Andaman Islands - Covid Travel information
From 18th March, when you travel to England from abroad you: do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive do not need to fill in a UK passenger locator form do not need to quarantine when you arrive This applies whether you are vaccinated or not. It includes people who are transiting through England. Updated 21st MAR 2022
Andaman Islands - the location, language, time difference
- GMT +5hrs 30mins
- Andamanese, English widely spoken
Andaman Islands - weather and climate
December to March is the optimal time to visit the Andamans, with sunny days and superb diving conditions. Barren Island is best visited between Fab and Apr. As the summer months approach, the surface conditions become a bit more wavy, with higher chances of rain.
Andaman Islands - Currency and Tax
Indian rupee, $USD widely accepted
A transaction fee of 1-4% is usually levied on all credit or debit card payments
How do I get there?
Your gateway to the Andamans is Port Blair. Flights are typically with 1 stop in India, before finishing your journey. Depending on your route, you may need a night en route. If you have a specific airline you prefer to fly with, simply let us know in your booking request. A supplement may apply for regional departures. Times and any applicable supplements will be confirmed by your travel consultant before you finalise your holiday. If you wish to make your own flight arrangements to Port Blair, let us know and we can remove the cost of the international flights from your quote. We are unfortunately not able to redeem airmiles on your behalf. Please do not confirm any flight arrangements yourself before your holiday is confirmed by us.
You will have a connection in India en route to Port Blair. It is easy to add a city stop over in locations such as Chennai or Kolkata in either direction. Please speak to your travel consultant at the time of booking.
Are there any extension options?
We are able to book additional nights in the Andamans. Please speak to your travel consultants at the time of booking to discuss the options and hotels if you would like to add a land stay to your liveaboard.
Passports and Visas
Passports - Must be valid for 6 months from return date
UK passport holders will be given a special permit to enter the Andamans on arrival - this is valid for 30days. You will also need a tourist visa for India. You will need to apply for this online before travel. Please ensure you have 6 months validity left on your passport from your return date prior to travel. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here
Preparing to fly
As you are flying with a scheduled airline, you will be able to check in online with your airline. Please visit their website for more information about when online check in opens.
You will be able to manage your booking online once you have been ticketed (after you have paid your holiday balance). Most airlines will now enable you to select your seating at this point. There may be a small charge for prebookable seating before online check in opens. Please speak to the airline for more information about charges.
An airport lounge is a great way to start your holiday or to while away flight connections in comfort. Scuba Travel works with Lounge Pass to offer a huge range of affordable airport lounges around the world. click here
Prebook your airport parking to save money! If you have a long way to travel, why not also look at booking an airport hotel. These aren't as expensive as you might think. click here
Current duty free allowances allowed into the Caymans: Up to 2 litre of spirits or wine, up to 200 Cigarettes or 250 grammes of Tobacco Allowances can change without notice - please reconfirm before travel.
What do I need to arrange before I go?
UK passport holders will be given a special permit to enter the Andamans on arrival - this is valid for 30days. You will also need a tourist visa for India. You will need to apply for this online before travel. Please ensure you have 6 months validity left on your passport from your return date prior to travel. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here
Scuba Travel requires all of our customers to have diving insurance. Please make sure that you have appropriate cover for your diving activities. We also strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It's worth taking out travel insurance once you have paid your deposit to ensure you are covered for unforeseen events and cancellation. Find out more about our combined dive and travel policy click here
Your covid proof of vaccination must match your passport name and flight ticket name. Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice on updating your NHS details or for other travel immunisations: click here
What happens when I arrive?
On arrival please make your way through baggage claim and immigration. There will be a rep to meet you, who will transfer you to the boat or your hotel, depending on your travel arrangements. If you have any issues on arrival, please contact us. We have an emergency contact, manned by a member of the team here in the UK. Please call 0044 7747 488 002. We will be able to help your rep locate you in the airport.
Transfers are included in your holiday package. All times will be advised locally.
What happens on departure day?
You will be advised locally of your transfer times/ final arrangements at the end of your holiday. A departure tax of around 50RS is levied on leaving India - this is usually included in your air fare, but please check.
Plugs and Electricity
European style 2 pin round plugs are commonly used in India