Planning a Trip to Lakshadweep? Check Permit Rules and Costs for Indian Citizens

Lakshadweep, formerly known as the Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi Islands (1956–73), is a union territory of India. This archipelago consists of around three dozen islands spread over approximately 78,000 square kilometers in the Arabian Sea, off the southwestern coast of India. The principal islands are Minicoy and those in the Amindivi group, with the easternmost island located about 300 kilometers from Kerala’s coast. Ten of these islands are inhabited, with Kavaratti serving as the administrative center. The name “Lakshadweep” translates to “Hundred Thousand Islands” in both Malayalam and Sanskrit. The total area of the islands is 32 square kilometers.

Visiting Lakshadweep offers a unique experience, but travelers need to be mindful of certain considerations before journeying to these 36 coral islands nestled between the Indian mainland and the vast blue waters of the Arabian Sea. Basic necessities such as drinking water and food resources are limited, leading to strict entry restrictions for outsiders.

Regardless of nationality, all visitors require a permit to travel to Lakshadweep. Indian citizens need to provide their name, address, date, and place of birth. Foreign nationals must also provide passport and visa details to their respective resorts. Indian tourists can visit Agatti, Bangaram, Kadmat, Kavaratti, Kalpeni, and Minicoy, while foreigners are permitted to visit only Agatti, Bangaram, and Kadmat.

According to the Laccadive Minicoy Islands (Restrictions on Entry and Residence) Rule, 1967, no non-native person can enter or reside on the islands without a permit issued by a competent authority. While these islands are generally restricted areas, organized tourism has recently begun, with exemptions granted to those participating in package tours by SPORTS (Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism & Sports in Lakshadweep) or authorized private resort groups.

Currently, three inhabited islands—Kavaratti, Kalpeni, and Minicoy—are open exclusively for domestic tourists, while Kadmat, Agatti, and Bangaram are accessible to both domestic and international visitors.