Who needs a permit
Everyone who isn't a Lakshadweep native needs an entry permit, Indian citizens included.1
Foreign nationals (with a tourist visa) may visit Agatti, Bangaram and Kadmat only. Indian citizens may visit the islands listed on their permit.4
Foreign nationals can't book ship tickets online. The booking site sends them to the Samudram package instead.5
Apply in 5 steps
- Sign up on the e-permit portal with your name, email and mobile number (OTP).
- Apply under the Tourist category, listing every traveller.
- Pay the application and heritage fees online.
- Track the application status.
- The permit arrives by email. Save a copy offline.7
Apply yourself online. Tourists no longer need a sponsor or a police clearance certificate.8 One application form covers up to six people.9
Fees and timing
Fees: ₹50 application fee per person, plus a heritage fee of ₹200 per adult (₹100 for ages 12–18). Fees are non-refundable and payment-gateway charges are extra.2
Apply at least 14 days before you travel. List your exact dates and every island, including ones you only pass through.3
Book in this order
- Permit first.
- Ship ticket, if you're sailing. Get your permit before you book a ship. The booking asks for your permit number and is rejected if it doesn't match the permit's dates or islands.10
- Flights. See the flights guide.
On arrival
Report to the island's Registration Officer within 24 hours of arriving, and carry your permit.11
Your permit is valid only for the islands listed on it.12
Transit happens only via Kavaratti or Agatti, for up to 12 hours.13
Rules while you're there
Don't touch, collect or damage coral or marine life, and never anchor on coral.14
Single-use plastic is banned, including PET water bottles and plastic cups.15
A 2026 regulation may allow alcohol at approved resorts. No licensed outlet is confirmed, so don't plan on it.16
We haven't found an official source on dress or photography rules yet. Ask us before you go.17
What changed
- 29 Apr 2026A circular dated 29 Apr 2026 dropped the sponsor and police-clearance requirements for tourists; Lakshadweep Police now do the background check.18
- 18 Aug 2026The Samudram cruise package is suspended "until further directions" while its ship is maintained.6
- 1 Sep 2026Hotels, resorts, homestays and water-sports centres need a Lakshadweep Tourist Trade Permit. New businesses need one before opening, existing ones by 30 Sep 2026.19
Permit checklist
- Permit application submitted, with every island listed (including ones you only pass through)
- Application and heritage fees paid
- Permit email saved offline
- Ship ticket booked in your own IRCTC Lakshadweep account, with your permit number
- Flights booked (small planes: check the baggage allowance)
- Photo ID that matches your bookings
Stuck? Ask us
Sources & fact checks (19)
- Everyone who isn't a Lakshadweep native needs an entry permit, Indian citizens included.
- Fees: ₹50 application fee per person, plus a heritage fee of ₹200 per adult (₹100 for ages 12–18). Fees are non-refundable and payment-gateway charges are extra.
- Apply at least 14 days before you travel. List your exact dates and every island, including ones you only pass through.
- Foreign nationals (with a tourist visa) may visit Agatti, Bangaram and Kadmat only. Indian citizens may visit the islands listed on their permit.
- Foreign nationals can't book ship tickets online. The booking site sends them to the Samudram package instead.
- The Samudram cruise package is suspended "until further directions" while its ship is maintained.
- Sign up with your mobile number (OTP), apply under the Tourist category, pay the fees and track the status. The permit arrives by email.
- Apply yourself online. Tourists no longer need a sponsor or a police clearance certificate.
- One application form covers up to six people.
- Get your permit before you book a ship. The booking asks for your permit number and is rejected if it doesn't match the permit's dates or islands.
- Report to the island's Registration Officer within 24 hours of arriving, and carry your permit.
- Your permit is valid only for the islands listed on it.
- Transit happens only via Kavaratti or Agatti, for up to 12 hours.
- Don't touch, collect or damage coral or marine life, and never anchor on coral.
- Single-use plastic is banned, including PET water bottles and plastic cups.
- A 2026 regulation may allow alcohol at approved resorts. No licensed outlet is confirmed, so don't plan on it.
- We haven't found an official source on dress or photography rules yet. Ask us before you go.
- A circular dated 29 Apr 2026 dropped the sponsor and police-clearance requirements for tourists; Lakshadweep Police now do the background check.
- Hotels, resorts, homestays and water-sports centres need a Lakshadweep Tourist Trade Permit. New businesses need one before opening, existing ones by 30 Sep 2026.