Major changes in regulations to visit the Andaman Islands have now made it much friendlier and significantly easier yachting destination to visit.
A meeting attended by Captains and held December 8 at the “The Deck Restaurant” of the Yacht Haven Marina in Phuket, was an exciting occasion. Mr. R. Rathnam, owner-agent of Asia Pacific Superyachts Andaman Islands & India, traveled to Thailand to share important and positive changes in regulations along with news of the Andaman Islands transforming to a high-end tourism destination.
Gordon Fernandes, Asia Pacific Superyachts GM and based in Phuket, shared hosting duties with Mr. Rathnam. Mr. Rathnam announced and explained new and significant changes to yachting regulations, noting these changes are already proving to have a huge impact in creating new interest and bringing in yachting visitors.
“Those attending were surprised to learn the 30 days restriction has been removed”, said Rathnam. “The visa process is hugely simplified and now can be done on-line. The process no longer requires an in-person / home country visa application. Rathnam noted the changes shared with Captains at the event were very well received, with many of the questions about availability of the fuel etc., how to apply for the Visa, and charter regulations. He further discussed the following new changes with Captains.
Restricted Area Permit
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands are a restricted area. In earlier days when a foreigner would visit the Andaman Islands, they would be issued a permit called a Restricted Area Permit. This permit issued would be for a maximum of 30 days, extended by 15 days for emergency purposes.
- Now with the new regulations, foreigners can visit the islands for tourism purposes without the requirement of Restricted Area Permit and visitors allowed to stay as per the validity of the visa. The new regulations makes the entry smoother and allows yachts to stay for a longer duration.
Visa
- In the past one had to apply for a Visa by visiting the India Embassy. Each applicant had to go to the embassy and apply in person; in most cases the applicant had to apply for the Visa at the Indian Embassy in his home county. This regulation made getting a Visa a timely and challenging process.
- Now the entire visa process is online and the person can apply for a Visa for a period for one month, one year and five years with Visa approval emailed to the applicant in 3-5 days. To find out about eligibility and FAQ please visit the website indianvisaonline.gov.in
Activities onboard
In earlier days it was confusing whether activities like scuba diving and game fishing would be allowed from the yacht. It is now clearly explained scuba diving and sports fishing are allowed.
Inward clearances
Before the new changes in regulations there was no timeline available for completion of the inward clearances. Now it is clearly spelled out that if you arrive in the morning you will be cleared on the same day in the evening.
Fuel availability
Before the new changes in regulations fuel availability was a problem, with mostly HSD available. Now there is LSLFHSD in the Andaman Islands. Asia Pacific Superyachts agency has checked the fuel specifications from several visiting yachts and found the yachts were satisfied with the quality of the fuel.
Amazing Andaman Adventures
This remote island group offers some of the region’s most peaceful cruising from pristine reefs to primeval rainforest and Barren Island volcano, the only confirmed active volcano in South Asia, estimated to be 1.8 million years old. The principal attraction lies in the beaches, exploring and diving / snorkeling in the pristine reefs that ring most of the islands.
Through the Diligent Strait, Peel Island and Henry Lawrence Island offer secluded anchorages for snorkeling and interesting coastal outcrops to explore. Exciting and adventuresome island cruising for superyachts is accessible only by boat and include the islands of Inglis, Sister, Passage, Brother, Barren, Narcondum, Little Andaman, Interview, Neil, Cinque, Henry, Lawrence, and Button.
Andaman Islands transforming to a high-end tourism destination
On a continued effort by Andaman & Nicobar Administration to transform Andamans to a high-end tourism destination, major hospitality groups are entering the Eco-friendly resort development in the islands.
Three leading hospitality groups have won bids to develop luxury eco-friendly resorts across prime locations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, marking a major push for sustainable tourism in the region, reported Projects Today on December 16.
The resorts will come up at Long Island, Aves Island and Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island), while another group will redevelop the existing Megapode Resort in Sri Vijaya Puram under a public-private partnership model. An official said, “In a major stride toward sustainable tourism-led growth, we have finalised successful tenders for four flagship eco-tourism projects across the Islands.”
The resorts will focus on low-impact design and operate on self-sustaining systems powered largely by renewable energy such as solar. Revenue-sharing models and long concession periods have been finalised, ensuring long-term investment while preserving the fragile island ecosystem and promoting nature-centric, high-end tourism. Catering to high-end tourists, the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa is already operative on the Andaman Islands.