Andaman Islands - Clearance

All yachts/vessels must clear in at Port Blair in the Andaman Islands.

See the latest Standard Operating Procedures for Yachts Visiting Andaman & Nicobar Islands for all requirements for the Andaman Islands.

See Formalities for full details of clearing into India.

PRE-ARRIVAL

All vessels sailing to the Andaman Islands must submit a Foreign Vessel Arrival Report (FVAR) to the Chief Port Administrator, Port Management Board, Port Blair at least five working days in advance with the following information:

• Name of Yacht/Vessel
• ETA Port Blair
• Nationality/Flag
• No. of Crew including Master
• Details of Passengers (Nationality-wise) if any
• Valid Visa
• Last Port of Call
• Next Port of Call
• Name of Master & Nationality
• Registration No.
• Port of Registration
• Local Agent, if any
• Length overall/Breadth
• GT/NT/Speed
• Arrival Draft
• Purpose of Visit
• Estimated Period of Stay in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
• Make & Model of Satellite Phone (if any)
• INMARSAT/FBB Phone Nos
• WEAPONS (if any)
• Diving Compressors
• Diving Gear
• Survey Equipment and other Sensors

For the full list of SOPs for the Andaman Islands and Nicobar Islands, you can download:

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Sailing Yachts Visiting Anderman & Nic0bar Islands.

Everyone on board must have a valid Indian visa. See India Immigration for visa details.

After obtaining the visa, before departure for the Andamans, as a courtesy Immigration ask that you send a crew list with passport details, reason for visit is tourism, yacht's name, home port, and approximate arrival date to the Chief Secretary, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Port Blair, Tel. 91-3192-234087, Fax: 91-3192-232656, Email: cs@and.nic.in

General Clearance:

Yachts must not stop anywhere else before completing formalities at Port Blair (South Andaman).

Cruisers report that using an agent here for clearance is straightforward and simple, but be sure to have all your paperwork in order before arrival. See Noonsite's Clearance page for a list of agents. Cost approx. US$200. Whilst it is possible to manage without an agent, the paperwork is lengthy and a printer/scanner on board is essential and it will take several days longer to get clearance.

It is essential that you have up to eight copies of ALL your documents (including Departure documents from your previous port) and the required letters. An embossed boat stamp will also be necessary to impress!

On Arrival

Call the port authorities on VHF Ch. 16 a few hours before arrival (if possible) and advise them of your ETA.

Entry into the harbor is permitted after 05:00.  Clearance procedures should be granted within four hours of arrival, as long as you arrive before 14:00 and have the necessary documents on board.  See Standard Operating Procedures for Sailing Yachts below.

A recommended place to anchor for clearing it is 11°41.18'N, 92°43.38'E in 3m at LW. Call again on arrival with information of where you are anchored so that they can inform Customs and Immigration.  You will have to ferry the officials to your boat and back by dinghy (3 at a time), so anchor as close to the jetty as possible. There is no where safe to leave your dinghy on the jetty but you should be able to find a reliable boat minder who can take care of it for a small fee.

The Coastguard will visit the yacht with their own boat; Customs and Immigration officials must be collected in your dinghy. A full list of stores and equipment (with serial numbers!) will be required. Remember to list your depth sounder as a 'fish finder.'

On receipt of the FVAR and after clearance is provided, you will be directed to the safe anchorage close to the Chatham New Vehicle Ferry Jetty.  Crew members will be permitted to go ashore only after clearance from all agencies.

Cruising Plan

Prior to leaving Port Blair,  you must obtain clearance from the Port Control Tower indicating your next port of call.  An intended itinerary must also be provided.

Vessels are also advised to report their location, either themselves or through their agent, every 12 hours and preferably between 0600 and 1800.  This can be done by VHFRT/HFRT/Mobile Phone/Email/Approved Satellite Phone.

Yachts must also maintain a log book of their time in the Andaman Islands and provide a GPS track/GPS log on departure.

On Departure

Clearance of Customs, Port Management Board and Immigration is necessary before departure.  Visit the Port Captain's office to pay your dues.  You will need to show a log book of your visit as well as your GPS track or screen shots of your GPS track. When ready to leave, call Port Control with your clearance number and your expected time of departure.

Notes:

• The Restricted Area Permit (RAP) which limited visits to a maximum of 30 days has been abolished and visitors can now visit 30 islands.  However, permits must be obtained to visit Tribal Reserve Areas, or for landing in Marine National Parks, Forest/Wildlife Sanctuaries and Forest Reserve Areas.
• It is illegal to use most types of satellite phones while in the Andaman Sea and in Indian territorial waters. Such communications are monitored and can result in severe penalties, even imprisonment. The exception is the Inmarsat satellite network which is allowed.  Iridium and Thuraya phones are bonded  (with tape and a box you supply) until your departure. See Communications for more detail.
• There are a number of reports from cruisers in related reports with very useful details on the paperwork.

For the full list of SOPs for the Andaman Islands and Nicobar Islands, you can download:

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Sailing Yachts Visiting Anderman & Nic0bar Islands.

Key items in this document include:

• Yachts must contact the Port Control Tower on VHF Channel 16 when leaving Port Blair.
• AIS and VHF Radio must be kept on at all times.
• Yachts must report their location (yourself or via your agent) by HFRT/VHFRT/Satellite Phone/Mobile Phone/Email to the nearest PCT/PMB every 12 hours (preferably between 0600 and 1800).
• Maintain a log book from the beginning to the end of your cruising in the islands and also keep your GPS track/details/screen shots which must be submitted to port officials when you return to Port Blair.
• Fishing/Snorkelling and Diving are permitted subject to certain conditions.
• No commercial passengers or activities are permitted,
• Equipment capable of sea and mapping is not to be carried aboard.
• No arms and ammunition are to be carried aboard the yacht. Arms, if carried for self-protection, are to be declared on arrival.
• Yachts visiting the islands may have an authorized agent at Port Blair.
• India has banned all satellite phone usage in the Andaman Islands.

Last updated:  June 2023