The Government of India’s Bureau of Immigration (BoI) has issued a fresh reminder to foreign nationals travelling to India, urging those on certain long-term visas to comply with mandatory registration requirements soon after arrival.
In an advisory posted on the Bureau’s official social media channels on 6 July, the BoI reiterated that foreign nationals holding Student, Employment, Medical, Journalist and Missionary visas valid for more than 180 days must complete registration within 14 days of arriving in India.
The reminder comes weeks after the Ministry of Home Affairs updated India’s foreigner registration framework through amendments to the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025, tightening the timelines for visitors intending to remain in the country for extended periods.
Business visa holders face different rules
The advisory distinguishes business visa holders from other long-term visa categories.
Foreign nationals entering India on a Business Visa are required to register only if either:
- their aggregate stay in India during a calendar year exceeds 180 days; or
- their continuous stay exceeds 180 days.
Importantly, the Bureau reminded travellers that registration must be completed before the relevant 180-day limit expires, rather than afterwards. This reflects changes introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs earlier this year.
Previously, some travellers could complete registration after crossing the 180-day threshold. Under the revised rules, anyone intending to remain beyond 180 days must register in advance.
Some visitors remain exempt
The Bureau also highlighted several important exemptions.
Registration is not required for:
- Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders;
- children below 12 years of age; and
- citizens of Nepal and Bhutan.
The advisory also reminds foreign nationals that all visa conditions and endorsements must be followed strictly, warning that failure to comply with registration requirements may result in penalties or legal consequences.
Registration handled through FRRO/FRO
Registration is carried out through India’s network of Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs) and Foreigners Registration Offices (FROs).
The registration process enables immigration authorities to verify a foreign national’s place of residence, ensure compliance with visa conditions and issue a Registration Certificate or Residential Permit where required. Most applications can now be completed through the government’s online e-FRRO system.
Reminder for students ahead of admissions
The latest advisory is particularly relevant for international students preparing to begin courses in India during the upcoming academic intake.
Last month, the Bureau separately reminded Student Visa holders that registration within 14 days is essential and also outlined procedures for extending Registration Certificates, Residential Permits and Student Visas where necessary.
The latest post does not introduce new immigration rules but serves as an official reminder of existing registration obligations following the recent amendments to India’s immigration regulations.
