The Restricted Area Permit is a special permit that a foreign visitor needs to enter certain restricted parts of India, mainly the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
It sits on top of your India visa. For most Andaman islands the rule has been relaxed for many nationalities, so you can enter on arrival, but some islands and some nationalities still need the permit. You get it through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office, the FRRO, or on arrival at the Andaman airport, or through a recognised agency.
Who needs it
You need this permit if you are a foreign national going to a restricted area of India. Indian citizens do not use it. It is an extra permission for sensitive places, on top of your visa.
Where you need it
The main restricted area is the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. A portion of Sikkim, between the West Bengal border and the Inner Line, is also a restricted area. The Nicobar group stays closed to tourists. So in practice, for a traveller this permit is about the Andaman Islands.
The Andaman relaxation, in plain words
For most popular Andaman islands, the government has relaxed the permit for many nationalities, so you can land and get your entry stamped at the airport, and travel to the open islands. This relaxation runs for a set period and is renewed from time to time, and it does not cover certain islands or certain nationalities. So you should still check your case before you fly, because the rule has an end date and exceptions. [Confirm the current relaxation and its end date with the FRRO before you travel. Last checked 13 September 2026.]
Who gives the permit
- The Foreigners Regional Registration Office, the FRRO.
- Immigration officers at Port Blair airport, on arrival, for the open islands.
- The Ministry of Home Affairs and Indian missions abroad, in some cases.
How to get it, step by step
Check whether your nationality and your islands fall under the relaxation, or need the permit. If you need it, apply through the FRRO or a recognised agency before you travel, or get the on arrival stamp at Port Blair for the open islands. Carry your passport, your visa and the permit, because they are checked on the islands and at the jetties. Keep to the open islands, because some, such as the Nicobar group and certain tribal reserves, stay closed.
Common mistakes to avoid
- The biggest mistake is assuming your visa alone lets you into every island, when some need this permit and some are closed. The next is trusting the relaxation without checking its end date and its exceptions. Do not try to reach a closed island or a tribal reserve. Do not lose the permit, because it is checked again on the islands.
Questions people ask
Is the Restricted Area Permit the same as a visa?
No. It is an extra permission for restricted areas, mainly the Andaman Islands, on top of your visa.
Do I still need it for the Andamans?
For most open islands and many nationalities the rule is relaxed, so you can enter on arrival, but some islands and nationalities still need it. Check your case.
Do Indians need it?
No. This permit is for foreign visitors.
Which islands are closed?
The Nicobar group and certain tribal reserves stay closed to tourists.
Where do I get it?
Through the FRRO, on arrival at Port Blair for the open islands, or through a recognised agency.