Significantly changing travel to India's most pristine island destination, the Lakshadweep administration has announced a major relaxation in its tourist entry permit rules. The decision, outlined in a circular issued on April 29, 2026, is making the islands more accessible while still maintaining strict security checks.
One of the most important new rules is that tourists no longer need a local sponsor to apply for an entry permit. Earlier, travellers had to rely on a resident or an authorised local entity to sponsor their visit. For many, this was the biggest hurdle in planning a trip. That requirement has now been completely removed.
According to multiple reports, another major change is the removal of the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) requirement from the traveller's home state. Previously, applicants had to obtain and upload this document before even submitting their permit request. Under the revised system, this step has been eliminated. Instead, security verification will now be handled internally by the Lakshadweep Police after the application is submitted.
That said, the administration hasn't removed all controls. Travellers must still apply for their permits at least 14 days in advance, giving authorities enough time to process and verify applications. Visitors must also clearly specify which islands they intend to visit, along with exact travel dates. This is crucial because entry will only be allowed to the islands explicitly mentioned in the approved permit.
According to multiple reports, the circular has also defined transit rules. Travellers can only transit through Kavaratti or Agatti, the main administrative and transport hubs, and the maximum permitted transit time is 12 hours. Authorities have also advised all travellers to book their flight tickets only after the permit is approved.
As it always has been, applying for a Lakshadweep permit is still an online process through the official e-permit portal. Travellers need to fill in personal details, upload valid ID proof such as Aadhaar or passport, submit photographs, and provide travel plans. Fees for the permit are also relatively nominal, along with an additional green tax that supports environmental protection on the islands. Once approved, the permit is typically valid for up to 30 days, with extensions possible in special cases.
Before this update, planning a Lakshadweep trip had several layers of approvals. Local sponsorship was mandatory, and the PCC requirement added another step that sometimes delayed applications.
Travel to Lakshadweep begins from Kochi. From here, you can take flights to Agatti Island, the only island with an airstrip, followed by boat or helicopter transfers to other islands like Kavaratti or Kadmat. As an alternative, passenger ships such as MV Kavaratti and MV Arabian Sea operate between Kochi and the islands. The journey takes roughly 14 to 18 hours.
