Andaman & Nicobar Tourist Information

Entry Formalities

Foreigners

All foreign nationals can stay in the islands for 30 days. This can be extended by another 15 days with permission. They require a permit to stay from the immigration authorities. In addition, permits can also be obtained from: Indian Missions Overseas, Foreigner’s Registration Offices at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Calcutta and the immigration authorities at the airports at Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta and Chennai.

The places covered by this permit for night halt are: South Andaman Island, Middle Andaman Island and Little Andaman Island (except tribal reserve), Neil Island, Havelock Island, Long Island, Diglipur, Baratang, North Passage and islands in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (excluding islands – Boat Hobday, Twin, Tarmugli, Malay and Pluto) Night halt in the Park is with permission only.

For Day Halt South Cinque Island, Ross Island, Narcondum Island, Interview Island, Brother Island, Sister Island and Barren Island ( Barren Island can be visited on board vessels only).

Indians: Indian nationals need no permit to visit Andamans. However, permits are required to visit Nicobar Islands and other tribal areas, which are given in exceptional cases. Application on a prescribed form may be addressed to the Deputy Commissioner, Andaman District, Port Blair.

Dos & Don'ts for the Visitors

Do’s

• Contact Tourist Information Centres/Tourist Police personnel for any assistance required.
• Treat the National Parks as they are sanctum sanctorum of our precious natural heritage.
• Obtain permits from the Chief Wildlife Warden for those having interest in photography/ videography/ investigation inside a sanctuary or a Marine National Park .
• Make use of the service of authorized tourist guides.
• While driving, follow the traffic rules, keep left. Carry legal documents like driving licence, permit, passport etc.
• Consult life guards before entering the sea.
• Swim in safe areas only.
• Learn more about reefs, other marine life and tropical forest. This will make your visit more enjoyable.
• Help us to keep the beaches and the environment clean.
• Dispose off the garbage and plastics at proper places/dustbins.
• Take care of the coral reef, not just for yourself, but also for all who follow.
• Give your valuable comments and observations for ensuring better management of the tourist places/attractions.
• Take back only photos and sweet memories, leave only footprints and ripples.
• Encourage efforts to save coral reefs and tropical forests.
• Obtain a transit pass from the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Division, Port Blair ,to transport any wild animal/trophy/article etc. outside the islands.
• Foreign nationals are requested to obtain the required permit before entering /soon after landing on the islands.
• Avail the services of authorized scuba dive centres only.
• Avail the service of Scuba Dive Instructors having certification of international professional organizations like PADI, CMAS, NAUI, BSAC or SSI for safe diving experience.
• Your concern for nature conservation is highly appreciated. Please inform local authorities/staff positioned in protected areas if you notice any undesirable activity.

Dont’s

• Foreign nationals may not enter the islands without permit.
• Do not enter the National Parks without permission.
• Do not take pictures of the airport, government dockyard, defence establishments, naval wharf, Dhanikari Dam and Chatham Saw Mill.
• Do not collect, destroy or remove any living or dead animal/plant.
• Do not collect dead coral or touch/break live coral. Please do not stand on the coral reef while snorkeling/Scuba diving.
• Do not take video or film without permit, wherever such permits are required.
• Do not take video, film or photographs inside Tribal Reserve areas or of the indigenous tribes.
• Do not carry sea fans and seashells unless specific permits are obtained from the Fisheries Department.
• Do not throw garbage and plastics in public places, beaches and into the sea.
• Do not swim after consuming liquor.
• Do not swim in unsafe waters during monsoon.
• Nudity on beaches and public places is forbidden.
• Do not Light fire in Protected Areas as it not only destroys forests but also damages wildlife habitat.
• Person who commits breach of any of the conditions of the Wildlife protections shall be punishable by law.