- Indian travellers do not need any permit to visit the Andaman Islands.
This is the most common worry, and the answer is simple: no permit, just a normal identity proof, and you can fly or sail in freely. - Foreign travellers can now visit most of the popular islands without a Restricted Area Permit, thanks to a long standing relaxation. A few nationalities still need prior approval, some areas remain closed, and long stays need registration. The details are below.
For Indian travellers
- No permit is needed for the Andamans. Carry a government photo identity, the same as for any domestic trip.
- Some special spots inside forests, wildlife sanctuaries, or tribal reserves have their own local entry rules, but ordinary tourism across the main islands needs nothing extra.
For foreign travellers
- The Restricted Area Permit has been relaxed for a large set of the popular inhabited islands, so most foreign visitors no longer need an RAP to visit them. Around 29 to 30 inhabited islands are covered, including South Andaman and Port Blair, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), Neil (Shaheed Dweep), Baratang, and Little Andaman, along with day visits to several uninhabited islands.
- This relaxation runs to a set expiry date that the government has extended more than once over the years, so please confirm the current expiry and the exact island list on the official site before you travel. [Relaxation expiry date and full island list to confirm on the official site. Last checked 13 September 2026.]
- Where an RAP is still needed (see the exceptions below), it is issued by the immigration authorities, for example on arrival at Port Blair or through an Indian mission abroad.
Which islands are open to foreigners without a permit
The relaxed list covers the islands most travellers actually visit: Port Blair and South Andaman, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), Neil (Shaheed Dweep), Baratang, Long Island, Little Andaman, and others, plus day trips to some uninhabited islands for snorkelling and diving. If your trip is the usual Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil circuit, you are almost certainly on the open list, but confirm the current list on the official site.
Nationalities that always need prior approval
Regardless of the relaxation, some travellers must still get a Restricted Area Permit with prior approval of the Union Home Ministry:
- Citizens of Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan, and foreign nationals of origin in these countries.
- Citizens of Myanmar need a permit with prior approval specifically for Mayabunder and Diglipur.
If this applies to you, allow extra time, because the approval is arranged in advance, not on arrival.
Baratang and the tribal reserve
Baratang itself is on the open list and is famous for its limestone caves and mud volcano. The road to Baratang passes through the Jarawa tribal reserve, which has strict rules: you travel in a fixed convoy at set times, you must not stop in the reserve, and photographing or interacting with the tribal community is strictly forbidden and illegal. Please respect this completely.
Barren Island and the Nicobar group
- Barren Island is home to India's only active volcano. Landing is not allowed. You can view it from a boat or on a diving trip with the right permission, arranged locally.
- The Nicobar group of islands is not part of the relaxed list and is essentially closed to tourists. Do not plan a Nicobar visit as an ordinary traveller.
Registration for long stays
If a foreign national stays in the Andamans for more than 180 days, they must register with the Foreigners Registration Officer at Port Blair within 14 days. For ordinary short holidays this does not apply, and your hotel files the usual guest form for you.
Documents you need
- Indian travellers: a government photo identity.
- Foreign travellers: your passport and Indian visa. Carry copies. If you fall in a category that still needs an RAP, carry the approval and permit.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Indians worrying they need a permit or a passport for the Andamans. You do not. It is a normal domestic trip with a photo identity.
- Foreign travellers assuming an RAP is always required. For most popular islands it is not, but confirm the current list and expiry.
- Travellers of the listed nationalities leaving the prior Home Ministry approval to the last minute.
- Breaking the Baratang convoy and tribal reserve rules. This is illegal, not just frowned upon.
- Planning a Nicobar or Barren Island landing. Nicobar is closed to tourists and there is no landing on Barren Island.
Questions people ask
Do Indians need a permit for the Andamans?
No. Carry a normal government photo identity and travel freely.
Do foreigners need a Restricted Area Permit?
For most popular islands, no longer, thanks to a relaxation. A few nationalities and some closed areas are the exceptions. Confirm the current list and expiry on the official site.
Which foreigners still need approval?
Citizens of Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan, and those of origin in these countries, plus Myanmar citizens for Mayabunder and Diglipur.
Can I visit the Nicobar Islands?
No. The Nicobar group is closed to tourists.
Can I land on Barren Island to see the volcano?
No landing is allowed. You can view it from a boat or a diving trip with permission.