Visiting Andaman from the US on Indian e-Visa: Things to Remember
Tropical islands have an allure about them. With the sunlight shimmering on the deep blue sea, the gentle sea breeze, and the soft sounds of the swaying palm trees permeating your senses every moment, you simply can’t get enough. The same is true for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, you’ll need to opt for an Indian eVisa for USA citizens if you wish to travel to this gorgeous location.
Let’s explore more on this below.
A Bird’s Eye View of Andaman
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands refer to an archipelago of 572 islands that are located in the Indian Ocean, on the old trade route used by sailors and traders between India and Burma, or Myanmar.
These islands were first visited by the British East India Company in 1789 and later came under their administration in 1872. In 1956, they became a UT or Union Territory for the Indian Republic.
You can also see the evidence from the years of the Second World War here, from the Japanese bunkers on Ross Island to the living quarters of the British on the same island, and so on. However, these structures (except the bunkers) now lie in ruins due to the tsunami in 2004.
Another relic of the Second World War and before that can be found in Port Blair is the Cellular Jail.
The British used this place as a penal colony and imprisoned the Indian freedom fighters there, most notably, Veer Savarkar, and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, etc. who were held and interrogated there.
Some of the most prominent islands of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the Great Andaman Islands, which comprise the South, Middle and North Andaman Islands.
Other major islands include the Sentinel Islands, Rutland Island, Ritchie’s Archipelago, Landfall Island, and Interview Island.
Why Visit Andaman from the US?
One of the reasons you can consider visiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands after getting your Indian eVisa for USA citizens is the untouched natural beauty of the islands.
Each of them has its own flora and fauna, like eagles, bears, snakes, saltwater crocodiles, and fishes, which live in the reefs.
You can also consider visiting islands like Radhanagar Beach, Elephanta Beach, Kala Patthar Beach, and Laxmanpur Beach and engaging in activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, sea walking, and other water sports like jet skiing and banana boating.
If you’re interested in wildlife, then you can also choose to birdwatch, view dolphins, and so on.
How You Can Travel From the USA to Andaman
Now, you must be wondering about how you can make the trip from the USA to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Well, we’ve got you covered.
How to Reach Andaman from the US
Continue reading to know more about this below.
Flight Options to India
You can get flights from any major city in the USA like San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington DC. Now, there are 126 such locations in India you could fly to.
However, since you wish to travel to Andaman, we would recommend choosing flights from your home destination to Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Vizag, and Hyderabad.
Some popular carriers you can choose to book your flight are United Airlines, American Airlines, and Air India.
Connecting Flights from India to Andaman
That’s because you can reach Andaman in about 2 to 4 hours directly from these locations after you board the connecting flight from there. You can choose from carriers like Vistara, Indigo, Spicejet, and Air India to book your flight.
Best Time to Visit Andaman
You should read through the following parameters thoroughly to better understand when you can travel to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands before obtaining your Indian eVisa for USA citizens.
Weather and Seasons
Andaman mostly enjoys a tropical climate due to its location, and it mostly experiences minor temperature changes. This makes it a pleasant place to visit.
However, we would not recommend that you visit the place during the monsoon season from July to September, due to the strong winds and tidal waves.
So, you can plan your trip between the months of October and May, since it isn’t too hot and you can relax with a beverage and laze about under the sun.
Peak and Off-Peak Travel Periods
As mentioned previously, the months between October and May are ideal due to the weather and temperature conditions. That’s why this period is considered to be a peak travel period.
This makes the monsoon period between July and September the off-peak or off-season period since not a lot of people wish to face the tidal waves and harsh winds.
Visa and Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens
Continue reading to know more about this below.
Indian Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens
You’ll need to fulfill certain parameters to apply for an Indian eVisa for USA citizens. Firstly, you should only wish to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a tourist, for relaxation.
Then you should hold a valid visa that should remain valid for six months after you visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Documents Needed for an Indian eVisa for USA Citizens
Lastly, you should have all the necessary documents in place, like a scanned document of your passport, 2 recent passport photographs, an email address, and an active payment wallet or card.
You’ll also have to procure some additional documents, which we’ve spoken about in the following sections.
Additional Permits for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
As a US national, you’ll have to apply for some additional permits for specialized zones, apart from the Indian eVisa for USA citizens as mentioned below.
Restricted Areas and Protected Zones
All foreign nationals can visit about 30 islands including North Andaman, East Island, Smith Island, Swaraj Deep or Havelock Island, etc. among others with the need for a Restricted Access Permit or RAP. You can contact us for the full list of places.
However, you will require the RAP for Port Blair, etc. You can obtain this permit at the Veer Savarkar International Airport or at the Port Blair seaport upon your arrival.
Depending upon your convenience, you can also obtain it from the SP, or Foreigners’ Registration Offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, etc. Ensure to showcase your passport at the Immigration counter to obtain the RAP. This permit will remain active for 30 days.
For more information, you can get in touch with our team, and we’ll help you out.
Necessary Permits for Certain Locations
Now, you shall require the special approval and permits of the respective authorities, apart from the RAP and Indian eVisa for USA citizens, to visit Wildlife Sanctuaries, Reserved Forests, Marine Parks, and Tribal Reserves.
When you shall visit these islands, you will be accompanied by the Chief Wild Life Warden of these islands, as a necessary prerequisite. Remember, you’ll have to also pay a certain entry fee, pending which you will be heavily penalized.
Additionally, if you’re staying at an inn, guest house, etc. you will have to fill up a Form C and submit the same to the hotel keeper so that he/she can forward the same to the Port Blair Foreigners’ Registration Office.
Furthermore, if you wish to visit areas with military/defense facilities, you will have to obtain specialized permits for these areas. Lastly, if you intend to stay for more than 180 days, you will have to register yourself with the Port Blair Foreigners’ Registration Office in 2 weeks.
Contact us for more information.
Applying for an Indian Tourist Visa
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, like a scanned document of your passport, etc. you can begin the application process by visiting our website, filling up our application form, reviewing the details, and paying the required fee. That’s all!
You can check the application status. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you feel like your Indian eVisa for USA citizens is delayed.
eVisa vs. Regular Visa for U.S. Travelers
The differences between an eVisa and a Visa on Arrival or Regular Visa are that you can avoid visiting the Embassy, going through a lengthy process of interviews, etc. when you apply for the Indian eVisa for USA citizens over the Regular Visa.
Plus, there are no long wait times to claim your visa either. In other words, you have to wait for between 3-5 days for an eVisa, as opposed to 300-320 days for a regular visa.
Things to Remember During Your Trip
You should keep the following things in mind before you visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Health and Safety Tips
You should carry a fully stocked first-aid kit that should contain the medicines you usually have, like medicines for fever, cold, indigestion, stomach ache, GI tract disorders, etc.
Apart from that, you should also carry antiseptic creams, lotions, wire gauze, band aids, and some cotton balls.
Additionally, you must carry insect-repellent creams, and a strong sunscreen as well, since the island is home to many mosquitos and other insects as well. Furthermore, sunscreen will protect your skin from excessive inflammation.
Vaccinations and Health Precautions
You should be vaccinated for routine diseases like rubella, mumps, measles, diphtheria, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, tuberculosis, and malaria.
Emergency Contact Information
In case of any sudden problems, you should not hesitate to call the following numbers:
- 102 for an Ambulance
- 101 for Fire
- 100 for Crime and Traffic-based emergency
- 1098 for child safety
- 1093 for Coastal Security
- 1091,1144 or 18003451144 for Women’s safety
- 9531856083 for cybercrime
Currency and Payment Methods
Let’s now take a look at the official currency of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as well as in banks, ATMs, etc.
Currency Used in Andaman
The Indian Rupee, or INR, is the main currency used in the Andaman Islands. You should exchange your cash for INR at the airport or at banks and ATMs.
Top Things to Experience in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Now, let’s explore more about the places you can visit and the things you can experience when you visit these islands with the help of your Indian EVisa for USA citizens.
Must-Visit Beaches and Islands
Some of the beaches you must definitely check out are:
Havelock Island
You can take a short walk down Radhanagar Beach, after which you’ll reach Neil’s Cove. This place has lush vegetation and forests, along with crocodiles and the pristine waters of the sea.
However, you should take care not to swim there either at dawn or dusk, due to the crocodiles who frequent the area.
Neil Island
This place is perfect for relaxing. It has a beautiful Sunrise point where you can enjoy the sunrise in the early morning with your friends and family. You can also just take a short walk there and feel the sea breeze, and smell the beautiful flowers.
Radhanagar Beach
Here, you can walk on the soft, carpet-like sands, and enjoy the waters of the sea, and the colors of the sunset. You can also take part in activities like scuba diving or enjoy the delicious seafood that is prepared there.
Andaman is known for jet skis, scuba diving, and banana boating.
If you can, you should not miss the chance to scuba dive there, since it will bring you face-to-face with many marine organisms.
Local Culture and Traditions
One of the things you should do is learn a little more about their culture, which will ensure that you can appropriately respect them.
Indigenous Tribes and Cultural Respect
Some of the tribes that you can find in the Andaman are the:
Onge tribe
These people live in South Andaman and retain their distinct practices of hunting, fishing and collecting.
Jarawa tribe
They have managed to keep themselves isolated from the rest of the modern world and are experts in hunting and gathering. They are also nomadic, keep moving from place to place, and reside in the Middle and South Andaman Islands.
Great Andamanese Tribe
These people have a small population due to diseases, the historic Battle of Aberdeen, etc. The tribe lives on the Strait Island in modern times.
Sentinelese Tribe
They are quite protective of their independence and live on North Sentinel Island.
Nicobari Tribe
These people have a vast population of 30,000 and practice hunting, fishing, and farming to feed themselves. The tribe lives on the various islands of the Nicobar archipelago.
Shompen Tribe
They are nomadic people and have practiced the hunting-gathering style of living. However, recently they have set up small farms and started to rear pigs.
Festivals and Events
You can enjoy the Island Tourism Festival, which takes place during January, where you can sample the food, handicrafts, etc. from the other islands.
Apart from that you can also visit during March/April to experience the Panguni Utthiram festival, which is celebrated in honor of Lord Murugan.
Some other festivals you can also experience are the Subhash Mela, Monsoon Music Festival, and Beach Festival. You can get in touch with us for more details.
Hence, you should consider all the information that we've spoken about in the sections above before you plan your trip, and apply for your Indian eVisa for USA citizens. This will let you enjoy a hassle-free trip.
Additionally, you can plan a trip between October and May for a pleasant experience. Ensure to pack clothes meant for the summer, adequate medicines, and read up about their culture.
Furthermore, do remember to carry a printed copy of your Indian eVisa for USA citizens, your passport, etc., and a lot of physical cash, to ensure a hassle-free trip. Happy travels!
Ensure you have checked your eligibility for Indian e-Visa.