Lakshadweep Entry Permit: Cost, Rules & How to Apply
Planning a trip to Lakshadweep? Before you book anything, you need to know one thing — you can’t just walk in like other beach destinations in India.
Lakshadweep is a restricted area. If you are not from the islands, you will need an entry permit before you go, whether you are an Indian tourist or a foreign traveler.
Unlock Best Deal on Kerala Tour Package NowIn this guide, I’ll tell you who needs the permit, which islands you’re allowed to visit, what documents to keep ready, and how to apply for it online — so your trip planning becomes easy, not confusing.
Latest Lakshadweep Entry Permit Rules: Sponsor & PCC No Longer Required
The official Lakshadweep ePermit portal has confirmed two major relaxations to the entry permit rules for Tourist category applications:
- No local sponsor required — Indian tourists no longer need a sponsor from Lakshadweep to apply.
- No Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) required — you no longer need to upload a PCC with your application.
An entry permit is still compulsory for every Indian tourist visiting Lakshadweep. Only the sponsor and PCC requirements have been removed. Older guides may still mention these requirements, but they are no longer needed.
Do You Need a Permit to Visit Lakshadweep?
Unlock Best Deal on Kerala Tour Package NowYes. If you are not from Lakshadweep, you need a permit to visit or stay there. This permit has to be taken from the local administration before you go. The main exemptions include:
- Native residents of Lakshadweep
- Government officials working in or visiting the islands and their family members
- Armed Forces personnel working in or visiting the islands and their family members
For all other travellers, an appropriate entry permit is required.
Which Lakshadweep Islands Can Tourists Visit?
Lakshadweep has 36 islands in total, but only 10 of them are inhabited. Out of these, tourists can visit and stay on just 6 islands. Not every island is open to foreign visitors either, so here’s the list of islands where Indian citizens are allowed to visit and stay.
- Agatti
- Kadmat
- Kavaratti
- Bangaram
- Thinnakara
- Minicoy.
Below are the islands, foreigners are allowed to visit and stay.
- Kavaratti
- Bengaram
- Thinnakara
Important: The islands are open to tourists and the applicable permit rules can change. Travellers should always check the latest information before applying.
Check out our Lakshadweep Tour Packages for curated itineraries and the best deals
Lakshadweep Entry Permit for Foreign Citizens:
Foreign travellers need to meet both the Indian immigration requirements and the Lakshadweep entry requirements. Foreign tourists need a valid passport and visa for visiting India. They must also obtain the required Lakshadweep entry permit. The procedure to get an entry permit is the same as an Indian citizen.
Documents Required for Indian Tourist Permit:
The documents generally required for the tourist application include:
1. Identity Proof: Either of the below document such as:
- Passport
- Masked Aadhaar
- Voter ID
- Driving Licence
2. Latest Passport-size Photograph: A scanned copy of photograph is required as part of the online application. The technical requirement to upload the photo should be jpg/jpeg with a maximum 29kb and the dimension is 150×200 pixels.
Note: As per the official ePermit portal, sponsorship and Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) are no longer required for Tourist category applications.
Documents Required for LTC Permit:
For travelers applying under the LTC (Leave Travel Concession) category, the following documents are required:
- Identity proof — Passport, Masked Aadhaar, Voter ID or Driving License
- Passport-size photograph
- LTC sanction letter from the relevant Institution, Ministry or Department
Do You Need a Separate Permit for Each Island?
You do not need a separate entry permit for each island except Minicoy Island. When applying for the permit, you should select the islands you intend to visit during your Lakshadweep travel period.
For example, your holiday may involve: Kochi → Agatti → Kavaratti → Agatti → Kochi – or another permitted combination depending on your travel arrangements. When applying for the permit, you should select the islands you intend to visit during your Lakshadweep travel period. Your Lakshadweep Island permit issued does not automatically allow entry to other islands in case you want to visit.
Read Also: Kochi to Lakshadweep Seaplane Service: Everything You Need to Know
How to Get a Lakshadweep Entry Permit Online for Tourists?
In short: you apply online through the official ePermit portal, select the Tourist category, upload your ID and photo, choose your travel dates and islands, pay the fee, and track your application until it’s approved. Here’s the full process:
Step 1: Plan Your Holiday. Before applying, have your basic travel plan and documents ready. Ideally, you should know:
- Your travel dates.
- Apart from Agatti, which are the other islands you plan to visit.
- Where you will stay. Basically, hotel details and address.
- Scanned copy of your ID proof.
- Scanned copy of your latest passport size photo.
This makes the permit application easier and helps ensure that your permit details correspond with your travel plans.
Step 2: Visit the Official ePermit Portal. Log on to official Lakshadweep Administration ePermit portal Official Lakshadweep ePermit Portal for applying for entry permits.
Step 3: Create an Account. Register on the portal using your required contact details.
The current registration page asks for information including your name, email address and mobile number.
Step 4: Apply for a New Permit. After signing in, proceed to the permit application section and select the option to apply for a new permit.
Step 5: Select “Tourist” as the Purpose of Visit. For a holiday or leisure trip, select:” Tourist”
The official portal specifically advises people travelling for vacation/tourism to apply under the Tourist Category.
Step 6: Enter Your Travel Details. Enter the requested travel information, including:
- Date of arrival
- Date of departure
- Select Islands you intend to visit
Make sure the information is accurate.
Step 7: Enter Your Personal Details. Provide the required personal information and the address of your accommodation on the island.
Step 8: Upload Your Photograph. Upload a scanned passport-size photograph in the format and size specified.
- Format: JPG/JPEG
- Maximum file size: 29 KB
- Dimensions: 150 × 200 pixels
Step 9: Upload the Required Documents. Upload your photograph and accepted identity document.
- Scanned copy of ID Proof.
- Scanned passport-size photo. Format – JPG/JPEG. Maximum size 29KB. Dimension – 150×200 pixels.
Step 10: Track and Receive Your Permit. The ePermit portal lets you track your application status online after submission, and once approved, your permit is sent to your registered email. We’d recommend keeping a printed or digital copy handy for your travel.
If you’re applying for a group, note that the portal allows a maximum of six applicants per application form.
How Much Does the Lakshadweep Entry Permit Cost?
For Indian tourists, the total Lakshadweep entry permit cost works out to around Rs 250 per adult (Rs 50 application fee + Rs 200 heritage fee) and Rs 150 per child aged 12–18 (Rs 50 + Rs 100).
It also lists a heritage fee of:
| Fee Type | Amount | Applies To |
| Application fee | Rs 50 | All applicants |
| Heritage fee | Rs 200 | Adults (18+) |
| Heritage fee | Rs 100 | Children (12–18) |
| Total (adult) | Rs 250 | – |
| Total (child 12–18) | Rs 150 | – |
Fees and payment conditions can change, so check the current ePermit portal before submitting your application.
The portal also states that successfully submitted application fees are generally non-refundable, subject to its stated refund provisions.
Read Also: Best Time To Visit Lakshadweep Island For Adventure Lovers
How Early Should You Apply for a Lakshadweep Permit?
According to the Lakshadweep administration, the minimum processing period for permits is 14 working days. We highly recommend applying for the permit minimum one month before your arrival date.
Should You Book Your Flight and Hotel Before Applying for the Permit?
Our current guidance recommends arranging your major travel and accommodation plans before applying for the tourist permit. Ideally, you should have confirmed: Travel dates + Flight availability and price Transportation + Island(s) + Accommodation before submitting the application.
This helps ensure that the details entered in your permit application match your actual holiday arrangements.
How to Get a Permit for Minicoy Island?
Minicoy island is located a little far off and separated from the main group of islands including Agatti. Travelers planning to go to Minicoy for vacation should contact Lakshadweep Tourism generally called as “SPORT” for accommodation, transfer and permit. SPORT is the sole agency to issue entry permits to Minicoy Island.
Should You Apply for the Permit Yourself or Use a Tour Operator?
You can use the official ePermit system to apply online yourself. However, Lakshadweep travel involves several arrangements that need to fit together: Flight + Island selection + permit + inter island transfers + activities.
If you are visiting the destination for the first time, a local tour operator can make the trip easier to manage. They can arrange your hotel, help with entry permits, book boat tickets for inter-island travel and keep track of the main travel arrangements. This can save you time and help avoid last-minute problems during the trip.
Planning a Lakshadweep Holiday?
Srees Tours can help travelers plan a Lakshadweep holiday, including choosing the appropriate island, properly planning a schedule, booking accommodation, inter island transfers, taking entry permit – contact Srees Tours to discuss your requirements.
FAQs About Lakshadweep Entry Permit:
To get your Lakshadweep entry permit, visit the official ePermit portal, register with your contact details, select “Tourist” as your purpose of visit, enter your travel dates and islands, upload your ID proof and photograph, and submit the application.
Non-residents need a valid permit to visit Lakshadweep. Indian tourists can visit six islands, while foreign tourists are currently allowed to visit three islands.
The Lakshadweep Entry Permit cost is Rs 50 per person as the application fee, plus a heritage fee of Rs 200 for adults above 18 years and Rs 100 for children between 12 and 18 years of age. This works out to a total of around Rs 250 per adult and Rs 150 per child.
The permit may take a minimum of 14 working days to process. It is better to apply at least a month before your trip so you have enough time in case there is a delay.
No. Visitors who are not residents of Lakshadweep need a valid permit before entering the islands. This applies to both Indian citizens and foreign nationals.
The six islands open to tourists are Agatti, Kadmat, Kavaratti, Bangaram, Thinnakara and Minicoy. Foreign tourists are currently allowed to visit Kavaratti, Bangaram and Thinnakara.
Yes, foreign tourists can visit Lakshadweep. They need a valid Indian visa, passport and the required permit for the islands they plan to visit. The permit application can be made through the Lakshadweep ePermit system.
You need a valid ID proof such as a passport, masked Aadhaar, Voter ID or driving licence. A recent passport-size photograph is also required in JPG format with the specified file size and dimensions.
The Lakshadweep LTC permit is meant for government employees travelling under Leave Travel Concession (LTC). Along with the usual documents, they need to provide a valid LTC sanction letter from their Ministry, Department or Institution.
Yes. A registered tour operator can help with the permit application and other travel arrangements such as flights, accommodation and inter-island transfers. This can make the planning process easier, especially if you are visiting Lakshadweep for the first time.
No. The official ePermit portal confirms that PCC is no longer required to be uploaded for Tourist category applications.
No. Sponsorship is no longer required for Tourist category applications, as per the ePermit portal.
No, Indian citizens can use masked Aadhaar, Voter ID, or Driving Licence instead of a passport.
