Good News for Yachts Attending ‘Sail the Andamans’
The natural beauty of the Andamans in sailing around the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is the highlight of the 2nd Annual ‘Sail the Andamans’ Yacht Carnival & Rally, to be held from 20 February to 21 March 2019.
The event is supported by Ministry of Tourism, the Government of India and the Directorate of Tourism, Andaman and Nicobar Administration. The spectacular on and off the water itinerary is once again superbly organized with information available from Andaman Holidays and supported by Asia Pacific Superyachts.
And, there’s great news for those attending, reports R. Rathnam of Asia Pacific Superyachts Andaman Islands, India: “Foreign tourists can now directly fly or travel by boat to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as the Government of India has designated Port Blair airport as an authorised Immigration check post for those with valid travel documents for entry into and exit from India”.
“There is a big change in the Andaman Islands of India for visiting yachts… boats are no longer restricted by the 30 days stay regulation”, reports R. Rathnam, heading up Asia Pacific Superyachts Andaman Islands, a company member of APSA: “The restricted area permit (RAP) is now completely removed and foreigners may stay as long as desired, per the visa validity. Thus, yachts may now stay for much longer than 30 days if they wish”.
“Before yachts interested in long stay had to leave the country and then return. The crew had to have a multiple entry visa if they wanted to spend more than 30 days in the Andamans. Now crew and guests may visit with a single entry visa and stay as long as they want as per the validity of the visa”, he explained.
Mr. Rathnam also notes the Indian Embassy in Bangkok and the High Commission of India in Malaysia have agreed to issue visas for the participants of the Yachting Carnival. The e-Visa facility is now available at the airport of Port Blair with the purpose of awarding arriving foreigners with a visa upon arrival.
Yachts can sail into the heart of the Andaman Seas to Port Blair, where ‘Sail the Andamans’ event will begin and end. Some boats will be voyaging from Phuket and other country destinations, arriving in the Andaman Islands with friends, family and crew members to join the festivities and Rally exploring the Andaman Islands.
Yachts arriving from international waters will find one of the most picturesque and fascinating parts of the world with a diverse cultural heritage spread across a series of islands, large and small and without parallel on the planet. Apart from sailing in a beautiful area those attending will have the rare opportunity to be introduced into an ancient culture and way of life.
Boat entries are limited and 16 yachts already signed up. For entry process information and cost per boat/persons onboard inclusions/ exclusions, the cruising Itinerary and preferred visa assistance email: yachtagency@andamanholidays.com