Complete Understanding on FRRO Process for Hosts in India
Table of Contents
Complete Understanding on the FRRO Process for Hosts in India
Form C for Foreigners Regional Registration Office Purposes
Form C is a Important document for Foreigners Regional Registration Office in India. It is used to monitor & report accommodation of foreign nationals to ensure their movements are tracked for security & administrative purposes.
When Should a Host Submit Form C (C-Forms)?
Any person hosting a foreign guest for monetary consideration in India, even for a few hours, is required to submit Form C. This obligation is rooted in the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Registration of Foreigners Rules, 1992. Foreigners Act, 1946 mandates reporting & tracking of foreign nationals in India. Registration of Foreigners Rules, 1992 outline procedures & responsibilities for hosts in maintaining & reporting the stay of foreign nationals. Adherence to these regulations ensures compliance with Indian laws and contributes to the country’s security and administrative processes.
These requirements extend across India and apply to all persons who accommodate foreign guests for monetary consideration, including hotels, guest houses, lodging houses, etc. The C-Form mechanism helps the authorities locate and track foreigners in India to enhance security and safety.
What is Timing of Submission of Form C :
- Check-In: Form C must be submitted within 24 hours of the foreign guest’s check-in. This ensures that the Bureau of Immigration is promptly informed of the foreign national’s presence.
- Check-Out: While there is no strict deadline for submitting Form C at check-out, it is advisable to complete this as soon as possible to maintain accurate records.
- Guest Registers: Hosts are also required to maintain a hand-written register (Form B) for all guests, both Indian and foreign, which should be available for inspection by relevant authorities.
Purpose of Form C
- Form C is used to report the stay of foreign nationals to the Bureau of Immigration (BoI). It helps maintain records and track foreign visitors in India for security and administrative purposes.
- Purpose of Form C is Ensures that accurate records of foreign visitors are maintained. Helps in tracking the movements of foreign nationals within India. Also Enhances security by monitoring the presence and activities of foreign guests.
- Form C is Aids in administrative oversight and compliance with immigration regulations. Form C help in systematic tracking is essential for national security, regulatory compliance, and the management of foreign visitors in India.
Who Needs to Submit Form C?
- Hotel Managers, Hosts, and Accommodation Providers: Any establishment that provides accommodation to foreign nationals, including hotels, guesthouses, homestays, bed and breakfasts (B&Bs), and private individuals renting out property, needs to submit Form C.
- Frequency: Form C must be submitted for every foreign guest twice — once at check-in and once at check-out.
Process for Submitting Form C
- Registration with FRRO: Before submitting Form C, hosts must register with the FRRO. This involves providing relevant details and supporting documents either online or at the local Foreigners Regional Registration Office.
- Online Submission: After registration, hosts can submit Form C online through the BoI’s platform. Supporting Documents Required for Hotels/ Homestays/ B&Bs/ Dharamshalas / Institutes:
- Two copies of the duly signed registration form printed from the website.
- Address of premises.
- Ownership details and license for operating the premises on a commercial basis.
Required documents- Supporting Documents Required for Individual:
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- Completed online Form C
- Passport copy (photo page)
- Two copies of the duly signed registration form printed from the website.
- Visa copy of the foreign guest
- Utility bills in the name of the host. – Host’s address proof (if required by the local FRRO office)
- Property tax receipt issued by local authorities.
- Sale deed or rent agreement in the name of the host.
- Other documents may be requested by the local FRRO Office.
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Steps by step process to Register & Submit FRRO Form C
- You are required to visit the C-Forms page & Register and provide the required details.
- Next Step to file Foreigners Regional Registration Office Online Registration Form after that you required to Print & sign 2 copies of Form C registration.
- File supporting necessary documents: Depending on local Foreigners Regional Registration Office requirements, these can be submitted in person or via post.
- Finally Activate Foreigners Regional Registration Office Registration: Once the documents are verified, the registration is activated, allowing for subsequent online submissions of Foreigners Regional Registration Office Form C.
- Timing: Form C should be submitted within 24 hours of the guest’s check-in. There is no strict timing for submission at check-out, but it’s advisable to do it promptly.
- Exemptions of online of Form C : Foreigners exempt from Foreigners Regional Registration Office registration include those on certain short-term visas, minors, and certain categories like OCI cardholders.
- Additional Requirements: Hosts must maintain a hand-written register (Form B) of all guests, both Indian and foreign, which should be available for inspection by relevant authorities.
- The process for Foreigners Regional Registration Office registration and Form C submission may vary from state to state. If you are unsure about how local laws or this information may apply to you,
Penalties on Host on Non filling or Non-Compliance of FRRO Form C
Hosts may submit C-Forms through the online platform of the Bureau of Immigration (BoI). Failure to comply with reporting requirements could result in fines and imprisonment of up to 5 years. including fines or more severe administrative actions.
Please understand that these information pages are not comprehensive & are not legal advice. Rajput Jain and associates encourage you to contact your local Foreigners Regional Registration Office or consult a local lawyer.
FAQ on FRRO Process for Hosts in India
Question: Are all hosts need to submit or provide a B&B licence when registering with FRRO?
Answer: No, hosts who host foreign guests in their own homes/apartments are not required to submit a B&B licence to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office. To activate registration, such hosts need to give evidence of their address.
Question: How many C-Forms should be supplied for each guest?
Answer: C-Forms must be completed twice for each foreign guest: once when they check in and once when they check out. C-Forms must be submitted within 24 hours of a foreign guest’s check-in. While there is no set time for submitting the C-Form at checkout, you may want to do so within 24 hours. If a guest intends to check out within a few hours of checking in, C-Forms should be completed as soon as they arrive.
Question: Should hosts send physical copies of C-Forms to their local The Foreigners Registration office?
Answer: No. Hosts are typically not required to visit the Foreigners Regional Registration Office or provide physical documentation after completing their one-time registration with FRRO. In general, hosts will only need to complete the online submission of C-Forms, although it is recommended that they preserve hard copies of C-
Question: Should a C-Form be submitted for each individual foreign guest, even if they arrive in a group with a leader?
Answer: Yes. Each foreign guest, even if travelling in a group, must submit one C-Form.
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