- CURRENT NEWS / Indian Ocean
- 30 January 2019
GOOD NEWS FOR YACHTS attending Sail the Andamans, as the Government of India issued a home ministry notification for those with valid travel documents for entry into and exit from India.
In the notification, it stated: “In pursuance of sub-rule (b) of rule 3 of the Passport (Entry into India) Rules, 1950, the central government hereby designates Port Blair Airport of Union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands as an authorised immigration check post for entry into/exit from India with valid travel documents for all classes of passengers.”
For those interested in cruising this spectacular destination, the second annual Sail the Andamans Yacht Carnival and Rally to be held from 20 February to 21 March 2019 and is supported by Directorate of Tourism, Andaman and Nicobar Administration.
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 and note that an e-Visa facility in the seaport and airport of Port Blair with the purpose of awarding arriving foreigners with a visa upon arrival is expected soon.
Yachts can sail into the heart of the Andaman Sea, which begins and ends at Port Blair. 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 Sail the Andamans festivities and explore the islands.
The natural beauty of the Andamans in sailing around the islands is the highlight, and the Sail the Andamans Yacht Carnival and a special on- and off-the-water itinerary is available from Andaman Holidays. The exciting event is once again superbly organised by Andaman Holidays and supported by Asia Pacific Superyachts, going all out to create a spectacular event.
Yachts arriving from international waters will find one of the most picturesque and fascinating parts of the world.
The Andamans has a diverse cultural heritage spread across a series of islands, large and small, 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.