Yachts looking to cruise the Andaman Islands can now skip longer visa applications for a faster, four-step application process to visit the island waters and Port Blair. “In the past, the Indian Embassy in Southeast Asia would issue visas for the residents and nationals of that particular country. All others would have to apply for a visa in their home country, which was not possible for many yachts and they were skipping visiting the Andamans,” said Asia Pacific Superyachts’ Andaman Islands Director R. Rathnam. Visitors had to apply for a regular visa, visit the visa application center with an appointment, and submit their passport for at least five days. With a passport stuck at the embassy, expenses, and time spent, many yachts decided to skip the Andaman Islands on their cruising trips. “Now you can visit the official website and go through the online four-step application process, after which the e-visa status is communicated by email within 72 hours,” Rathnam said. “You can then enter Port Blair with a copy of the approval.” Some of the Andaman Islands’ highlights include miles of seclusion, coral gardens, clear waters, a lush rainforest, and sandy beaches. Finding navigational hazards, berthing and anchoring options, air travel, and more can be arranged with yacht agencies.