Registration Guide for Foreign Nationals in India

Registration Guidelines for Foreign Nationals in India

Registration is required for long-term visas (valid for more than 180 days).
Employment, Missionary, Student, and Research Visa holders must register within 14 days of arrival.
Entry “X” and Business (BV) Visa holders must register only if staying beyond 180 days at the concerned registration office, before the 180-day period ends.
Tourist Visa holders are exempt, as they cannot stay beyond 180 days per visit.
Medical Visa (M or MX) holders must register within 14 days, regardless of visa duration.
Registration must be done at the concerned FRO/FRRO in whose jurisdiction the foreign national resides.
Pakistani, Afghan, and Bangladeshi Nationals:
- Pakistani – Register within 24 hours.
- Afghan – Register within 7 days.
- Bangladeshi – Registration as per the India-BD agreement.

Please note: Non-registration within the stipulated period incurs a penalty of ₹1,395.

Filled Registration Form – Available at FRRO, to be submitted in triplicate.
Original Passport – Must contain the endorsed visa.
Photocopies of:
- Photo page of the passport
- Visa page
- Arrival endorsement on the travel document
Four Passport-Size Photographs of the applicant.
Details of Residence in India.
Additional Documents Based on Visa Type:
- Spouse of an Indian National – Copy of Marriage Certificate (for visa extension).
- Student Visa – Bonafide Certificate from the university/college/institution.
- Journalist Visa – Accreditation Certificate from the Press Information Bureau.
- Joint Venture/Collaboration – Approval from Government of India (GOI).
- Board-Level Appointments in Public Limited Companies – Approval from the Department of Company Affairs.
- Business/Joint Venture Agreements – Permission from RBI.
- Employment Visa –
  - Terms & Conditions of Appointment
  - Copy of Contract or Agreement
  - Undertaking from the concerned Indian company (for Employment/Business Visa).

Keep copies of your passport, travel visas, tickets, and credit cards separate from the originals.
Carry your driver’s license with a photo for identification.
Drink bottled water like Bisleri, Kinley, Aquafina, or Himalaya; check the seal is intact.
Use hotel lockboxes to secure valuables and carry important documents safely.
Use a concealed interior wallet for extra security.
Contact your Embassy, Consulate, or nearest Police Station if in trouble.
Use authorized taxis or buses and negotiate fares for non-metered vehicles.
Expect chaotic traffic; enjoy cultural and religious processions safely.
Verify porters and guides by checking uniforms or IDs.
Carry a power converter for 220V appliances.
Take anti-malarial tablets and Hepatitis A & B vaccinations; consult your doctor before traveling.
Use pharmacies for medicines; hotels can arrange doctors if needed.
Carry insect repellent, mosquito coils, or electronic repellents.
Wash fruits before eating.
Carry sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
Respect dress codes and customs in religious places like temples and mosques.
Exchange currency only at authorized moneychangers and retain receipts for re-exchange.
Tip in restaurants and tourist places, even if a service charge is included.

Don’t drink water from unknown sources.
Don’t leave your luggage or belongings unattended.
Don’t use unauthorized taxis or share rides with strangers.
Don’t be alarmed by chaotic traffic; it’s common in Indian cities.
Don’t accept sweets or candies from local markets or food left open in public areas.
Don’t photograph restricted areas like military sites, airports, bridges, and railway stations.