M Vinod Seeks Further Extension of Relaxation from Obtaining Restricted Area Permit to Facilitate Foreign Tourists

Tarun Karthick

Port Blair, 22 August 2022

The requirement of obtaining Restricted Area Permit by foreigners for visiting various Inhabited Islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands was eased in 2018 by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The facility made it easy for foreign tourists to visit the Islands.

The easing of the requirement of obtaining Restricted Area Permit was appreciated by foreign tourists as well as foreign tour operators.

The Restricted Area Permit relaxation provided to foreign tourists is ending on 31st December 2022.

Mr. M Vinod, State Vice President, BJP, Andaman and Nicobar Islands has written a letter to the Union Home Minister requesting him to extend the relaxation given to foreigners from obtaining Restricted Area Permit to visit various inhabited Islands for another 15 years.

He added that the move will be of great help to the struggling tourism industry of Andaman and Nicobar Islands which has been badly affected by COVID-19.

Earlier, a foreigner visiting Andaman and Nicobar Islands was issued a Restricted Area Permit which was valid for 30 days and was extendable for another 15 days in case of an emergency.