Permits, getting here, and what to bring

Everyone needs one. Every visitor who is not a native of the islands needs an entry permit, Indian nationals included. You apply for it yourself at lak.e-permit.utl.gov.in under the Tourist category; one form covers up to six people.

Our team in Kavaratti helps guests with this form every week. Ask us and we will fill it in with you.

Government fees: The government fees are ₹200 a day per adult, ₹100 a day for ages 12 to 18, free under 12, plus ₹50 per person applying. This is non-refundable once paid.

They are not part of our diving prices and are not charged online: our team arranges your permit after you book and tells you the fee then.

No sponsor, no police clearance. For a Tourist category permit, a local sponsor is no longer required, and a Police Clearance Certificate no longer has to be uploaded.

Apply under the Tourist category, as the portal advises for a holiday. If the form asks you for either, tell us what it says.

Apply early. We take online bookings only for dates at least 16 days away, so there is time to apply for your permit. List every island you will set foot on, including any island you only pass through in transit.

16 days is Lak Scuba’s rule, not the government’s: the permit portal’s earliest travel date was 15 days ahead when we looked, and we keep one day spare. It is why we do not take a booking online for a date less than 16 days away. A missing transit island on a permit is the single most common reason a trip stops at Kochi.

Fly to Agatti. Agatti has the only airport in Lakshadweep. Flights run from Kochi, Bengaluru and Goa, and you continue from Agatti to Kavaratti by boat or helicopter.

Baggage: The ATR aircraft on these routes allow 15 kg of checked baggage per passenger.

Dive gear is heavy. We have full rental kit on Kavaratti, so bring your mask and computer and leave the tanks and weights to us.

Excess baggage: Every airline flying to Agatti lets you buy excess baggage, and Fly91 is the cheapest.

Ships from Kochi are not a reliable way to get here: tickets are hard to get. We recommend flying.

Ship tickets from Kochi are sold at lakshadweep.irctc.co.in and cannot be issued without your permit number. Booking opens 30 days before sailing and closes 7 days before.

The order is permit first, then ship, then anything else. Tickets are in your own name.

Agatti to Kavaratti is by boat or helicopter. We help you book the crossing once your flight is fixed.

Report to the island Registration Officer within 24 hours of arriving, with your permit and photo ID.

Our team takes guests through this on the day they land.

Before you fly home: Wait 12 hours after a single dive, and 18 to 24 hours after more than one dive or several days of diving, before you fly. We build this into every itinerary, so your last diving day is never your travel day.