Key takeaways
- Every visitor who is not a native of the islands needs an entry permit — including Indian citizens.
- Apply online at the official portal epermit.utl.gov.in, under the Tourist category. One form covers up to six people.
- Since April 2026 you no longer need a local sponsor or a police clearance certificate for a tourist permit.
- Apply at least 14 days before travel. The permit fee is ₹50 per person plus a heritage fee of ₹200 (adults) or ₹100 (ages 12–18).
To visit Lakshadweep, every tourist who is not a native of the islands needs an entry permit from the Lakshadweep administration, applied for online at epermit.utl.gov.in. Since April 2026, tourists no longer need a local sponsor or a police clearance certificate, but you should still apply at least 14 days before you travel and list every island you will visit.
This guide is based on the official Lakshadweep e-permit portal and the administration’s tourism site, checked on 22 September 2026, plus a news report on the April 2026 rule change.
Who needs a Lakshadweep entry permit?
- Indian citizens who are not natives of Lakshadweep — yes, a permit is required.
- Government and armed forces staff on duty, and their families — exempt.
- Foreign nationals — need a passport and a valid Indian visa. Foreigners can visit only on a tourist visa, through the official SPORTS tourism packages.
What changed in April 2026
A Lakshadweep administration circular dated 29 April 2026 removed the need for a local sponsor and for uploading a police clearance certificate (PCC) with a tourist permit application. Background verification is now handled by the Lakshadweep Police. Applicants should apply at least 14 days ahead and list every island on the itinerary, including islands where they only transit (transit stops are limited to 12 hours).
This change was reported by the travel trade press. We have not seen the circular itself, so we confirm the current process with the administration when we apply.
How to apply for a Lakshadweep permit, step by step
- Go to the official e-permit portal: epermit.utl.gov.in.
- Register and choose the Tourist permit category.
- Enter the details of each traveller (up to six people per application) and upload the identity documents the form asks for.
- Enter your travel dates and every island you will visit or pass through.
- Pay the permit and heritage fees online.
- Wait for approval and download the permit. Carry a printed copy and your original ID when you travel.
If you book a Lakshadweep package with Albah Holidays, we prepare and submit the permit application for your whole group. Send us each traveller’s ID at least three weeks before travel.
Lakshadweep permit fees
| Fee | Amount | Refundable? |
|---|---|---|
| Entry permit | ₹50 per person | No |
| Heritage fee — adults (over 18) | ₹200 per person | No |
| Heritage fee — ages 12 to 18 | ₹100 per person | No |
Fees are from the official e-permit portal fee schedule. They do not include flights, ships, stay or activities.
How to reach Lakshadweep from Kozhikode
- By air: Agatti has the islands’ only airstrip. Flights go from Kochi; in 2024 IndiGo announced a Kozhikode–Kochi–Agatti route. Check current schedules before booking.
- By ship: passenger ships sail from Kochi and take roughly 14 to 18 hours.
- On a package: travellers on the administration’s SPORTS packages get their permit arranged within the package. The Samudram cruise package was suspended when we checked.
Best time to visit Lakshadweep
October to May, when the sea is calm. During the monsoon (June to September), rough seas can cancel boats and affect flights.
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a permit to visit Lakshadweep?
Yes. Every visitor who is not a native of the islands needs an entry permit, except government and armed forces staff on duty and their families.
How many days does a Lakshadweep permit take?
Apply at least 14 days before travel. Background checks are done by the Lakshadweep Police, so apply earlier in holiday season.
Is a police clearance certificate needed for Lakshadweep?
Not for a tourist permit since the April 2026 change, according to reports of the administration’s circular. The official portal will show exactly which documents it needs.
How much is the Lakshadweep entry permit fee?
₹50 per person, plus a heritage fee of ₹200 for adults or ₹100 for ages 12 to 18. The fees are not refundable.
Permit rules in Lakshadweep have changed several times. This guide reflects sources checked on 22 September 2026. Albah Holidays confirms the current process for every booking.
Sources
- Lakshadweep e-permit portal (official)
- E-permit fee schedule (official)
- E-permit cancellation policy (official)
- SPORTS — Society for Promotion of Recreational Tourism and Sports (official)
- Travel Trade Journal — Lakshadweep eases entry rules (30 Apr 2026)
- Onmanorama — Kozhikode to Agatti flights (10 Apr 2024)
