The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued updated travel advice for British nationals visiting India, highlighting 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.
Accommodation providers, including hotels and hostels, are required to register all foreign guests with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office, with visitors needing to ensure their stays are properly documented.
For visitors planning to stay in India beyond 180 days, the FCDO advised that registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office is mandatory within 14 days of arrival. This requirement applies to all British nationals who do not hold an OCI card.
Britons should consult the FCDO’s latest guidance when travelling to India
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The FCDO warned that failure to comply with these registration requirements could result in travellers being “denied permission to leave” the country.
Officials recommended checking registration requirements based on specific visa types.
The FCDO stated: “Hotels, hostels and other accommodation providers must register foreign guests with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office. Make sure your accommodation provider registers you.”
Valid passports and visas are essential for securing accommodation in India.
British nationals who have overstayed their Indian visas have encountered significant “difficulties” in finding places to stay.
Travellers were advised to ensure their documentation is current and that their accommodation provider completes the necessary registration process.
The FCDO also issued a recent warning about the illegal possession of satellite phones and GPS devices in India, which can lead to arrest even for travellers in transit.
Several British nationals have been detained for bringing satellite-enabled devices into the country without proper authorisation. This includes satellite phones and GPS devices, although this may also cover handheld or cycling GPSs.
The FCDO noted: “You can be fined or arrested for possession of these devices without permission and the item can be confiscated.”
Travellers were advised to contact the Indian Department of Telecommunication to request necessary licences for satellite-enabled devices.
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Failure to comply with registration requirements could result in being ‘denied permission to leave’
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Holidaymakers were warned that even transiting through India with these devices could result in legal consequences.
Further guidance on obtaining permissions is available through the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security.
Before going abroad, it’s always advisable to consult the FCDO’s latest guidance on your chosen destination.
This will include the most up-to-date information on warnings and insurance, entry requirements, safety and security, regional risks, health and getting help.