Foreign tourists can now visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands without any restrictions

Government has allowed foreign tourists to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands without any restrictions. In this regard, Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has modified its earlier order which made it mandatory for foreign tourists to register with Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) within 24 hours of their arrival.

Key Facts

The step was taken on suggestion made by Union Tourism Ministry to boost foreign tourist arrivals in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This order follows earlier directive which allowed foreigners to visit 29 inhabited and 11 uninhabited islands in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which were prohibited for visitors under Foreigners (Restricted Area) Order, 1963, without any restrictions.
However, citizens of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan and foreign nationals having their origin in these countries will continue to require Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit Union Territory. Moreover, separate approvals of competent authority will continue to be required for visiting reserved forests, wildlife sanctuaries and tribal reserves as at present. Ministry of Tourism has also proposed that travel restrictions be removed from border areas in Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2018