Latest Information on Travelling to Andaman Islands?

Runway Status for Port Blair Airport From October,22 to February, 23

Updated: 19 Sep 2022

From	To	Status
18-Oct	21-Oct	Closed
22-Oct	31-Oct	Operational
01-Nov	04-Nov	Closed
05-Nov	14-Nov	Operational
15-Nov	18-Nov	Closed
19-Nov	28-Nov	Operational
29-Nov	02-Dec	Closed
03-Dec	12-Dec	Operational
13-Dec	16-Dec	Closed
17-Dec	26-Dec	Operational
27-Dec	30-Dec	Closed
31-Dec	09-Jan	Operational
10-Jan	13-Jan	Closed
14-Jan	23-Jan	Operational
24-Jan	27-Jan	Closed
28-Jan	06-Feb	Operational
07-Feb	10-Feb	Closed
11-Feb	20-Feb	Operational

Andaman Tourism Opens
Updated: 14 Aug 2021

Andaman Tourism Opens: The Andaman & Nicobar administration has announced that all tourist spots in the South Andaman district will be opened for tourism activities with immediate effect 8 Feb 2022.
RT PCR report on arrival
Updated: 14 Aug 2021

A negative RT PCR report has to be presented by all passengers on arrival.
What is the advisory to travel to North & Middle Andaman District?
Updated: 14 Aug 2021

The tourists are allowed to visit Baratang/North & Middle Andaman on production of double dose covid certificate/ All other passengers viz. unvaccinated and partially vaccinated passengers (those who have taken only 1S1 dose of COVID vaccine) shall have to produce RT-PCR negative test report

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All asymptomatic fully vaccinated persons coming to these islands from mainland are exempted from the requirement of carrying RT-PCR negative test report,irrespective of the type of vaccine received and country of origin. Such fullyvaccinated individuals shall produce the final vaccination certificate at the origin airport, sea port in the mainland and at Port Blair Airport / sea port.
Alt asymptomatic children below 5 years of age are exempted from carrying RT-PCR negative test report and further RT-PCR testing at Port Blair Airport.
All other passengers viz. unvaccinated and partially vaccinated passengers (those who have taken only 1S1 dose of COVID vaccine) shall have to produce RT-PCR negative test report to travel to Port Blair from the mainland, as is the practice now. Such an RT-PCR test should have been taken within 48 hours prior to commencement of journey from the origin airport connecting Port Blair. Such passengers will also have to undergo additional RT-PCR test on arrival at Port Blair. Such passengers shall remain in self-quarantine till the arrival of the test report.
If a passenger on arrival is tested positive then, the prescribed quarantine protocol is to be followed.
All Airlines shall ensure strict compliance of this order and observance of COVID Appropriate Behaviour. Any non-compliance shall invite action under Disaster Management Act and other applicable laws.

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General Guidelines defined for traveling to Andaman Islands during COVID :

The Tourism Activities are permitted only in South Andaman & North & Middle Andaman District except Nicobar District.
Persons above 65 years of age, persons with home co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years advised not to travel for tourism purposes.
Tourists/Visitors who are at higher risk due to some medical history are advised to take extra precautions.
Tourists/visitors shall minimize contact with other staff and visitors as far as possible and zero contact policy should be followed at all tourist destinations.
All tourists/visitors shall be briefed by the hotel concerned about do’s & don’ts to be mandatorily followed during their stay and movements.
While travelling tourists/visitors should wear a face mask and carry their own sanitizer and wet wipes for personal use.
At all tourist destinations, staff must wear face masks and wash/sanitize hands regularly while performing their duties.
Arogya Setu App shall be mandatory for all incoming tourists/visitors.
Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly after use.
The tourists/visitors on arrival at Port Blair airport have to undergo mandatory Covid-19 screening with RTPCR test free of cost. Thereafter the tourists/ visitors are allowed to move to their respective hotels. However, they will have to be under quarantine at Port Blair in their hotel rooms until the result of RTPCR tests are received. In case of RTPCR positive test results, the tourists/visitors shall remain in institutional quarantine in hotels notified by the Hoteliers Association in consent with the A&%N Administration, on rate as specified or to the designated hospital/ Covid 19 care centre on case to case basis.

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What are the guidelines for testing for tourists coming to Andaman after August 03 2021?

On arrival at Port Blair :

1. The tourists need to carry COVID-19 negative test report from mainland based 1CMR approved lab using Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR). However, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken within 48 hours prior to starting the journey from the origin station. (For e.g. if the tourist takes a flight from Delhi at 0600 hrs. on 1st September, 2021, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken not before 0600 hrs. on 30th August, 2021).

2. The tourists/visitors on arrival at Port Blair airport have to undergo mandatory Covid-19 screening with RTPCR test free of cost. Thereafter the tourists/visitors are allowed to move to their respective hotels. However, they will have to be under quarantine at Port Blair in their hotel rooms until the result of RTPCR tests are received. In case of RTPCR positive test results, the tourists/visitors shall remain in
institutional quarantine in hotels notified by the Hoteliers Association in consent with the A&N Administration, on rates as specified or to the designated hospital/ Covid-19 care centre on case-to-case basis.

3. Tourists may also have to undergo random Rapid Antigen Test conducted from time to time on payment basis as prescribed by A8N Administration.

What if the tourists test positive after arriving at the Andaman Islands?

If the tourists tests positive during their stay in the Islands, he/she will need to undergo institutional isolation as per existing health protocols. The
cost of such isolation for govt. facility will be paid by the tourists as fixed by the administration from time to time.

If the patient wants to stay at hotels, he/she can stay in the hotels if all the conditions below are met:

a) Patients are not symptomatic and not more than 60 years old.
b) Request/ undertaking is made by patient in writing.
c)lf allowed by doctors.

Hotels will make necessary arrangements to designate a part of their rooms for institutional isolation for this purpose.

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Regular flights to Port Blair (the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands) are operational now.
There are direct flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Delhi.
Public transports like cabs, taxis, and bus services are also functional.

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Travellers should carefully follow social distancing norms and wear masks as well. Also, before making any booking, they should refer to the latest travel news on the government website of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

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About Cinque Island

If you're looking for an exciting tropical getaway, one destination that should be at the top of your list is Cinque Island. Located in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago in India, Cinque Island is the very epitome of a tropical paradise with its stunning natural beauty and vibrant marine life. This article will provide you with all the essential information you need to plan your visit to this magnificent island.

Things to Do on Cinque Island

Cinque Island is divided into North Cinque and South Cinque, and together they form part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. The islands are connected by a sand bar, making it an irresistible sight for tourists. The island is known for its diverse marine life, sandy beaches, and clear waters, offering the perfect escape from the bustling world. Here are some of the exciting things you can do in Cinque Island:

Snorkelling and Scuba Diving: Cinque Island is famous for its rich coral reefs and marine life. You can go snorkelling or scuba diving to explore the underwater beauty. Dive into the clear water to witness the exotic underwater life, comprising stunning corals, colourful fishes, and various other marine species. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, there are options available for everyone.

Bird Watching: Cinque Island is home to a diverse range of bird species. Make sure to bring a pair of binoculars to spot and photograph the different types of birds.

Nature Walks: The lush green forests provide a perfect setting for nature walks. Take a stroll through the pristine tropical rainforest and enjoy the island's tranquil beauty.

Photography: With its stunning natural beauty, Cinque Island offers excellent opportunities for photography. Capture the beautiful sunrise, the azure waters, or the exotic marine life on your camera.

Diving Sites and Marine Life in Cinque Island

Cinque Island is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, healthy coral reefs, and vibrant array of marine life. The Island has relatively calm waters, making it a safe and enjoyable dive location for divers of all skill levels. The best time for scuba diving in Cinque Island is between November and April when the sea is calmest and visibility is at its best. Two popular diving sites on the island are:

North Cinque Island: Home to one of the best dive sites in the region, North Cinque Island boasts an impressive array of soft and hard coral formations. The underwater visibility can exceed 80 feet, allowing you to clearly see the abundant marine life. Divers can expect to see a wide variety of tropical fish, including Clownfish, Butterflyfish, and Parrotfish, along with larger species like Barracuda, Giant Groupers, and even Reef Sharks.

South Cinque Island: The South Cinque Island site is famous for its unusual underwater topography. It offers divers a chance to explore coral-encrusted rock formations, massive boulders, and deep sea walls teeming with life. The variety of marine life here is diverse and includes colourful nudibranchs, Moray Eels, and sometimes even Manta Rays and Sea Turtles.

How to Reach Cinque Island

When planning your trip to the breathtaking Cinque Island, understanding the logistics of how to get there is crucial. Your journey to this tropical paradise involves a multi-step process that includes air travel, road transport, and an exciting boat ride.

Air Travel: Your adventure to Cinque Island begins with an air journey to Veer Savarkar International Airport, located in Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This airport is well-connected with major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, with frequent flights operated by multiple airlines.

Road Transport to Chidiya Tapu: Once you land in Port Blair, the next leg of your journey is a road trip to Chidiya Tapu, a serene beachside village. You can hire a taxi or use local bus services to reach Chidiya Tapu. The journey by road takes approximately an hour, meandering through the beautiful landscapes of the Andaman Islands.

Boat Ride to Cinque Island: Upon reaching Chidiya Tapu, you will embark on a boat ride to Cinque Island. The boat journey can take around two hours, but it is a thoroughly enjoyable part of the trip, offering breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea. Regular ferry services do not go to Cinque Island, so you’ll have to take a private charter boat from Chidiya Tapu to Cinque Island.

Note that Cinque is an uninhabited island, so there are no accommodation options on Cinque Island, you must plan your visit as a day trip.

Best Time to Visit Cinque Island

Cinque Island, like the rest of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, enjoys a tropical climate, which means warm and humid weather throughout the year. However, there are certain periods during the year when the weather conditions are particularly favourable for tourists.

Peak Season: November to April

The peak season for visiting Cinque Island is from November to April. During these months, the island experiences mild weather with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). This is an ideal climate for exploring the island's lush flora, basking on the sun-kissed beaches, or taking a dive into the clear blue waters.

From a marine exploration perspective, these months are the best for snorkelling and scuba diving. The sea is at its calmest, providing excellent visibility for underwater activities. The clear waters allow divers and snorkelers to witness the vibrant coral reefs and the diverse marine life in all its glory.

Other Good Seasons: May to Mid-June and October

The months of May to mid-June and October serve as the shoulder seasons for visiting Cinque Island. During these periods, the island still enjoys fairly pleasant weather, although the humidity can be a bit higher. These months can offer a more peaceful vacation as they attract fewer tourists compared to the peak season, making it the ideal choice for those seeking solitude and tranquillity. However, it's essential to be aware that occasional showers may occur during these months, especially in May and June.

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