Entry Formalities & Permits
for Andaman Islands

1. Entry Requirements for Indian Citizens

Indian citizens do not need any passport, visa, or special permit to visit the tourist-accessible islands of the Andaman archipelago (Port Blair, Havelock / Swaraj Dweep, Neil / Shaheed Dweep, Baratang, Long Island, Rangat, and Diglipur). Travelling to Andaman is just like visiting any other Indian state or union territory.

2. Entry Rules for Foreign Nationals (RAP Exemption)

Historically, all international tourists had to secure a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to enter the Andaman Islands. In a major move to boost international tourism, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India abolished the RAP requirement for 30 inhabited and 29 uninhabited islands.

Today, foreign tourists can travel freely to all premier tourist islands with standard travel documentation:

3. Strictly Protected Tribal Reserves & Restricted Zones

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to some of the world's most vulnerable indigenous tribes, including the Jarawa, Sentinelese, Great Andamanese, Onge, Shompen, and Nicobarese. The Government of India enforces strict constitutional protections to safeguard their culture, health, and habitat.

4. Forest Department & Marine National Park Permits

Certain ecotourism destinations require daily environmental entry permits to prevent over-tourism and protect sensitive coral reefs:

• Jolly Buoy & Red Skin Islands (Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park): Open on alternating 6-month cycles with daily visitor caps. Plastic bottles are banned (security checks at Wandoor jetty).
• Baratang Limestone Caves & Mud Volcano: Vehicle convoys operate under police escort through the designated reserve corridor at fixed scheduled hours (6:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:30 PM).
• Ross & Smith Islands (Diglipur): Aerial beach permits issued by the Forest Range Office at Diglipur prior to boarding local fiber boats.
• Saddle Peak National Park: Trekking permits obtained at the park check-post in Kalipur.

Note: When you book an organized itinerary with Andaman Vacations India, all requisite forest gate passes, boat ticketing permits, and transport convoy logistics are pre-arranged seamlessly by our ground operations team.