Andaman And Nicobar Visa For Indian

Indian high Commission in New Delhi offers Tourist Visa for Indian passport holders. By sponsoring the Andaman and Nicobar tourist visa, the government of India takes care of your place (or places) to visit, guide, and arrangement of food and stay. Andaman Islands are located in the Bay of Bengal at a distance of 590 Km North-East of Port Blair and belonged to India since 1869. The Andaman Group has more than 300 islands, thick jungles and beautiful beaches. Many islands are unexplored by members.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a picturesque territory of India, are home to some of the greatest beaches in the world. The region retains an immense appeal for tourists even today. These islands are rich in biodiversity and are often called the Galapagos of Asia. Visitors to the region get an opportunity to explore not just the stunning marine and forest ecosystems of this region, but also indulge in sea bathing and scuba diving, apart from savoring seafood delicacies at inexpensive prices.

The Andaman and Nicobar group of islands are located in the Bay of Bengal, south-east of the Indian sub-continent. The capital of the territory is at Port Blair and the main island is named Neil Island. These are usually known as India’s paradise islands.

1 Do I need a passport/visa to go to Andaman?

For Indians: No passport/visa/permission is required. They can stay in permitted areas for as long as they want.
For Foreigners: A passport is required with an Indian Visa to enter India. This is also applicable to foreigners entering Andamans directly from charter/private yachts. Tickets can be rescheduled in Port Blair from the respective airline offices.

#2 How do I obtain a visa to Andaman?

Andaman is a part of India. Thus, a visa for India is valid for the Andaman and Nicobar islands as well and is required for most foreign nationals. The visas are obtainable at the Indian missions, consulates, and high commissions overseas. They are valid for the period issued and range from a 15 day period to up to a six-month period for tourists. They are valid from the date of issue and it is wise to start travel as soon as the visa is obtained to take advantage of the entire period of visa validity. Once obtained, visas can be extended in India.

#3 Do Foreigners need a permit to visit the Andaman?

Foreigners will not need an RAP (Restricted Area Permit) for visiting the following 30 Islands in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands:

(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).

If you’re visiting islands not included in this list, Reserved Forests, Tribal Areas or Wildlife Sanctuaries, you will need to obtain a valid permit for the same. For the full list of regulations, read this.

#4 How do I extend my visa to the Andaman Islands?

Most foreigners arriving at Port Blair are given a 30-day permit. Closer to the time of expiry (about 3 days ahead) this permit can be extended by another 15 days. This extension can be done either at the police station on Havelock island or at the Immigration Office in Port Blair, and you will need to show a confirmed return ticket (for the journey within the next 15 days) in order to get this extension. Please note that it may not always be possible to get this extension in a few hours and you may need to stay overnight to obtain the extension if you are applying in Port Blair.

It is rare that tourists are given less than 30 days on the permit. However, it does happen to a few and it is recommended that you check the expiry of the RAP when the official hands it to you just in case it has been given only for a few days. Diplomats are usually not given the full 30 days and usually get between a week and 15 days.