It is the glory of virgin beaches, rainforests, and coral reefs that attracts Indian tourists to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. But before you set out on this island haven, there is one question you should pose to yourself : Do Indians need a passport for the A & N Islands?
The short answer is no. You typically do not need a passport as an Indian citizen in order to go to the majority of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are an Indian Union Territory, and Indian citizens are free to go to and visit them as and when they please. Think of it as a trip to another Indian state. A valid government-issued ID is typically sufficient.
But there are some important exceptions and qualifications to keep in mind :
Restricted / Protected Areas : Certain of the tribal areas, particularly in the Nicobar Islands, are off-limits to common tourists, including Indians. These areas are declared as restricted or protected areas for safeguarding the indigenous people of the country and their corresponding cultures. One can visit these areas only with strict restrictions, and special permits, which are extremely difficult to obtain, are required.
Foreign Nationals : Indian citizens in general do not need a passport, but foreign nationals definitely need a valid passport and visa to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Visa regulations are the same as for the India mainland.
Although a passport is not usually required for Indians, it can still prove useful. It is an accepted form of identification. At least, you must carry a valid government-issued photo ID like:
Aadhaar Card
Voter ID
Driving Licence
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