Lakshadweep Entry Permit 2026: Fees, Documents, Eligibility & Online Application Process
Lakshadweep is a restricted-entry Union Territory of India, and visitors must obtain the applicable entry permit before travelling to the islands. The Lakshadweep Administration now provides an online e-Permit facility through which Indian and foreign nationals can apply under the relevant travel category, submit documents, pay the prescribed fees and track their applications.
Whether you are planning a holiday, using Leave Travel Concession (LTC), visiting for business or travelling for official work, this guide explains the permit categories, applicable charges, document requirements and complete online application procedure. For holiday planning, explore our Lakshadweep tour packages.
1. Lakshadweep Entry Permit: Eligibility, Categories, Islands & Fees
Who Needs an Entry Permit for Lakshadweep?
Visitors must obtain the appropriate permission from the Lakshadweep Administration before entering the islands. The permit category depends on the purpose of the visit, nationality and nature of the proposed activities. A tourist permit is intended for leisure travel, while government employees travelling under an eligible Leave Travel Concession scheme should select the applicable LTC category.
Types of Lakshadweep Entry Permits
The online e-Permit system provides different application purposes to accommodate tourism, employment, business and official visits.
| Permit Category | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Tourist / Tourism | Holiday trips, sightseeing, beach activities and recreational visits. |
| LTC Govt | Government employees travelling under applicable Leave Travel Concession provisions. |
| Business | Business meetings, commercial activities and other approved professional engagements. |
| Trade & Services | Approved trade-related activities and service assignments. |
| Skilled / Semi-Skilled Labour | Employment-related visits for approved skilled and semi-skilled work. |
| Official Government Duty | Government personnel travelling for authorised official assignments. |
| Political Leader / Minister | Approved visits by political representatives and ministers. |
| Professional Visit / Service Engineer | Technical inspections, equipment servicing, professional consultations and engineering assignments. |
| Contract Labour / Department Work | Work undertaken under approved government or departmental contracts. |
| Others | Other purposes that do not fall under the available categories, subject to administrative approval. |
Important: Select the category that accurately describes the purpose of your visit. Document requirements and approval conditions may differ between categories, so applicants should follow the checklist displayed by the portal for their selected application type.
Islands Available for Selection in the e-Permit System
The islands available for selection depend on the applicant’s category, the portal’s current options and the permissions granted by the Lakshadweep Administration.
| Island | Travel and Accommodation Considerations |
|---|---|
| Agatti | The principal air gateway to Lakshadweep, with accommodation and onward travel arrangements that should be confirmed before applying. |
| Kavaratti | The administrative headquarters, with accommodation subject to availability and applicable local arrangements. |
| Kadmat | A popular island for beach holidays and water-based activities, with accommodation requiring advance confirmation. |
| Kalpeni | A scenic island destination where visitors should coordinate accommodation and transport arrangements in advance. |
| Amini | An inhabited island with local accommodation and access conditions subject to the applicable permission. |
| Minicoy | A southern island with specific accommodation and transport considerations that should be confirmed before applying. |
| Bangaram | An island resort destination requiring the main entry permit and separate resort-related permission. |
| Thinnakara | A resort-based island destination requiring the main entry permit and separate permission arranged through the resort. |
For destination planning and information about the islands, beaches and attractions, see our Places to Visit in Lakshadweep guide.
Lakshadweep Entry Permit Fees
The tourist permit charges consist of an application fee and a daily heritage fee calculated according to the applicant’s age and approved duration of stay.
| Fee Component | Applicable Charge |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | ₹50 per applicant |
| Heritage Fee (12–18 years) | ₹100 per person per day |
| Heritage Fee (Above 18 years) | ₹200 per person per day |
Examples of Tourist Permit Fees for Adults
The following examples show the application fee plus the daily heritage fee for one adult staying for the specified number of days.
| Duration | Application Fee | Heritage Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Days | ₹50 | ₹800 | ₹850 |
| 5 Days | ₹50 | ₹1,000 | ₹1,050 |
| 7 Days | ₹50 | ₹1,400 | ₹1,450 |
| 10 Days | ₹50 | ₹2,000 | ₹2,050 |
| 13 Days | ₹50 | ₹2,600 | ₹2,650 |
For applicants aged 12–18 years, the heritage fee is ₹100 per day, in addition to the ₹50 application fee. The final amount is calculated by the portal according to the number of applicants, their ages and the duration entered in the application.
Note: These figures cover the stated permit charges only; accommodation, transport, ferry or flight tickets, resort charges and other travel expenses are separate.
2. Documents Required & Online Application Process
Documents Required for an Indian Tourist Permit
Applicants should keep their personal information and supporting documents ready before starting the online application. The exact upload requirements are determined by the selected category and the portal’s application form.
| Information / Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Recent Photograph | A clear applicant photograph in the format and size accepted by the portal. |
| Identity Document | Valid identity details and supporting document as requested in the application. |
| Personal Information | Full name, date of birth, gender, mobile number and email address. |
| Residential Address | Applicant’s current residential address and other address details requested by the form. |
| Travel Details | Proposed arrival and departure dates, duration of stay and selected islands. |
| Accommodation Details | Confirmed accommodation name and address wherever required for the selected destination. |
| Emergency Contact | Contact details of a person who can be reached in case of an emergency. |
For the Tourist category, a local sponsor is no longer required, and applicants are not required to upload a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) as part of the tourist application. Applicants should nevertheless follow any additional document instructions displayed for their particular circumstances.
Additional Documents for LTC Applicants
Government employees applying under the LTC Govt category should select the correct purpose and provide the supporting employment or LTC-related documents requested by the portal. The applicable eligibility, documentary requirements and approval conditions should be checked with the concerned department before submitting the application.
Documents for Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals should keep their valid passport, applicable Indian visa or other accepted immigration documentation, photograph and travel information ready. Additional documents may be requested according to nationality, immigration status, selected islands and the purpose of travel.
How to Apply for a Lakshadweep Entry Permit Online
All applications should be submitted through the official Lakshadweep e-Permit portal:
Official Portal: https://lak.e-permit.utl.gov.in/
The online application follows a sequence of stages, beginning with nationality selection and ending with payment and submission.
Step 1: Register or Log In
Open the official e-Permit portal and register using the required mobile number or email address. Complete the OTP verification process and log in to access the permit application facility.
Step 2: Start a New Permit Application
After logging in, navigate to the permit section and select the option to apply for a new permit. Read the instructions displayed on the portal before proceeding.
Step 3: Select Nationality
Choose the appropriate nationality option, such as Indian or Foreign National, so that the application displays the relevant permit categories and document requirements.
Step 4: Select Purpose and Enter Travel Details
Select Tourist / Tourism for a leisure visit or LTC Govt for an eligible government employee travelling under LTC. Enter the proposed arrival and departure dates, duration of stay, islands to be visited and other requested travel information. Provide accommodation details wherever the application requires them.
For tourist applications, the portal may require the proposed travel date to be at least 15 days in advance. Check the date validation displayed by the system before submitting the form.
Step 5: Enter the Main Applicant’s Details
Fill in the main applicant’s full name, date of birth, gender, contact number, email address, residential address and identity document information. Upload the photograph and other supporting documents in the file formats and size limits specified by the portal.
Step 6: Add Family Members or Other Applicants
If other family members are travelling together, add their details through the family or additional-applicant section. The standard application accommodates up to six people, including the main applicant. Larger groups should use the Team Application facility if available.
For each additional applicant, enter the requested name, relationship, date of birth, gender, nationality and contact information, and upload the required photograph and identity documents.
Step 7: Review the Application
Check all applicant information, travel dates, selected islands, accommodation details and uploaded documents carefully. Correct any errors before moving to the payment stage, as incorrect information may delay processing or require the application to be returned for changes.
Step 8: Check the Fee Summary
The portal displays the applicable charges based on the number of applicants, their age groups and the proposed duration of stay. Verify the application fee and daily heritage fee shown in the payment summary before proceeding.
Step 9: Pay the Applicable Fees
Complete the payment through the online payment gateway provided by the portal. Once the payment is successful, retain the transaction details and payment confirmation for future reference.
Step 10: Submit the Application and Save the Application ID
Complete the final submission and note the generated Application ID. This reference number is important for checking the application status and retrieving the permit after approval.
Step 11: Track and Download the Approved Permit
Use the application dashboard or the portal’s tracking facility to monitor the progress of the application. Once approved, download the permit and verify that the applicant names, authorised islands and travel dates are correct before departure.
Application Processing and Approval
Applications are examined by the relevant authorities after submission. Processing time can vary according to the application category, document verification, travel dates and administrative requirements; applicants should therefore apply well in advance rather than treating the submission date as confirmation of approval.
3. Special Travel Conditions, Foreign Tourists & Permit Management
Lakshadweep Entry Permit for Foreign Tourists
Foreign nationals may apply for a Lakshadweep entry permit, subject to valid Indian immigration documents, the applicable application category and approval by the Lakshadweep Administration. The islands available to foreign visitors depend on the permission granted, and accommodation and travel arrangements must comply with the relevant local requirements.
Foreign visitors planning a holiday can refer to our dedicated Lakshadweep packages for foreign tourists page for travel-planning information.
Additional Permission for Bangaram and Thinnakara
Bangaram and Thinnakara have separate resort-related access arrangements. Travellers must obtain the main Lakshadweep entry permit and also arrange the additional permission required by the respective resort for staying on or visiting these islands.
The resort generally coordinates the island-specific permission after confirming the reservation and required guest details. Any additional charge, where applicable, is separate from the standard entry permit and heritage fee; the amount should be confirmed directly with the resort because it can vary according to the property and prevailing rules.
Choosing Islands and Confirming Accommodation
Applicants should finalise their intended destinations and confirm the relevant accommodation arrangements before completing the application. This is particularly important for islands where access depends on a specific resort, government accommodation or other designated property.
The islands selected in the application must match the proposed travel plan and the permission granted. A permit for one island should not be treated as automatic authorisation to visit another island.
How to Track a Lakshadweep Permit Application
Applicants can monitor their application through the tracking facility on the official e-Permit portal. The Application ID generated at submission is used to identify the application and check its latest status.
| Application Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Draft | The application has been started but has not yet been submitted. |
| Submitted / Under Review | The application has been submitted and is awaiting examination or verification. |
| Returned – Action Required | The applicant must correct information or provide additional details requested by the authority. |
| Approved | The permit has been granted and can be downloaded from the portal. |
| Rejected | The application has not been approved by the competent authority. |
Permit Verification, Correction and Extension
The portal provides facilities for checking permit details and verifying an issued permit. Applicants should use the available verification option to confirm the validity and particulars of the approved document.
If the portal permits an extension request for the relevant category, the applicant may submit it through the available dashboard facility. An extension is not automatic and remains subject to administrative approval; travellers should not overstay the authorised period while waiting for a decision.
Important Rules to Follow During the Visit
- Carry a copy of the approved entry permit and the identity document used for the application.
- Travel only on the dates and to the islands authorised in the permit.
- Follow local administration instructions and restrictions applicable to individual islands.
- Respect environmental protection rules, coral reefs, marine life and designated conservation areas.
- Do not assume that an approved permit guarantees accommodation, ferry seats or flight availability.
- Keep the permit available for inspection during the journey and stay.
- Obtain any additional resort or island-specific permission required for the planned destination.
4. Frequently Asked Questions About the Lakshadweep Entry Permit
1. Is an entry permit compulsory for visiting Lakshadweep?
Yes, visitors must obtain the applicable permission from the Lakshadweep Administration before entering the islands, with the permit category determined by nationality and the purpose of travel.
2. Where can I apply for a Lakshadweep entry permit?
Applications are submitted through the official Lakshadweep e-Permit portal at lak.e-permit.utl.gov.in, where applicants can register, complete the required forms, upload documents, pay fees and track their applications.
3. What is the application fee for a Lakshadweep tourist permit?
The tourist permit application fee is ₹50 per applicant, in addition to the applicable daily heritage fee calculated according to the applicant’s age and approved duration of stay.
4. What is the daily heritage fee for Lakshadweep?
The heritage fee is ₹100 per person per day for applicants aged 12–18 years and ₹200 per person per day for applicants above 18 years, with the application fee charged separately.
5. Is a Police Clearance Certificate required for a tourist permit?
No, a Police Clearance Certificate is no longer required to be uploaded for the Tourist category in the online e-Permit application, although applicants must provide the other documents requested by the portal.
6. Do tourists need a local sponsor to visit Lakshadweep?
No, local sponsorship is no longer required for the Tourist category, and applicants can submit their tourist permit applications through the official online portal.
7. How many people can be included in one Lakshadweep permit application?
A standard application can include up to six people, including the main applicant, while larger groups should use the Team Application facility where available.
8. How many days in advance should I apply for a tourist permit?
The tourist application may require the proposed travel date to be at least 15 days in advance, so applicants should check the portal’s date validation and submit their applications well before departure.
9. Can I visit multiple islands with one Lakshadweep permit?
Multiple islands can be included where the portal allows their selection and the competent authority approves them, but visitors must travel only to the destinations specified in their issued permit.
10. Can foreign tourists visit Lakshadweep?
Yes, foreign nationals may apply subject to valid Indian immigration documentation, the applicable permit category and approval by the Lakshadweep Administration, with access depending on the islands authorised in their permits.
11. Can foreign tourists visit Bangaram and Thinnakara?
Foreign visitors may be considered for access subject to the applicable administrative approval, immigration conditions and the separate resort-related permission required for Bangaram or Thinnakara.
12. Is a separate permission required for Bangaram and Thinnakara?
Yes, visitors need the main Lakshadweep entry permit as well as the additional resort-specific permission arranged through the respective property, with any associated resort charge payable separately.
13. Does an approved entry permit guarantee ferry or flight tickets?
No, an entry permit only authorises travel under the conditions stated in the approval and does not guarantee the availability of flights, passenger ships, inter-island ferries or accommodation.
14. How can I check my Lakshadweep permit application status?
Applicants can use the tracking facility on the official e-Permit portal and enter the Application ID generated after submission to check whether the application is under review, returned for action, approved or rejected.
15. Can I download my Lakshadweep entry permit online?
Yes, after approval, applicants can access the issued permit through the portal, download the document and check that the authorised islands, applicant details and travel dates are accurate.
16. Can I extend my Lakshadweep entry permit?
An extension may be requested through the portal where the facility is available for the relevant permit category, but the revised stay is valid only after approval by the competent authority.
17. Can I apply for a Lakshadweep permit under LTC?
Eligible government employees travelling under Leave Travel Concession should select the LTC Govt category and submit the employment and LTC-related documents requested by the portal and their concerned department.
18. Can I change the islands after receiving my permit?
Travellers should not assume that an issued permit automatically covers additional or substituted islands, and any change must be handled through the official portal or the competent authority as applicable.
19. Is the Lakshadweep entry permit the same as a hotel or resort booking?
No, the entry permit is an administrative travel authorisation and does not replace accommodation reservations, resort permissions, transport bookings or any additional island-specific approval.
20. What should I carry when travelling to Lakshadweep?
Travellers should carry their approved entry permit, the original identity or immigration document used for the application, booking confirmations and any additional authorisation required for their selected islands or accommodation.
