Indian nationals do not need permits to visit the Andamans. However, it must be kept in mind that visiting tribal and reserved areas in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is thoroughly restricted as these are typically protected areas.

Suggested Read: Sea walk in Andaman and Travel tips for Andaman

Entry formalities for foreigners

  • Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Foreigners need a Restricted Area Permit or RAP to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including Port Blair and Havelock Island. This permit can be obtained on arrival at the Port Blair airport or seaport. It’s usually valid for 30 days and can be extended in Port Blair if needed.
  • Indian Visa: Foreign nationals must possess a valid Indian visa before arriving in India, including the Andaman Islands.

Entry formalities for Indians

  • No Requirement of RAP: Indian citizens do not need a Restricted Area Permit or RAP to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
  • Identification Proof: Carry a valid government-issued ID, such as Aadhar Card, Passport, Voter ID, etc. as they would be required for entry and various activities, including hotel check-ins.

There is also a difference in entry fees charged from Indians versus that charged from foreigners.

  • For Indians: Generally, there’s a minimal entry fee charged for visiting some specific monuments, buildings, islands or protected areas. The fees vary based on the location and importance of the destination.
  • For Foreigners: Foreign tourists might have to pay higher entry fees compared to Indian visitors for the same attractions or islands.

Camera Fees:

There are additional charges for carrying DSLR cameras or taking photographs at certain tourist spots, especially in places like Cellular Jail and museums. However, there are no additional charges for mobile phones in most places and thus photography in general is done via mobiles by most tourists.

Activities:

Snorkelling, Elephant Beach

Costs for activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, glass-bottom boat rides, etc., vary based on the service provider, duration of service, age of tourists and the activity chosen.

Service charges, taxes, prices of tickets and fees are continuously updated at certain intervals so it is always helpful to check the latest updates. Additionally, you should always carry your identification and travel documents for a smooth and hassle-free Andaman and Nicobar vacation.

Additional information of entry formalities and fees for Andaman visit

The RAP or the Restricted Area Permit to visit the Andaman Nicobar Islands is easily available on arrival at Port Blair by flight or ship from the Immigration Authorities that is valid for 30 days subject to the person possessing a valid visa. This might be extended for another 15 days in certain cases with permission by the authority with permission from the Superintendent of Police, FRO/CID, Port Blair. You can also avail the Restricted Area Permit from the Indian Missions overseas and even from the Foreigners Registration Offices at New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. It can also be obtained from the Immigration Authorities at the Airport of New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.

Foreigners will not require RAP for visiting the following 30 Islands in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These islands can be identified as (1) East Island (2) North Andaman (3) Smith Island (4) Curfew Island (5) Stewart Island (6) Landfall Island (7) Aves Island (8) Middle Andaman (9) Long Island (10) Strait Island (11) North Passage (12) Baratang (13) South Andaman (14) Swaraj Dweep (15) Shaheed Dweep (16) Flat Bay (17) North Sentinel Island (18) Little Andaman (19) Chowra (20) Tillang Chong Island (21) Teressa (22) Katchal (23) Nancowry (24) Kamorta (25) Pulomilo (26) Great Nicobar (27) Little Nicobar(28) Narcondum Island (29) Interview Island and (30) Viper Island (Day visit only).

Foreign tourists arriving at Port Blair are required to show their passport at the Immigration counters at Airport and Seaport for verification.

Citizens of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan and foreign nationals having their origin in these countries would require the Restricted Area Permit to visit Andaman & Nicobar Islands. In such cases, the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and these permits are granted only if the foreign tourists have obtained prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs. If any such national is found visiting these islands without the RAP, they would be liable to face penal action would be taken under the relevant provisions of the Foreigners Act, 1946.

For visiting Mayabunder and Diglipur, Citizens of Myanmar will need Restricted Area Permit (RAP) which are issued mandatorily after the prior approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Some rules that need to be adhered to by visitors

In order to ensure preservation of nature and marine resources in and around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands without affecting tourism and business at large, the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Environment & Forest from time to time should be strictly adhered to.

  1. For visit to the Reserved Forests, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Tribal Reserves in and around Andaman and Nicobar Islands you might need separate permissions from the suitable competent authorities .
  2. These visits to the restricted or protected zones would need to be under the supervision of guides nominated by the Chief Wildlife Warden of A&N Islands. Strict enforcement of following the code of conduct laid down by the authorities in the park areas is observed.
  3. Wherever entry fees are applicable, they should invariably be paid otherwise any violation of National Marine Park Code is liable to be fined that would be imposed on the offender by the A&N Islands Administration.
  4. Visit to the Marine Park area is to be conducted via small boats or glass bottom boats. Strict vigilance and care on prevention of oil leakage is observed in those areas.
  5. When foreign visitors are staying in hotels, lodges, guest houses, hostels, motels, homestays, inns etc. in the islands, the hotel authorities should mandatorily submit all details of visitors in Form-C by the hotel keepers to the FRO, Port Blair. The form should contain details such as the date of arrival, departure and next place of visit. There is also the provision of submitting the Form-C offline, after reaching the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, to FRO whenever in case there is a problem submitting them through online mode.
  6. To visit the areas pertaining to defence, paramilitary and other sensitive establishments in these islands, specific permissions from suitable authorities or agencies should be obtained.
  7. For foreign guests to stay more than 180 days, his or her stay should be registered with FRO Port Blair within 14 days. And no such foreign tourist shall be allowed to stay in these areas after the expiry of travel documents or permit.
  8. It should be kept in mind that scuba diving and underwater photography is permitted in designated areas, but care should be taken against removal of Coral Fish or any marine creature from the Marine Park.
  9. Dealing in contraband drugs would lead to severe prosecution resulting in imprisonment for up to 20 years.
  10. Camping on sea beaches and sleeping in the jungle is strictly prohibited. In fact no person should loiter on the sea beach and jungle after sunset.
  11. Avoid staying in unauthorized buildings or premises for personal safety.
  12. Driving of vehicles without a valid international driving license will attract prosecution. Wearing of a helmet is mandatory for riding a two-wheeler and also for the pillion rider.
  13. Take care to refrain from indulging in obscene or inappropriate acts in public places. It is liable for prosecution. Show respect for the culture and customs of the people of the local inhabitants of the area which you visit, especially the indigenous and the tribal people.
  14. No photography of aboriginal tribes such as Jarawa tribes while traversing by buses or cars through Andaman Trunk Road is allowed. It is a legal offence.
  15. It is strictly advisable not to embark upon any unauthorized mechanized dinghy or boat or vessel to cross seas or creeks and travel on the ocean waters.
  16. The Immigration Branch at Port Blair main office, located in the ground floor of the office of Supdt. of Police (South Andaman District) or Foreigners Registration Officer is always at the service of the visitors planning to visit or visiting the districts of Andaman or Nicobar Islands.