"must register foreign guests"
Brits have been warned that those who break entry requirements in India “could be denied permission to leave”.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued updated travel advice for British nationals visiting India.
The FCDO highlighted strict requirements for registering accommodation.
The guidance emphasised mandatory registration procedures for foreign visitors, with specific rules applying to those planning extended stays in the country.
Officials recommended checking registration requirements based on specific visa types.
The FCDO said: “Hotels, hostels and other accommodation providers must register foreign guests with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office.
“Make sure your accommodation provider registers you. You will need your passport with a valid visa to get accommodation in the country.
“British nationals who have overstayed their Indian visa have found it difficult to find accommodation.
“If you plan to stay in India for more than 180 days and do not hold an OCI [Overseas Citizen of India] card, you must register within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office.
“You could be denied permission to leave if you do not do this.
“You may need to register your stay depending on the type of visa you hold, check if you need to.”
Valid passports and visas are essential for securing accommodation in India.
In turn, the FCDO highlight that there are precise rules for visa applications for those of Pakistani origin:
“If you are of Pakistani origin, a British Pakistani dual national or hold a National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), the visa processing time will be substantially longer than other visa applications.
“If you are a British Pakistani dual national, you must apply for an Indian visa on your Pakistani passport.
“If you have renounced your Pakistani nationality, or cancelled your Pakistani passport, you will need to submit documentary proof of this.”
The FCDO recently warned British travellers that “prior permission” is needed to bring certain devices into India.
Possessing certain devices is illegal in India, and even travellers in transit can be arrested.
Several British nationals have been detained for bringing satellite-enabled devices into the country without proper authorisation.
The FCDO also advised against all travel within 10 miles of the India-Pakistan border area within Pakistan-administered Kashmir. This is known as the Line of Control.
UK travellers are also advised against all but essential travel to the state of Manipur, including the capital, Imphal.
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the FCDO.
For more information on travel insurance, visit VisaGuide.
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