Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Permit Rules for Indian Travellers in Port Blair and Andaman Islands
- Must-Visit Places in and around Port Blair
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping and Culture
- Nearby Getaways and Day Trips
- How to Reach Port Blair
- Accommodation Options
- Budget and Approximate Costs
- Travel Tips and Best Time
- Tips for Families, Honeymooners and Friends
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Planning a trip to Port Blair, the gateway to the Andaman Islands, often raises one big question for Indian travellers: do you need a permit? The short answer: for Port Blair and most popular tourist islands in the Andamans, Indian citizens do not need a special entry permit. However, certain zones, islands, and activities are regulated. This guide explains exactly where you can go without paperwork, where permissions or tickets apply, and how to navigate on-ground rules smoothly—plus everything you need to enjoy Port Blair like a pro.
Permit Rules for Indian Travellers in Port Blair and Andaman Islands
Do Indians need a permit to visit Port Blair?
- No special entry permit is required for Indian nationals to visit Port Blair, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), Neil (Shaheed Dweep) and other mainstream tourist areas.
- Carry a government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or Passport). You’ll need it at the airport, ferry counters, and some ticket windows.
Islands open to Indian tourists without special permits
- Port Blair city sights: Cellular Jail, Corbyn’s Cove, Chidiya Tapu, Samudrika Museum, Anthropological Museum, Fisheries Museum.
- Nearby islands by ferry/boat: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep (Ross Island), North Bay Island.
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep).
- Wandoor and Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (entry ticket/boat booking required, see below).
- Baratang for limestone caves and Parrot Island (via Andaman Trunk Road with convoy rules).
Areas requiring special permissions or restricted for tourists
- Nicobar Islands: Closed to tourists. Special permits are not issued for leisure travel.
- Tribal reserves (including Jarawa Reserve, North Sentinel Island): Strictly off-limits. No landings, no interactions, no photography while transiting adjacent routes.
- Certain outer islands and defense-sensitive zones: Access controlled or prohibited; day landing may require administration permission. Check locally before planning.
Site/Activity-specific permissions and tickets
- Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Wandoor) and Jolly Buoy/Red Skin Islands:
- Entry tickets issued by Forest/Administration counters; seasonal access alternates between Jolly Buoy and Red Skin.
- Approximate fees for Indians: park entry INR 50 per adult (camera fees extra), boat charges INR 1000–1500 per person depending on operator and season.
- Strict no-plastic rules; carry reusable bottles only.
- Mount Harriet National Park: Entry ticket (approx. INR 25–50 for Indians); ferry + road transfer needed.
- Ross Island and North Bay: Ferry tickets from Water Sports Complex; separate small entry fees at the island may apply.
- Scuba diving/snorkelling/sea-walk: No government permit for participants; activities are via licensed operators who follow safety/zone permissions.
- Saddle Peak trek (North Andaman): Trek permit from Forest Department at trailhead/range office.
Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) and convoy rules
- Crossing the Jarawa Reserve section en route to Baratang/Rangat/Mayabunder is via regulated convoys.
- No stopping, photography, or interaction is allowed within reserve limits. Hefty penalties apply.
- Indian tourists do not need a special permit, but must comply with convoy timings and vehicle checks.
Drone, fishing, and environmental regulations
- Drones:
- DGCA rules apply nationwide. Additional local restrictions are enforced near airports, defense areas, and sensitive zones.
- Nano drones (<250 g) may still be restricted in many tourist areas; always obtain local police/administration nod before flying. No drones in tribal/reserve/park core areas.
- Fishing/spearfishing: Prohibited for tourists without specific permission. Collecting corals, shells, or marine life is illegal.
- Environmental rules: No single-use plastics at select islands; keep receipts for water bottles where refundable deposits apply.
Documents to carry
- Government-issued photo ID for all travellers, including children (school ID for minors if others unavailable).
- Multiple photocopies and soft copies for ferry bookings and park tickets.
- Hotel booking confirmations and return flight tickets are useful at counters.
Quick process checklist for Indian travellers
- Arrive in Port Blair with valid photo ID—no separate entry permit needed.
- Book ferries (Havelock/Neil) with ID at counters or online where available.
- For Wandoor/Jolly Buoy/Red Skin: secure entry tickets and boat seats at authorised counters; follow plastic-free rules.
- Respect convoy rules on ATR; no photography in reserve areas.
- Avoid restricted islands; do not attempt drone flights without local clearance.
Note: Regulations can change. Always verify locally with the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, Tourism Information Centre, or your hotel/operator for the latest rules and timings.
Must-Visit Places in and around Port Blair
- Cellular Jail: Freedom-era prison, museum, and evocative Light & Sound Show. Tickets required; carry ID. Evening shows fill up fast.
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach: Gentle arc of sand near the city; best for a short sunset visit.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep (Ross Island): Ruins of the erstwhile British administrative HQ amid banyans and deer; short boat ride away.
- North Bay Island: Clear waters and water-sports hub; classic “lighthouse on the 20-rupee note” view.
- Chidiya Tapu: Sunset point and small biological park; keep extra time for the Golden Hour.
- Wandoor & Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: Gateway to Jolly Buoy/Red Skin—with vibrant reefs and glass-bottom boats.
- Samudrika Marine Museum & Anthropological Museum: Context on islands’ ecology and indigenous communities.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping and Culture
Food to try
- Seafood plates: Grilled fish, crab curry, prawn masala, squid fry.
- Comfort staples: South Indian breakfasts, Bengali-style fish curries, and North Indian thalis widely available.
- Cafés and bakeries: Clustered around Aberdeen Bazaar and seaside promenades.
- Vegetarian options: Common in city eateries; confirm egg content in bakery items.
Shopping
- Sagarika Government Emporium: Handicrafts, coconut shell work, wood carvings, and souvenirs at fair prices.
- Avoid buying live-coral/shell products; it’s illegal and harms reefs.
- Pick up spices, locally made artefacts, T-shirts, and magnets from authorised shops.
Culture and etiquette
- Diverse islander community with Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Nicobari, and North Indian influences.
- Dress modestly in villages and religious sites; beachwear is fine on beaches but cover up in town.
- Do not photograph indigenous people or in restricted zones.
Nearby Getaways and Day Trips
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Radhanagar Beach, Kalapathar, Elephant Beach for watersports.
- Neil (Shaheed Dweep): Natural Bridge, Bharatpur and Laxmanpur beaches; laid-back vibe.
- Baratang: Limestone caves and mangrove boat ride; early morning convoys via ATR.
- Jolly Buoy/Red Skin: Seasonal coral-viewing islands inside MG Marine NP (ticketed).
How to Reach Port Blair
- By Air: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) with regular flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad. Indian nationals need only valid photo ID to fly.
- By Sea: Occasional passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam (voyage ~60–70 hours). Limited schedules, basic cabins, and weather-dependent; book via Directorate of Shipping Services. Carry originals of ID for ticketing and boarding.
Accommodation Options
- Budget (INR 1200–2500): Guesthouses near Aberdeen Bazaar/Haddo; simple rooms, easy market access.
- Mid-range (INR 3000–7000): Hotels and boutique stays around Phoenix Bay and sea-facing areas.
- Premium (INR 8000+): Resorts near Corbyn’s Cove or heritage-style properties; limited inventory—book early in peak season.
- Tips: Choose stays near the jetty or main market if you’re catching early ferries; confirm AC and hot water in monsoon.
Budget and Approximate Costs
- In-city transport: Auto-rickshaw short hops INR 80–200; taxis for half-day INR 1200–2000.
- Ferries:
- Government ferry (Port Blair–Havelock/Neil): ~INR 300–600 one-way (subject to class and availability).
- Private catamarans: ~INR 1100–2000 one-way depending on season and seat class.
- Entry/activities (indicative for Indians):
- Cellular Jail entry ~INR 30; Light & Sound Show ~INR 150–300.
- Ross/North Bay ferry ~INR 150–300 each way; island entry INR 30–50.
- MG Marine NP entry ~INR 50; boat to Jolly Buoy/Red Skin ~INR 1000–1500.
- Scuba Try Dive ~INR 3500–6000; snorkelling with guide ~INR 800–1500.
- Meals: INR 250–600 per person at local eateries; cafes INR 400–900 per person.
- Daily budget guide (excluding flights):
- Shoe-string: INR 2000–3000
- Comfort: INR 3500–6000
- Premium: INR 8000+
Travel Tips and Best Time
Best time to visit
- October to April: Calm seas, good visibility for snorkelling/diving, pleasant evenings.
- May to September (monsoon): Fewer crowds and deals, but rough seas and possible ferry cancellations.
Practical tips
- Keep multiple IDs and soft copies for ferry and ticket counters.
- Book inter-island ferries early in peak months; arrive at counters with time to spare.
- Mobile networks: Airtel and BSNL are common; data may be slow outside Port Blair.
- Cash/ATMs: Carry some cash; ATMs can run dry on long weekends.
- Health: Motion sickness pills for choppy seas; reef-safe sunscreen; hydrate well.
Safety and etiquette
- Swim only in designated zones; heed lifeguard flags and currents.
- No littering; avoid plastics on eco-sensitive islands.
- Respect no-photography and no-drone signs, especially near tribal reserves and defense areas.
Tips for Families, Honeymooners and Friends
Families
- Choose centrally located hotels to minimise transfers with kids.
- Pack snacks, hats, and quick-dry clothing; beaches can be hot mid-day.
- Opt for glass-bottom boats at Jolly Buoy/North Bay for kid-friendly reef views.
Honeymooners
- Time sunset visits to Corbyn’s Cove or Chidiya Tapu; add a day at Havelock’s Radhanagar Beach.
- Pick sea-facing rooms and plan one relaxed, no-activity day.
- Confirm privacy policies for drone photography—most areas restrict flights.
Friends and adventure seekers
- Book early morning dives for calmer seas; verify operator licences and safety ratios.
- Plan Baratang with convoy schedules; carry a dry bag for mangrove rides.
- Know the rules: No fishing/spearfishing; stick to designated activity zones.
FAQs
Q: Do Indian citizens need a permit to enter Port Blair?
A: No. Indian nationals do not need a special entry permit to visit Port Blair or the main tourist islands. Carry valid photo ID for airport, ferry, and ticketing.
Q: Can Indians visit the Nicobar Islands as tourists?
A: No. The Nicobar group remains closed to tourism. Special permits are not issued for leisure visits.
Q: Are there any permits needed for Jolly Buoy or Red Skin Islands?
A: You need park entry tickets and authorised boat bookings through Forest/Tourism counters. Plastic is prohibited; follow eco-rules strictly.
Q: Is drone photography allowed in Port Blair?
A: Drone operations are heavily restricted due to airport/defense proximity and protected areas. Even nano drones may be disallowed. Seek written local clearance and follow DGCA rules; when in doubt, avoid flying.
Q: What documents should I carry for ferries and tickets?
A: A government photo ID (original) per passenger, copies/soft copies for forms, and your hotel and return flight details if requested.
Conclusion
For Indian travellers, Port Blair and the main Andaman circuit are straightforward—no entry permit is needed. Focus on pre-booking ferries, carrying valid ID, and observing area-specific rules for national parks, convoy roads, drones, and eco-sensitive islands. With practical planning and respect for local regulations and communities, you’ll unlock pristine beaches, rich history, and coral wonders with ease.
