Restricted Areas for Foreigners in Andaman
Andaman is the very name which conjures up images of mysterious islands covered with thick forests, indigenous tribes and glistening seas. Andaman is very popular among divers. It is amongst those places that offer you spectacular sights to pristine reefs and awesome marine life. Its charisma and serenity binds you. Till now, Andamans have not been visited frequently by tourists and nature lovers. But now these exotic islands have been gradually opening up for the tourists. Today, whispers about the underwater wonders here are echoing everywhere. No wonder, tourists from all over the planet are attracted to these islands. But there are some outer islands that are restricted areas for foreigners in Andaman. The reason for this is that these regions are protected for aboriginal tribes.
Permits for foreigners
Foreigners can't stay in the islands without obtaining a permit. Permit can be easily obtained from the immigration authorities for 30 days at Port Blair. With permission, it can be extended for 15 days. You can also obtain permits from Indian Mission Overseas Foreigners Registration offices at Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai.
Permit Required for Places for Foreigners to Visit
Andaman Islands are blessed with plenty of natural beauty and marine life exquisiteness that makes these islands worth a visit. At the same time there are certain areas that are restricted for foreigners to enter. Amongst the places those are widely open for international tourists on these islands are-
- Municipal Area, Port Blair
- Long Island
- South and North Cinque Island
- Mayabunder
- Havelock Island
- Basatang Island
- Neil Island
- Diglipur
- Red Skin Island
- Rangat Island
- Madhuban Island
- Narcondum Island
- North Passage Island
- Jolly Buoy
- Interview Island
- Sister Island
- Brother Island
- Mt. Harriet
- Ross Island
Restricted Areas for Foreigners in Andaman Islands
There are some areas on Andaman Islands that are prohibited to be visited by global visitors. These areas include-
- Foreigners can visit all the Islands in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park but Twin islands, Pluto Island, Boat Island, Holoday Island and Tarmugli Malay are prohibited for visit.
- Entire Island of South Andaman can be visited but the tribal reserve regions are strictly prohibited to step in.
- Again, Little Andaman islands can be explored but tribal reserve areas are severely forbidden to be visited.
- Barren Island can only be seen while you are enjoying ride in the emerald waters of Bay of Bengal but entering this island is strictly forbidden.
Conditions to Visit Islands
Day and night visits are allowed in Havelock Island, Neil Island, South and North Cinque, Entire Island of Middle Andaman, Municipal Area in Port Blair, Long Island, Jolly Buoy and Red Skin. Only day visits are allowed in Diglipur, Mt. Harriet, Ross Island, Mayabunder, Sister Island Narcondum Island, Barren Island, Interview Island, Madhuban, Brother Island and Rangat Island.
Keeping the above restricted areas for foreigners in Andaman in mind, all the international vacationers can have a delightful trip to Andaman Islands.