This is for visitors from abroad, not for Indian citizens.
Foreigner registration in India is done online through the official portal, indianfrro.gov.in. Good news for most visitors: if you are on a short tourist trip, you usually do not need to register at all. Registration mainly applies to long stays on certain visas, where you must register within fourteen days of arriving. Indian citizens are not involved in this. It is only for foreign nationals.
Who needs to register
- Most short-stay visitors, such as those on an ordinary e-Tourist Visa for a holiday, do not need to register.
- Foreign nationals who come on certain long-term visas, and who will stay in India beyond one hundred and eighty days, usually must register with the local authority within fourteen days of arriving. This often applies to student, employment, research, and some medical visas.
- Your own visa sticker or approval will say if registration is needed. Always read that condition. [The exact rule depends on your visa type and stay. Confirm your own case on the official portal. Last checked 13 September 2026.]
How it works
- Registration and related services are handled online through the e-FRRO portal, indianfrro.gov.in. You do not need to queue at an office for most steps.
- You create an account, fill in the form, upload the papers asked for, and submit. The service also covers visa extension, visa conversion, and the exit permit some long-stay visitors need before leaving.
How to register, step by step
- Go to the official portal indianfrro.gov.in and create your account.
- Choose the service you need, such as registration.
- Fill in your details, upload your passport, visa, photo, and proof of your address in India, as asked.
- Submit within the time limit set for your visa, usually fourteen days of arrival for those who must register.
- Keep the registration document safe, because you may need it later and when you leave.
What it costs
For many, the registration service itself carries little or no fee, but some services and late cases can attract a charge. The official portal shows the exact fee for your service. [Fees depend on the service and your case. See the official portal. Last checked 13 September 2026.]
Documents you need
- Your passport and your Indian visa.
- A recent photo.
- Proof of your address in India, such as a letter from your host, hotel, college, or employer.
- Any extra paper the portal asks for your visa type.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming every visitor must register. Most short-stay tourists do not.
- Missing the fourteen day window if your visa does require registration.
- Using a private agent site. Only indianfrro.gov.in is official.
- Forgetting the exit permit, if your long-stay case needs one before you leave.
- Not reading the registration condition printed on your own visa.
Questions people ask
Do tourists need to register in India?
Usually not. Most short-stay tourists on an e-Tourist Visa do not register.
Who must register?
Foreign nationals on certain long-term visas who stay beyond one hundred and eighty days, usually within fourteen days of arriving.
What is the official site?
The e-FRRO portal, indianfrro.gov.in, run by the Bureau of Immigration.
Is it online?
Yes. Registration, visa extension, visa conversion, and the exit permit are handled online.
Does this apply to Indian citizens?
No. It is only for foreign nationals.