India tightens immigration rules: What foreign travellers need to know

India has tightened immigration rules, requiring foreign nationals on visas valid for up to 180 days to complete registration before their permitted stay expires if they intend to remain in the country.

The revised rule replaces the earlier provision that allowed registration within 14 days after the 180-day period.

Key change under Immigration Rules 2025

The Union Home Ministry has amended Rule 12 of the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025, mandating that registration must be completed “any time before the expiry” of the 180-day period.

The change effectively advances the compliance deadline and strengthens monitoring of long-term foreign visitors.

New legal wording explained

As per the official gazette notification, the earlier phrase requiring registration “within fourteen days after the expiry of 180 days of arrival in India” has been replaced with a requirement to register before the 180-day limit ends.

This ensures foreign nationals complete the process prior to crossing the threshold rather than after.

Rules for stays beyond 180 days

Foreign nationals holding visas valid for more than 180 days—but restricted to single stays within that duration—must also register before completing 180 days if they plan to extend or cumulatively exceed the limit within a year.

The government has clarified that approval for such extended stays will only be granted in emergent circumstances.

Relief for children born to foreign nationals

The revised framework relaxes reporting norms for children born in India to foreign parents.

• Earlier rule: mandatory reporting within 30 days of birth via online portal

• New rule: exemption if one parent is an Indian citizen and the child retains Indian nationality

However, if the child later acquires foreign citizenship while residing in India, parents must notify authorities within 30 days.

Hospital and institutional reporting revised

The notification also updates compliance requirements for hospitals, nursing homes and medical institutions offering lodging or sleeping facilities.

While core responsibilities remain unchanged, reporting procedures have been revised under the updated immigration framework.

Digital expansion of immigration monitoring

India has expanded and digitised its foreigner registration system through the FRRO platform and integrated online visa services.

The Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025 replaces earlier regulations, with this being the first major amendment since its introduction this year.

With Agency inputs