How to reach Andaman Islands?

• The most convenient way to get to Andaman Islands is to fly to Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair.
• You can find direct flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
• You can also get passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair, but that option takes 3-4 days and is not used as often.

The best time is October through May. The climate is dry, the sea is placid, and it is perfect for beach holidays and water sports. Monsoon (June through September) is the not recommended as it brings heavy rain and rough sea conditions.

• Port Blair: Cellular Jail, Ross Island, Corbyn’s Cove
• Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep): Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, scuba diving
• Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Natural Bridge, Laxmanpur Beach, Bharatpur Beach
• Baratang: Limestone caves, mud volcano
• North Bay & Jolly Buoy: snorkeling, glass-bottomed boat, coral reefs

• ferries (govt & private) are the main mode of transportation.
• Make sure to book ahead, especially during high season as they fill up quickly!
• Popular private ferries: Makruzz, Green Ocean, ITT Majestic and Nautika, etc.
• There are helicopter services on select limited islands for limited emergencies and situations.

Andaman has a range of accommodation from budget guesthouses to high-end beach resorts.
Port Blair: mix of at hotels and budget stays
Havelock & Neil: gorgeous beach resorts, eco stays, boutique hotels

– Decent mobile networks exist at Port Blair (Airtel, Jio, BSNL).
– Limited mobile connectivity in Havelock & Neil.
– Internet usually slow and patchy! It is probably a good idea to let your family know your travel plans ahead of time so that you may digitally detox!

• ATMs are available in Port Blair and Havelock but might run out of cash.
• Cash is preferable, especially when the remote spots are concerned.
• Most hotels and big restaurants will accept cards and UPI.

Yes, vegetarian food or Jain food is available in tourist areas.
• Port Blair has a decent number of veg-friendly restaurants.
• In Havelock and Neil there are fewer options but still possible.

• Light cotton cloths
• Swimwear and beachwear
• Flip flops and sandals
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
• Basic medicines and personal toilet items
• A waterproof bag for phones/cameras during water activities

Yes, Andaman is very safe for solo travelers, families, and honeymooners.
They are generally friendly, and tourism is well managed. Just use basic safety when taking part in adventure activities.

• Scuba Diving
• Snorkeling
• Sea Walking
• Jet Skiing
• Glass bottom boat ride
• Banana boat ride
Most of the activities are for amateurs and are organized under professionals.

• Port Blair has decent hospitals and pharmacies.
• Each island has at least a basic medical center.
• Carry men’s needs as well as a small first-aid kit for any emergencies.

Sure. The islands are family-friendly as long as you plan a relaxing itinerary and avoiding rough days at sea with travel around the islands, and comfortable stay at each place.

Yes. Andaman is an eco-sensitive zone, so please
• Do not use plastic
• Do not touch or walk on corals
• Do not litter beaches or forests
• Respect marine life and tribal boundaries

Indian citizens do not need the permit to visit most of the Andaman Islands.

Yes. Andaman Islands are part of India and thus all foreign tourists must have a valid Indian visa.

Visa-on-arrival is NOT available in Andaman, so foreign visitors must obtain a visa before arriving in India.

No extra permit is needed for visiting many tourist destinations in Andaman, these sites includes:

  • Port Blair
  • Havelock island (Swaraj Dweep)
  • Neil island (Shaheed Dweep)
  • Baratang
  • Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island)

However, there are some restricted areas and tribal areas which are off-limits, these include:

  • Nicobar Islands
  • Certain tribal reserves in Middle & North Andaman
  • Dugong Creek, Little Andaman (interior areas)

These areas are protected for ecological and tribal identity reasons, and off-limits to everyone, with some being strictly prohibited or allowed entry only with special clearance from the government, for tourists it is rare for this to happen.

When you are in India for more than 180 days you will need to register through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). However, with the nature of traveling to Andaman, as short term visitors it usually doesn’t apply to you.

Tips for Foreign Travelers when Visiting Andaman:

  • Carry multiple copies of your passport with visa
  • Book your accommodation early especially from mid October to March
  • Mobile data on Andaman is limited so you can take an international mobile plan or a local number to keep in contact if needed.
  • Respect tribal protection laws that prevent photography and contact in protected areas
  • Follow eco-tourism guidelines to protect the marine and forest ecosystems

Access Points for International Tourists

The majority of international tourists travel to the Andaman by flying to Port Blair via Veer Savarkar International Airport from a major city in India e.g., Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata or Bengaluru. Currently

The Andaman administration does consider tourists, but regulations may change based on political or environmental considerations. Always check the latest updates on the Ministry of Home Affair’s website or locally with a tourism authority before travelling.