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).

All foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) in addition to the Indian Visa to enter the Andaman Islands. The Indian Visa is to be obtained in your country of residence prior to arrival in India.

The Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is easily obtained on arrival at Port Blair. The procedure usually takes 15 minutes, is free of cost and is available to all foreign nationals.

Most foreigners arriving at Port Blair are given a 30 day permit. Closer to the time of expiry (about 3 days ahead) this permit can be extended by another 15 days. This extension can be done at the Immigration Office in Port Blair or at the police station on Havelock Island. You will need to show a confirmed return ticket (for journey within the next 15 days) in order to get this extension. Please note that it may not always be possible to get this extension in a few hours and you may need to stay overnight in Port Blair to obtain the extension.

It is rare that tourists are given less than 30 days on the permit. However it does happen to a few and it is recommended that you check the expiry of the RAP when the official hands it to you just in case it has been given only for a few days.

Diplomats are usually not given the full 30 days; they usually get between 7 and 15 days.

Showing the official that you indeed have a return flight booked for a specific date beyond the 15 day period will get you the 30 day permit. Currently it is not possible to get to get direct 45 day permit on arrival under any circumstances.

It has recently been brought to our notice that some Indian Visas issued carry a stamp that reads "Entry to restricted areas NOT permitted". Should your Visa carry such a stamp, please contact the embassy and have the visa re-issued as you will not be allowed to enter the Andaman Islands.

It has also been brought to our notice recently those tourists holding multiple entry Indian Tourist Visas (having visited and exited once) need to stay out of India for a minimum of 2 months or 60 days before re-entering the country. Should you leave India and return before this 60 day period you will not be allowed entry. Although this is a new rule, it has been put into effect and hence we advice you to ensure a minimum of 60 days between visits to India.

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).