Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India, is a popular tourist destination in the Bay of Bengal. If you’re an Indian citizen planning to visit this beautiful archipelago, you might be wondering whether a visa is required or not. The short answer is no, you do not need a visa to visit Andaman and Nicobar from India, but there are some things you need to know.

Key takeaways

• Indian citizens do not need a visa to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Non-Indian citizens need to obtain an Indian visa to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Foreign nationals with Restricted/Protected Area Permit (RAP/PAP) can visit certain areas of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• The RAP/PAP can be obtained from Indian missions abroad, Foreigner Regional Registration Offices (FRROs) in India, or on arrival at Port Blair.
• Visitors need to carry proper identification documents, such as a passport or voter ID card, to enter Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Do Indian Citizens Need a Visa to Visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

Indian citizens don’t need a visa to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands as it is part of India. However, they need to obtain a permit, which is called the ‘Inner Line Permit (ILP)’. The permit can be obtained from the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) or the Deputy Commissioner of the respective district. The permits are usually issued for 15 days, 30 days, or 90 days, depending on the purpose of the visit.

Do Non-Indian Citizens Need a Visa to Visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

Yes, non-Indian citizens need to obtain a visa to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands as they are part of India. They can apply for an Indian visa at an Indian embassy or consulate in their respective countries. The visa types could be e-visa, tourist visa, business visa, or medical visa, depending on the purpose of the visit.

Can Foreign Nationals Visit Restricted/Protected Areas in Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

Foreign nationals need to obtain the Restricted/Protected Area Permit (RAP/PAP) to visit certain areas of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which are considered sensitive for security reasons. The areas where RAP/PAP is required include the Nicobar Islands, Middle Andaman, South Andaman, Little Andaman, Baratang Island, and parts of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park.

How to Obtain RAP/PAP?

Foreign nationals can obtain RAP/PAP from Indian missions abroad, Foreigner Regional Registration Offices (FRROs) in India, or on arrival at Port Blair. To obtain the RAP/PAP, the visitor needs to provide a copy of their passport and visa, along with two passport-size photographs. The RAP/PAP is usually valid for 30 days and can be extended by the Superintendent of Police of the respective district.

What Documents Should Visitors Carry?

Visitors to Andaman and Nicobar Islands need to carry proper identification documents, such as a passport or voter ID card, to enter. Indian citizens can carry any government-issued ID proof, while non-Indian citizens need to carry their passports and visas.

Conclusion

Indian citizens planning to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands don’t need a visa, but they need to obtain an ILP from the Foreigners Registration Office or the Deputy Commissioner’s Office. On the other hand, non-Indian citizens need to obtain an Indian visa to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands and a RAP/PAP to visit certain restricted areas. Overall, it’s always recommended to carry identification documents and permits to avoid any hassle during your travel.

FAQ

How long does it take to obtain an ILP?

The ILP can be obtained within a few hours or a day, depending on the purpose and category of the visit.

Can I get a RAP/PAP on arrival at Port Blair?

Yes, foreign nationals can get a RAP/PAP on arrival at Port Blair, but they need to provide the required documents and photographs.