Restricted Area Permit (RAP) regime

• In a major move to boost tourism in Andaman, Indian government has decided to remove Restricted Area Permit (RAP) from 29 islands in Andaman for foreigners.
• So, now foreigners planning a trip to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands will no longer require RAP to visit 29 inhabited islands in the Union Territory; the restriction has been lifted till December 31, 2022. The RAP is notified under the Foreigners (Restricted Areas) Order, 1963.
• Lifting of RAP means that now people from the other countries can also visit Havelock, North Andaman, Smith Island, East Island, Curfew Island, Tillang Chong Island, Katchal, Nancowry, Ayes Island, Middle Andaman, Interview Island, Teressa, North Passage, Baratang, South Andaman, Neil Island, Flat Bay, North Sentinel Island, Little Andaman, Chowra, Great Nicobar, Stewart Island, Kamorta, Pulomilo, Strait Island, Long Island, Little Nicobar, Narcondam Island and Land Fall Island without any permit.
• However, Citizens of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan and foreign nationals having their origin in these countries would continue to require RAP to visit Andaman & Nicobar Islands. In such cases, RAP may be granted only after obtaining prior approval of the ministry of home affairs.
• For visiting Mayabunder and Diglipur, citizens of Myanmar will continue to require RAP which shall be issued only with the prior approval of the MHA.

What is Protected Area Permit (PAP) and Restricted Area Permit (RAP) regime?

• The Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958 requires non-Indian citizens to obtain a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit the protected/ restricted areas in India.
• This requirement is in addition to getting an Indian visa. In order to get the permit, the foreign nationals must meet certain requirements.
• Even Indian citizens who are not residents of those areas require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter these places. The Inner Line Permit is, however, significantly easier to get.
• Citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, China and Myanmar can get the PAP only with the approval of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs
• The PAP is normally valid for a duration of 10 days, with the option of extension for another 7 days.
• Foreigners (Restricted Areas) Order 1968 states that a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is required for non-Indians to visit certain areas in India.
• The Restricted Area Permit was earlier required to visit the whole of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and some parts of Sikkim.
• When the new relaxation by the government will come through, the permit would only be required in certain areas of Sikkim in the north east.

By: Vishal