Department of Revenue
The islands of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep lie along the historic trade route between Kerala and the Middle East, making them strategically significant. Due to their remoteness, economic and social backwardness, and strategic importance, a permit system regulating entry and residence was in place even before independence – under the Laccadive Islands and Minicoy Regulation, 1912, and the Amindivi Islands Regulation, 1949.
Following the formation of the Union Territory in 1956, the Administrator was empowered to frame rules under the Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi Islands (Laws) Regulation, 1965. Consequently, the Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi Islands (Restriction on Entry and Residence) Rules, 1967 were notified and came into force on 1st October 1967. As per these rules, non-natives require a permit issued by the competent authority to enter or reside in the islands.
Over the years, as connectivity between the Lakshadweep Islands and mainland India improved, the procedure for obtaining entry permits was progressively streamlined. In 2021, the Union Territory of Lakshadweep Administration discontinued the manual system and introduced a dedicated online portal (epermit.utl.gov.in) for the issuance of electronic entry permits. The Additional District Magistrate (ADM) based at Kavaratti is designated as the sole competent authority for processing and issuing entry permits.