Thailand to Andaman Islands?

Geographically and logically, yes, but bureaucratically, no to the best of my knowledge: India is quite protective of these islands (that geographically have nothing to do with India) and requires foreign visitors to enter and exit them via their mainland. A permit acquired on the mainland is required as well I believe. I don't know (but would like to know) what globe-roaming sailboaters coming from Phuket or Malaysia do.

You should be able to fly OW from Bangkok to Kolkata for well under $200 with the cheaper airlines; don't know what the RT flights or twice-monthly boat trips from there to the Andamans cost, but it's surely reported in old posts here.

Edited by: zeke7

That's a good question zeke.

I don't know but these are my speculations based on past experience of sailing through Asia.

If it was a total no-go area, most yachties would know in advance and just not go there unless coming from India. But i think its more likely they would be given some sort of visa on arrival but possibly with restrictions. We had a friend who "accidentally" sailed inside Nicobar's restricted waters and they had a very rough boarding from the Indian Navy. But Nicobar is different. That is unlikely in the Andamans. Worst case is they wouldn't be allowed to leave the boat except for emergency reasons.

Hope you can track down the right answer zeke.

There is talk of opening up the Nicobars but right now both are restricted areas. The reason for the restriction is because of their "strategic" location. As Zeke says - you need permission to go to the Andamans, and can't currently visit the Nicobars. You HAVE to go via India.

There is an immigration office in Port Blair, but no international airport, only a international seaport. So if you can swim, kayak, canoe your all set, otherwise you can hang around the yacht clubs in Phuket, and maybe some yachty take you with him (or her.) Hope you can peel potatoes.

there are no restrictions for yachts going to the Andamans...as long as you have a valid Indian visa from outside the Andamans.In other words you cant get one at port of entry.Visas are for 30 days. Regulations are pretty strict with twice a day checking in on ssb or vhf and some areas that are out of bounds. The paper work is quite stringent too, with oodles of lists of this that and the other. But still a wonderful destination.

The Nicobar Islands are out of bounds for yachts.

That's the answer I just got to my question on the sailing branch.

That's good to know--thanks for that info, NI. Though I wonder if the quoted person meant "Andaman permits" are good for 30 days, rather than "visas"--30 days seems hardly enough time to sail around and visit other ports in India, especially from the Andamans.

It does sound as though it specific for the Andamans, doesn't it. And since there is a 40 day maximum for most visitors, it makes sense. I guess if they were going further afield they would get the usual six month one.

If you really want to know, you could ask her yourself. :-)

there are no restrictions for yachts going to the Andamans...as long as you have a valid Indian visa from outside the Andamans

Reads to me as if you are required to obtain the normal 6 months visa before you sail to the Andamans and then able to get the 30 day “Andaman permit” at the port on arrival.

The person who wrote it is a yachtie. I think she's clear about not getting a permit on arrival. If you want to take it further, go to the sailing branch and get clarification.