India has moved the registration deadline forward for certain foreign nationals who plan to remain in the country beyond 180 days. Under amendments to the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025, published in the Official Gazette on Monday, June 1, 2026, affected visitors must register before the 180-day period expires.
Who must register before the 180-day deadline
The amended rule applies to foreign nationals entering India on visas valid for 180 days or less who later seek to remain beyond that period. It also applies to people holding visas valid for more than 180 days when each individual stay is limited to 180 days.
Previously, affected visitors could register within 14 days after completing 180 days in India. The amendment removes that post-deadline window and requires registration before the limit is reached.
The government also stated that registration after the permitted period may be granted only in “emergent circumstances.” The notification does not define which situations will qualify.
What U.S. travelers should do
U.S. citizens planning an extended stay in India should check the permitted duration listed in their visa conditions and begin any required registration or extension process before the deadline.
India’s official e-FRRO platform provides online registration and other visa-related services. The portal advises foreign nationals to apply at least two weeks in advance and follow instructions issued through the online system.
Other changes included in the amendment
The revised rules also change reporting requirements for some children born in India to foreign-national parents. The earlier reporting requirement does not apply when either parent is an Indian citizen and wishes to retain Indian citizenship for the child.
However, if the child later acquires citizenship of another country while living in India, either parent must inform the registration officer within 30 days.
The change matters because foreign visitors seeking longer stays can no longer rely on the former 14-day grace period. Travelers should verify their visa-specific obligations through official Indian immigration channels before making plans that extend beyond 180 days.
