Visas And Permits
Indian passport holders do not require a permit to visit and stay in the populated areas of Andaman Islands, including Havelock Island.
Non-Indian Passport Holders however require an Indian visa to visit the Andaman Islands (as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are part of the Indian State. Aside from this, a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is also required to enter the Andaman Islands. Whereas Indian embassies abroad can technically issue the RAP along with the Indian visa, this could prolong the visa process. We recommend not mentioning your visit to the Andaman Islands in your Visa application in order to save time and instead getting your permits upon arrival into the Andaman Islands. These permits are provided to all non-Indians upon entry at the airport in Port Blair. The process is free of cost, takes no more than 20 minutes and available to all comers. The permits are valid for a period of 30 days from the date of entry.
Foreigners holding a valid entry permit into the Andaman Islands are allowed to visit and stay at municipal areas of Port Blair, Havelock, Long Island, Neil Island, the Islands of South Andaman and Middle Andaman (excluding tribal reserved area – 5 km away from Constance bay to Luis Inlet bay – western coast tribal reserve), Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur, North Passage Island, Little Andaman (excluding tribal reserve) and all islands in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park except Boat Island, Hobday Island, Twins Islands, Tarmugli, Malay and Pluto Island. Tourists can also visit Jolly Buoy Island, S. Cinque Island, Redskin Island, Mount Harriet, Madhuban, Ross Island, Narcondam Island, Interview Island, Brother & Sister Islands and Barren Island during the day. (Visit to Barren Island is restricted on board the vessel with no landing ashore).