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The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the entire travel scenario in the world. With the virus, came various new travel restrictions and safety guidelines for all travellers, operators and suppliers. Andamans, the tropical paradise of India has also introduced various travel restrictions and safety rules for tourists visiting the destination. If you’re planning to visit the Andamans, we’re here to make it easy for you with this quick guide for travelling to the Andamans islands! Read on to know about the new rules and entry requirements across the Andamans.
Open places
1. Port Blair
The capital city of Andaman and Nicobar island, Port Blair is open for tourists to visit for leisure travel. You can catch a flight to this tropical paradise from Chennai and Kolkata.
2. Havelock
One of the most popular tourist islands in Andamans, the Havelock island has been reopened for leisure travel. You can visit this island in an hour and a half by catching a private or government-run ferry from Port Blair.
3. Neil Island
This tropical paradise in Andamans is popular for its crystal clear waters, coral reefs and clean sandy beaches. You can reach this island from Port Blair in 2 hours from ferries that are now running for all tourists.
4. Baratang
The Baratang island has everything a traveller wants to witness in Andamans- serene beaches, gorgeous views of the sunset, ancient limestone caves, mud volcanoes and thick mangrove forests. You can visit this island from Port Blair via road or ferry. Cabs and ferries from Port Blair have now resumed and will take 90 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes to reach Baratang island.
5. North Bay & Ross Beaches
One of the most beautiful bays and beaches in the entire Andamans, the North Bay and Ross beaches are well known for their blue ocean waters and quaint, white-sand beaches. You can visit Ross Island and the North Bay by taking a private ferry or a public boat from Port Blair.
6. Museums
All museums in the Andamans have been reopened for tourists to visit. Although,m the authorities have introduced some safety measures and guidelines that tourists and the museum staff need to abide by. Make sure you book your tickets in advance and wear masks and follow social distancing while at the museums.
7. Cellular Jail
This colonial prison is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Andamans and is now open for all tourists to explore. Make sure you abide by the safety precautions here and wear masks and follow social distancing while on the tour.
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8. Snorkelling
Snorkelling is one of the adventure activities that enable you to stay safe and away from the crowds as you enjoy your heart out! For the same reason, this adventure activity has been resumed in all of Andamans. You can thus, revel in a thrilling session of Snorkelling to explore the aquatic flora and fauna of the island in the crystal clear waters of Andamans.
9. Boat Rides
All boat rides across Andamans have been resumed to enable the residents and tourists to explore this beautiful destination. Although some of the islands still stand closed to tourists due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes Mayabunder, Diglipur and Rangat.
Permits Required
The Andaman and Nicobar island does not require Indian residents to get a permit for entry. Although there are some locations in the Andamans like the Barren Island that are protected and would need tourists to obtain entry permits. These permits can be obtained on entry at the Port Blair airports and bays.
For foreign national visiting Andamans, an entry permit is required which can be availed online. Although, the issuing of this permit has been temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is expected to be resumed as the situation gets better.
Travel Restrictions In Andamans
- Travelling to Diglipur, Mayabunder, Rangat and Little Andaman is restricted for now. Activities like Scuba Diving, Sea Walking, Parasailing and Kayaking are also restricted across the Andamans.
- Travellers above the age of 65 are not allowed to travel to the Andamans.
- Group photography is not allowed across the Andamans in the account of compulsory social distancing
- Beaches are only open from 10 am to 5 pm
- There is a limited number of people allowed inside Celular Jail everyday. Make sure you book your e-tickets in advance before your visit.
- Light and sound show in the Cellular Jail and Ross island also has a reduced capacity of 50% now.
- Wearing masks and abiding by social distancing is compulsory at all places across the Andamans.
Most of the Andaman islands have been reopened for the tourists to explore with appropriate safety measures. So if you’re looking to take that much-needed break form the monotonous life, take a trip to this tropical paradise with us!