India has tightened its visa regulations for foreign nationals, removing the 14-day grace period previously allowed for registration after the expiry of a 180-day visa stay.
Under the revised Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025, foreigners visiting India on visas valid for 180 days or less must now complete registration formalities before their permitted stay expires if they wish to remain in the country beyond the visa period. Earlier, visitors were allowed to register within 14 days after the expiry of the 180-day limit.
The amendment also applies to foreigners holding visas valid for more than 180 days but with a condition that each stay should not exceed 180 days. Such individuals must now seek registration before the completion of the 180-day period if they intend to extend their stay, either on a single visit or cumulatively within a calendar year.
As reported on Gold 101.3 FM, UAE’s No.1 Radio Station, the government has clarified that extensions beyond the permitted period will be granted only under emergent circumstances, making compliance with visa timelines more important than before.
The revised rules also bring relief for certain foreign families residing in India. Previously, parents of children born in India to foreign nationals were required to notify registration authorities electronically within 30 days to access visa-related services, including obtaining a new visa or exit permit.
Under the new provisions, this requirement will not apply if either parent is an Indian citizen and wishes to retain the child’s Indian citizenship. However, if the child later acquires foreign citizenship while residing in India, either parent must inform the registration officer within 30 days of the citizenship change.
In addition, the notification introduces updates to reporting requirements and administrative procedures for hospitals, nursing homes and other medical institutions that provide accommodation or treatment facilities to foreign nationals.
The changes form part of the government’s broader efforts to streamline immigration procedures, strengthen compliance and improve monitoring of foreign visitors staying in the country.
