RULES AND RESTRICTIONS

Andaman and Nicobar comprises around 300 islands and are known for its palm lined, white sand beaches, mangroves and tropical rainforets North Sentinel Island, home of the protected Sentinelese tribe, is out of bounds for tourists, including government officials, unless they have special permission

All islands in the Union Territory are “restricted zones” for foreigners. Foreigners have to obtain Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit. The permit, however, is not a licence to visit protected zones such as North Sentinel or any other island that are home to aboriginal tribes. Access to North Sentinel Island and its buffer zone is also restricted under Indian Forest Act, 1927. Tourists, both Indian and foreign are bound by the rules of Andaman & Nicobar Islands Tourism Trade Regulation, 2017, which covers all the islands. Permit for foreigners to visit the Union Territory is limited to 30 days. A 15-day extenstion can be granted by the superintendent of police, Port Blair.

The permit can be obtained either from Indian embassies abroad or Foreigners Registration Offices in major metros. Foreign diplomats and members of the United Nations holding diplomatic visa or passport require approval from the Union external affairs ministry

Citizens of Afganistan, China and Pakistan need permission from the Union home ministry to visit Andamans