Andaman access
Port Blair Sea Port in the Andaman Islands is now a designated entry port for e-visa holders.
24 July 2024
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Regional superyacht agency Asia Pacific Superyachts says designating Port Blair as the entry point for the Andaman Islands for e-visa holders is a game-changer for yachts, superyachts and cruise tourism in the Andaman Islands.
The new designation will have a significant impact on those looking to cruise the clear waters of the Andaman Seas and explore the territory’s islands.
“The enormous benefit of this change came into place due to Asia Pacific Superyachts India’s request and continuous follow-up for Port Blair to be an entry port for e-visa holders,” says APS Andaman Islands’ Director, R Rathnam.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a union territory of India. It consists of 836 islands grouped into two island groups: the northern Andaman Islands and the southern Nicobar Islands, separated by a channel measuring 150 kilometres.
Port Blair is the capital and largest city of the territory, located about 1,190 kilometres from Chennai in mainland India, in the Bay of Bengal.
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“In the past, the Indian embassy in Southeast Asia would issue visas for the residents and nationals of that particular country,” explains Rathnam. “All others would have to apply for a visa in their home country, which was not possible for many yachts, and they were skipping visiting the Andamans.
To apply for a regular visa, one would have had to complete the form online, visit the visa application centre with an appointment, and submit the passport for at least five days. This involved a lot of expense, time, and other hassles.
“Moreover, with the passport at the embassy, it was not possible for the applicant to travel anywhere else, creating a frustrating experience. Now you can visit the official website and go through the four-step online application process.
“After this, the e-visa status is communicated by email within 72 hours. You can then enter Port Blair with a copy of the approval.”
International yacht visitors cruising the Andaman Archipelago will find miles of pristine beaches, tropical jungles, and blue waters. Temperatures remain around 28C, with cool nights and good sailing winds.
The archipelago is thickly covered by deep green tropical forest, which supports wildlife, including extremely rare bird species. The archipelago’s principal attractions are the beaches, where you can explore, dive, and snorkel in the pristine reefs that ring most of the islands.
Rathnam says his team at APS Andamans can complete a vessel’s procedures and paperwork in advance, tailor an itinerary that draws on local knowledge of navigational hazards and berthing/anchoring, offer options for quality accommodation, and arrange special island visits, vehicle hire, air travel, and helicopter transport.
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