Andaman Reopens for Tourism: Everything You Need to Know

Is Andaman open to tourism now? – The big question that’s been on every traveller’s mind for quite some time now, has finally been answered. Yes, after days and months of waiting, Andaman has finally opened its doors for tourism. Can’t wait to visit? I know. After all, Andaman is one place that’s in everyone’s travel diary by default. But before planning your Andaman travel, check this article out to know the DOs and DON’Ts, Andaman COVID guidelines, detailed quarantine rules and more on Andaman tourism latest news.

Reopening Andaman tourism

Though Andaman is now open for tourism, there are a set of quarantine rules and regulations that are a must-follow if you are going to visit this most loved destination anytime soon. No matter it’s a workation or a vacation, you will have the best time there. Now, check out the Andaman tourism latest here below.

Let’s start with some good news:

• The flights are operating to and fro Andaman

Flights like Indigo, Spice Jet, Air India, Go Air and Vistara have now started regular flights to Port Blair in Andaman. You have direct flights if you are from Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Delhi.

• Getting indulged in watersports and many others at Andaman is not a dream now. But do know that it would be arranged with proper guidelines.

Activities allowed: Visiting places in Andaman, beach visits, snorkelling, boat rides and more.

Places that are yet to reopen: North and Middle Andaman Islands, Little Andaman Island and Nicobar group of islands are yet to open for tourism.

About ferry in Andaman?

We have something exciting for you. Makruzz is restarting its ferry operations from 10th December 2020 with a set of Andaman quarantine rules. Awesome, right? Don’t you think it’s time that you check out how to book ferries in Andaman? It’s always recommended to go for a well in advance ferry booking in Andaman as you might not have availability later as Andaman tourism COVID update allows only limited passengers. Sealink and Green Oceanis are yet to give us an announcement on the same.

Andaman air travel guidelines

• Before boarding your flight to Andaman, a self-declaration form has to be filled and Arogya Setu app update stating that you are COVID negative as a part of Andaman tourism COVID guidelines.

• No matter which flight you are travelling in, please do a mandatory web check-in to avoid any kind of hassles during your Andaman travel.

Andaman quarantine rules

• For travellers arriving at Veer Savarkar Airport,

1. Every traveller should be carrying a COVID negative report that was taken 48 hours prior to the departure date. Specifically, it must be taken at any ICMR approved labs using RT PCR or Truenat test. In case if the duration was more than 48 hours, a retest will be done at the airport.

2. In case travellers haven’t taken any test before starting the journey, they must undergo RAT for COVID at the airport and wait for the results. Only if the tests show negative, they will be allowed to enter the island. In the case of COVID positive results, they will be quarantined at a government institution. The traveller has to bear the accommodation charges which would be around 1000 INR. If they choose to stay in a hotel, they will be allowed under certain criteria.

Either way, the tourist has to bear the charge for the test that’s been taken at the airport which is 500 INR at present.

• If you are travelling to and fro Shaheed Dweep and Swaraj Dweep,

1. In case you have the report that was taken 48 hours before departure or got yourself tested at the airport, you need not test again if you want to enter Shaheed Dweep and Swaraj Dweep.

• You are not allowed to travel to the North and Middle Andaman Islands, Little Andaman Island and Nicobar group of islands for tourism.

Andaman travel tips

1. Masks are a must at all public places.
2. Everyone must download the Arogya Setu app before starting your Andaman trip.
3. There have been new restrictions built for the attractions and other public places. Do make sure you aware of the updated timings and rules before you visit each.
4. Be patient to get checked every time you enter a place in Andaman.
5. People above 65 years of age are not allowed to enter Andaman.
6. At some places, group photography is not allowed. Maintain social distancing in public.
7. Stay safe by following all the rules and regulations.

FAQs before planning your Andaman travel

1. Is Havelock island open for tourists?

Yes. You can now travel to Havelock Island. And note that, you need not test again in the airport if you have a valid COVID negative certificate by a reputed lab.

2. Is Lakshadweep open for tourism?

Lakshadweep is yet to open its borders for tourism.

3. Is Andaman and Nicobar safe to travel right now?

Andaman is safe to travel right now if you stick to all the safety measures, quarantine rules and regulations and Andaman tourism COVID guidelines.

Yay! Andaman is almost all set to welcome you. Why wait then? Haven’t we waited enough already? Now, check out the Pickyourtrail to plan your own Andaman tour packages.

Also Read: Andaman First Timers Guide