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). Aside from this, a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is also required to enter the Andaman Islands. Whereas Indian embassies abroad can technically issue the RAP along with the Indian visa, this could prolong the visa process. We recommend not mentioning your visit to the Andaman Islands in your Visa application in order to save time and instead getting your permits upon arrival into the Andaman Islands. These permits are provided to all non-Indians upon entry at the airport in Port Blair. The process is free of cost, takes no more than 20 minutes and available to all foreigners.

Most foreigners arriving at Port Blair are given a 15 day permit. Closer to the time of expiry (about 3 days ahead) this permit can be extended by another 15 days. This extension can only be done at the Immigration Office in Port Blair and you will need to show a confirmed return ticket (for journey within the next 15 days) in order to get this extension.

In the past foreigners were issued 30 day permits on arrival, however today most tourists get only 15 days.

If you plan to stay more than 15 days (maximum stay being 30 days) and want to avoid having to go back to Port Blair to get an extension, we recommend that you purchase a return ticket for that specific date prior to your arrival in Port Blair. Be sure to show this return ticket to the Immigration Officer right away at the Port Blair Airport even though he does not ask for it.

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 a 45 day permit under any circumstances.

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).