests, and world-class diving. If you are a foreign traveler, understanding permits is key to a smooth trip. This guide explains current entry rules, when special permits apply, island-by-island access, and practical travel details to help you plan confidently and responsibly.
Permits and Entry Rules for Foreign Tourists
Do You Need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP)?
As per government notifications and prevailing practice in recent years (last widely updated in 2018 and followed thereafter), most foreign tourists do not require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit the commonly toured Andaman Islands such as Port Blair, Swaraj Dweep (Havelock), Shaheed Dweep (Neil), Baratang, Long Island, Mayabunder, Rangat, Diglipur, Wandoor, and surrounding day-trip islets.
Important caveats:
- Rules can change without notice. Always verify with the Andaman & Nicobar Administration or India’s Ministry of Home Affairs before travel.
- Exemption from RAP does not grant access to tribal/reserve areas or prohibited islands.
- The Nicobar Islands remain closed to tourism; foreigners are not permitted to visit.
Visa, Passport, and Registrations
- Passport: Minimum 6 months validity recommended; carry photocopies.
- Indian Visa: Required for all non-Indian nationals (e-Visa accepted at Port Blair only when your international entry into India occurs on the mainland; you must enter India first via an e-Visa port and then fly to Port Blair on a domestic sector).
- OCI Cardholders: Can visit permitted Andaman islands; restricted/prohibited areas remain off-limits.
- Overseas Citizen Registration/FRRO: Generally not needed for short stays, but overstays require FRRO coordination in Port Blair or on the mainland.
Prohibited and Sensitive Areas
- Nicobar District (including Car Nicobar, Katchal, Kamorta, etc.): Not open to tourists (foreigners and, in practice, most Indians).
- Tribal reserves and contact zones (e.g., North Sentinel Island; Jarawa Tribal Reserve along parts of the Andaman Trunk Road): Strictly no entry, stops, photography, or interaction.
- Defense zones and restricted coasts: Access controlled; signage must be respected.
Site- and Park-Specific Permits/Tickets
Even when RAP is not required, some sites need local entry permits or tickets:
- Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Wandoor) – Jolly Buoy/Red Skin Islands: Forest entry permits and boat tickets are mandatory. Plastic-free rules are enforced.
- Ross & Smith (Diglipur): Day permit from the Forest Office/jetty counter; carry passport.
- Ross Island (Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep) & North Bay: Boat tickets and site entry fees apply.
- Cinque Island: Access is limited and often requires special permission; check locally with Forest/Administration.
- Baratang Limestone Caves: Boat tickets and local permissions; transit through Jarawa corridor is non-stop and strictly regulated.
How and Where to Obtain Local Permits
- On arrival: If any special permit is required (rare for mainstream routes), counters are at Veer Savarkar International Airport (Port Blair) and Phoenix Bay/Water Sports Complex.
- For parks/islands: Forest Department counters at Wandoor, Aerial Bay (Diglipur), Baratang jetty, and tourism kiosks issue day permits/tickets. Carry your passport.
- Through operators: Licensed tour/diving operators often arrange permits as part of packages.
Fees, Validity, and Processing
- Park/Island permits: Typically INR 50–1000 per person (foreign rates are often higher); boat transfers extra (INR 800–2000+ depending on route).
- Processing time: Same-day at counters; peak-season quotas exist for Jolly Buoy/Red Skin and some boat routes—book early.
- Extensions: Tourist visas and stays are governed by national visa rules, not local permits.
Rules: Photography, Drones, Environment
- Photography: Never photograph tribal communities or military areas. Follow site-specific rules.
- Drones: Unmanned aircraft require DGCA compliance and local police/ATC permissions; many areas are no-fly. Assume “no” unless you have documented approvals.
- Wildlife & reefs: No touching/collecting corals, shells, or marine life; hefty penalties apply.
- Plastics: Single-use plastics are restricted at select sites; carry reusable bottles.
Top Places Foreign Tourists Can Visit
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail, Sound & Light Show, Corbyn’s Cove, Chidiya Tapu, Samudrika Museum.
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock): Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach (snorkeling/boat), Kalapathar Beach.
- Shaheed Dweep (Neil): Bharatpur, Laxmanpur, Natural Bridge.
- Wandoor & MG Marine National Park: Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (seasonal), glass-bottom rides.
- Baratang: Mangrove creeks to Limestone Caves; transit-only through Jarawa reserve.
- Rangat & Mayabunder: Dhani Nallah mangrove walk, Karmatang Beach (quiet, scenic).
- Diglipur: Ross & Smith twin islets, Saddle Peak trek.
- Long Island: Lalaji Bay, serene forests (limited stays; check boat schedules).
Note: Access to some outer islands and trails may vary by season, sea state, and local rules for foreigners. Confirm on the ground.
Tourist Circuits and Suggested Routes
- Classic South Andaman (4–5 days): Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair.
- Andaman Trunk Road Explorer (6–7 days): Port Blair → Baratang → Rangat/Mayabunder → Diglipur → return by air/sea to Port Blair.
- Marine Park Focus (3–4 days): Port Blair → Wandoor → Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (seasonal) → Chidiya Tapu sunset.
- Quiet Isles (add-on): Long Island overnight if ferries align, then back to Rangat/Port Blair.
Activities and Experiences
- Scuba diving: Havelock and Neil offer beginner try-dives and courses with licensed operators.
- Snorkeling & glass-bottom boats: Elephant Beach, Jolly Buoy/Red Skin, North Bay.
- Sea walk, kayaking, SUP: Available seasonally at select beaches.
- Trekking: Saddle Peak (permit at trailhead), Chidiya Tapu–Munda Pahad walk.
- Bioluminescence: Occasionally visible at Havelock (season/weather dependent).
Permits/licenses: Use only licensed operators; some treks/islets require local permissions and boat tickets. No spearfishing, no coral collection.
Festivals and Events
- Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair): Cultural shows, food, handicrafts (usually Jan/seasonal).
- Beach festivals: Occasional events at Radhanagar/Corbyn’s Cove.
- Local fairs: Check district calendars for on-ground dates.
Sample Itineraries
4 Days: Highlights without Hassle
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair; Cellular Jail & Sound & Light Show.
- Day 2: Ferry to Havelock; Radhanagar Beach.
- Day 3: Elephant Beach snorkeling (boat ticket/entry as applicable); evening ferry to Port Blair.
- Day 4: Wandoor or Ross Island & North Bay; depart.
6 Days: Reefs and Mangroves
- Days 1–2: Port Blair sights; Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (permits/boat).
- Days 3–4: Havelock diving/snorkeling; Kalapathar sunset.
- Day 5: Neil’s Bharatpur & Natural Bridge; return to Port Blair.
- Day 6: Baratang Limestone Caves (early start); depart.
8 Days: North Andaman Add-On
- Days 1–4: As per 4-day plan.
- Days 5–6: Rangat/Mayabunder stopovers; continue to Diglipur.
- Day 7: Ross & Smith (permit at jetty); back to Diglipur.
- Day 8: Return to Port Blair by road/flight if available; depart.
How to Reach & Inter-Island Transfers
Flights to Andaman
- Gateway: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair.
- From mainland India: Daily flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai (seasonal variations).
- For foreigners: Enter India first (with a valid visa), then take a domestic flight to Port Blair.
By Sea (Mainland–Port Blair)
- Occasional passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam (2–3 days; limited schedules). Booking is complex; foreigners may face additional formalities and long lead times.
Inter-Island Transport
- Government ferries: Economical; book at counters; carry passport.
- Private catamarans (e.g., Port Blair–Havelock–Neil): Faster; online/agent booking recommended in peak season.
- Road to North Andaman: Shared jeeps/buses via Andaman Trunk Road (regulated convoy timings through the corridor).
Accommodation Options and Estimated Costs
- Budget: Hostels/guesthouses INR 1000–2500 per night (USD 12–30); basic AC often extra.
- Mid-range: Boutique stays/beach cottages INR 3000–7000 (USD 36–85).
- Premium/Luxury: Beach resorts INR 9000–25,000+ (USD 110–300+).
Seasonal surcharges apply Dec–Mar. Remote islands offer fewer options—book ahead.
Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Food: Fresh seafood (fish curry, crab, lobster), South Indian thalis, Bengali-inspired fare, and island-style grills.
- Shopping: Sagarika Government Emporium and Aberdeen Bazaar for handicrafts. Avoid coral, turtle shell, and protected sea products.
- Culture: A diverse mix (Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi-speaking communities) alongside protected indigenous tribes. Respect local customs and environmental rules.
Travel Tips and Permit Guidance
For Families
- Carry passports for all members; keep digital copies.
- Prioritize beaches with facilities (Radhanagar, Bharatpur) and book permitted boat trips early.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and reusables to meet plastic restrictions.
For Honeymooners
- Choose islands with easy logistics (Havelock/Neil) to minimize permit queues.
- Confirm resort-arranged activities include necessary tickets/permissions.
- Sunset spots: Radhanagar, Laxmanpur, Chidiya Tapu.
For Friends/Backpackers
- Use government ferries to save; check counters a day in advance.
- Carry cash for remote counters issuing day permits and boat tickets.
- Respect no-go zones; hitching rides through restricted corridors is prohibited.
Packing & Safety
- Dry bags, quick-dry wear, snorkel mask (optional), motion-sickness meds for choppy seas.
- Mobile networks: Airtel/Jio/BSNL; SIM purchase requires passport/visa.
- Monsoon (May–Sep) can disrupt boats; build buffer days.
Budget Tips for Foreign Tourists
- Travel shoulder season (Oct–Nov, Apr) for lower rates and easier permit/boat availability.
- Bundle activities (glass-bottom + island entry) via reputable counters to avoid markups.
- Eat local: market canteens and dhabas near jetties are affordable.
- Withdraw cash in Port Blair/Havelock; ATMs are sparse elsewhere.
FAQs
Q: Do foreign tourists currently need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit Andaman?
A: For the main tourist islands (Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, Baratang, Long Island, Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur, Wandoor), RAP has generally not been required in recent years. However, rules can change—confirm with the Andaman Administration or India’s MHA before you travel.
Q: Can foreigners visit the Nicobar Islands?
A: No. The Nicobar group remains closed to tourism. Tribal reserves and sensitive areas across the UT are strictly off-limits.
Q: Are there any permits needed for specific day trips like Jolly Buoy or Ross & Smith?
A: Yes. These require local forest/park permits and boat tickets, issued at counters near the jetties. Carry your passport, and book early in peak season.
Q: Can I fly a drone in the Andamans?
A: Not without prior approvals. Most areas are controlled or no-fly due to defense and aviation rules. Assume drones are prohibited unless you have DGCA registration and local clearances in writing.
Q: What documents should I carry for ferries and permits?
A: Your passport, Indian visa/OCI, printed tickets, and a few photocopies. Ferry counters often check original passports for foreign nationals.
Conclusion
Foreign travelers can explore the Andaman’s headline islands without a RAP in most cases, but specific sites still require local permits and tickets. The Nicobar Islands and tribal reserves remain closed. With a valid Indian visa, passport copies, and respect for environmental and cultural rules, you can enjoy beaches, reefs, and forests across this remarkable archipelago.
