For those planning a trip here and wondering how to reach Andaman, you should read on to find out more. There are only two ways to get to these islands: by air and by sea as they are situated off the Southern coast of India.

For those who are wondering how to reach Andaman by sea, you can travel by three to four ships every month that all leave from Kolkata, Vizag and Chennai. There are at present 2 ships - MV Swarajdweep and MV Nancowry- from Chennai and the MV Akbar and MV Nicobar from Kolkata. You can also travel by ferry to Andaman from both Kolkata and Chennai and Kolkata ports and the best ferry service in this regard is the MV Harshavardan. Ships generally take about 3-4 days to reach the Port Blair deck.

There are several permits required to enter the Andaman islands for both foreigners and Indians. If you are a foreign national, you can stay in the Andaman and Nicobar islands for 30 days. If you want to extend it by another 15 days, you will have to take permission to stay from the immigration authorities. In addition, you can also get permits from Foreigner’s Registration Offices at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Calcutta and Indian Missions Overseas as well as the immigration authorities at the airports at Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Calcutta.

You can get a permit for night halt at Middle Andaman Island, Little Andaman Island (except tribal reserve), South Andaman Island, Neil Island, Long Island, Havelock Island, Baratang, Diglipur, North Passage and islands in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (excluding islands – Twin, Boat Hobday, Malay, Pluto and Tarmugli).

You can get a permit for day halt at Ross Island, South Cinque Island, Narcondum Island, Brother Island, Interview Island, Barren Island and Sister Island.

If you are an Indian national, you will need not any permit to visit the Andaman islands. However, you will need a permit to visit Nicobar Islands and other tribal areas. You can apply on a prescribed form and address it to the Deputy Commissioner, Andaman District, Port Blair.