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FRRO Process for Hosts in India: A Comprehensive Guide
- Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) requirements apply to hosts accommodating foreign nationals in India. The process ensures the proper tracking and registration of foreign visitors. Here’s an overview of what hosts should know about submitting Form C and other responsibilities.
- Form C is essential for monitoring the stay of foreign nationals in India, and its submission is a legal requirement managed by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Here's a more detailed breakdown:
What is Form C ?
- Form C is a mandatory reporting document used to notify the Bureau of Immigration (BoI) about the stay of foreign guests. It helps the Indian authorities monitor the movement of foreigners for security purposes. Every host accommodating foreign guests for monetary consideration must submit this form.
When Should a Host Submit Form C?
- Hosts are required to submit Form C within 24 hours of a foreign guest’s check-in and check-out, whether they’re staying in a hotel, homestay, bed & breakfast, guesthouse, or private accommodation.
What is Purpose of Form C?
- Form C helps the Bureau of Immigration (BoI) keep track of foreign visitors, enhancing security and administrative oversight in India. It ensures that authorities are informed about where foreign nationals are staying.
Who Needs to Submit Form C?
- Hotels, Guesthouses, and Hosts: Any establishment that offers accommodation to foreign nationals must submit Form C. This includes hotels, guesthouses, homestays, bed and breakfasts, and private property owners.
- Before submitting Form C, hosts must complete the Foreigners Regional Registration Office registration. The registration process differs depending on whether the host is a commercial establishment (hotel, homestay, etc.) or an individual house owner.
- To streamline the process, hosts should clearly inform foreign guests about the required documents (valid passport, visa, etc.) before check-in. This can be communicated through house rules or pre-arrival instructions.
- Form C must be submitted twice for every foreign guest—at check-in and check-out.
- The form should be submitted within 24 hours of the foreign guest’s arrival. While check-out submissions don’t have a strict deadline, it is advisable to complete this promptly.
What is process for Submitting Form C?
Registering with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office :
- Before submitting Form C, the accommodation provider must register with the FRRO through the Bureau of Immigration’s online portal or visit the local Foreigners Regional Registration Office.
- For Hotels/Homestays/Institutes: Property ownership details, operating license, signed registration forms. For Individual Hosts: Utility bills, property tax receipts, sale deed or rent agreement, registration forms.
Documents Needed for Registration:
Each Form C submission should include:
- Proof of identity and address (of the host or establishment)
- Passport copy of the foreign guest
- Completed Form C (online submission)
- Business license (for commercial accommodations)
- Address proof (if required by the local Foreigners Regional Registration Office)
- Visa copy of the foreign guest
- Other supporting documents required by the local Foreigners Regional Registration Office
Online Submission of Form C:
After registration, you can submit Form C online via the Bureau of Immigration’s portal. Required information and documents include:
- Completed Form C
- Passport copy of the foreign guest
- Visa copy of the foreign guest
- Address proof of the host or accommodation provider (if requested)
Following are steps to Register and Submit Form C
- Go to the Bureau of Immigration’s C-Forms page to initiate the registration process.
- Submit supporting documents like utility bills, sale deeds, or rent agreements based on the nature of your accommodation. Complete the registration form online, print two copies, sign them, and submit them with supporting documents.
- After submitting the form and documents (either online or at the local FRRO office), your registration will be activated. Depending on the Foreigners Regional Registration Office local office, these may need to be delivered in person or mailed.
- Once your documents are verified, your registration will be activated, enabling you to submit Form C online.
Additional Requirements
- Maintaining a Register (Form B) : Hosts must also keep a handwritten register (Form B) of all guests, including both foreign and Indian nationals. This register should be made available for inspection by authorities if required. In addition to the Form C submission, hosts must maintain a hand-written Form B register. This record should contain details of both Indian and foreign guests and must be available for inspection by authorities. This register should include the signatures of the host and guests and serves as a permanent record.
- Exemptions: Certain foreign nationals are exempt from registration, such as minors, people with certain short-term visas, and Overseas Citizens of India cardholders.
How Many C-Forms Should Be Submitted?
- You must submit a separate Form C for each foreign guest, even if they are part of a group. Each guest requires their own form. There is no fixed way to do this. Many hosts in India have outlined the following requirements in their ‘House Rules’ section:
- Govt issued ID needed for every guest staying
- Foreign nationals need to show valid passport/visa
- Guests may be needed to sign a visitor register
Should Hosts Submit Physical Copies of C-Forms?
- No, after completing the Foreigners Regional Registration Office registration, hosts typically only need to submit Form C online. However, some local offices may require physical copies for administrative convenience.
What to Do in Case of Internet Issues & other Important issues ?
- If you're unable to submit Form C online due to connectivity issues, you must notify the local FRRO office or the Superintendent of Police & File a physical copy if required.
- For guests from Pakistan, hosts must not only submit Form C but also immediately notify the Foreigners Regional Registration Office via phone, email, or fax.
- There is no need to report foreign guests to local police unless there is no FRRO office in the area. In such cases, reporting should be done to the local SP, not the police station.
- Impt. Resources for Foreigners Regional Registration Office Compliance : For more specific guidelines, always refer to the Bureau of Immigration’s official portal or consult with your local FRRO. FRRO Offices Contact List & Bureau of Immigration resources for C-Form submissions
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Failure to comply with Form C submission can lead to penalties, including monetary fines and possibly more severe administrative actions like blacklisting of the accommodation provider.
