Lakshadweep travel is simpler now: New process, website, fees

The Lakshadweep authorities have relaxed entry permit rules, making it easier for tourists to visit the islands without a police clearance certificate or local sponsors. Now on, all procedures can be completed online through this website. All you need to do is sign up, upload your ID card, fill in the travel information, pay the permit fee of ₹50–₹100 per person, and the processing charges, which might be an additional ₹100–₹200. Depending on the islands you choose to travel to and the duration of your stay, the fees can vary.

Things required to apply
a)Valid IDs - Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID.
b) Proof of accommodation at a registered resort or homestay.
c) Applications must be submitted at least 14 days prior to travel.
d) Travellers should list every island they plan to visit. The permit is valid only for the spots named in your permit.
e) Make sure you confirm your permit approval before purchasing non-refundable flight tickets. 

Waitlisting facilities
Waitlist for ticket bookings and web check-in regulations have also been instituted for tourists who choose ships or high-speed carriers (HSC). Wait-listing facilities would be available for tickets booked on boats from April 29 onwards and on ships from May 13 onwards. Waitlisted tickets would be allotted to a certain limit after the confirmed tickets are fully booked. The seats would then be allotted on first-come-first-serve basis. 

Passengers with confirmed tickets should strictly complete the web check-in process. If the check-in process isn’t completed within the stipulated time period, then the ticket would be cancelled, and that seat would be allotted to the passengers on the waiting list. Passengers from Kochi should complete the web check-in at least 8 hours before the ship sails, while passengers from the island need to check in just 2 hours before the ship's departure. 

Passengers on the wait list should regularly check the status of their tickets via the ‘My Booking’ link on the website. After the ticket is confirmed, the web check-in procedure should be completed quickly. Tickets that are waitlisted and not confirmed until the last moment will be automatically cancelled. A meagre fee of Rs 5 would be charged for this. Passengers whose tickets are confirmed and who have completed the web check-in would be allowed to board the ship. Meanwhile, the Lakshadweep administration has decided to conduct strict security checks to ensure the safety of the passengers and ships travelling to the island. The additional district magistrate has instructed the deputy collectors and block development officers to adopt measures regarding this. Security checks would be conducted when the ships dock at Lakshadweep and when they leave the port.