Government Notifies Changes In Immigration Rules For Foreigners Travelling To India

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has notified amendments to the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025, and introduced significant changes to the registration requirements for foreign nationals staying in India over extended periods. The changes notified on June 1, 2026 aim to streamline compliance procedures while strengthening oversight of foreign visitors in India.

One of the key changes is for foreigners whose visa permit stays beyond 180 days to fulfil registration processes. Under the previous provisions, such foreign nationals were required to register with the designated authorities within 14 days after completing 180 days in India.

The amended rules now require them to complete the registration process at any time before the expiry of the 180-day period if they intend to remain in the country beyond that duration.

The government has also clarified provisions applicable to foreigners holding visas valid for more than 180 days, but carrying a condition that each individual stay cannot exceed 180 days. Such visitors must now seek registration before the completion of the 180-day period if they wish to continue their stay in India. Notably, extensions for stays in such cases will be granted only under emergency circumstances, which tighten the scope for prolonged stays for foreign nationals.

Another notable amendment concerns children born in India to foreign nationals. Previously, parents were required to notify the registration officer electronically within 30 days of the child’s birth to access visa-related services, including obtaining a new visa or exit permit. The latest notification exempts families from this requirement if either parent is an Indian citizen and wishes the child to retain Indian citizenship.

However, if such a child subsequently acquires the citizenship of a foreign country while residing in India, either parent must inform the registration officer within 30 days of the acquisition of foreign citizenship. This provision is intended to ensure that immigration records remain updated and accurate.

The amendments are part of the broader immigration framework introduced under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, which consolidated several older laws governing the entry, stay, movement and registration of foreign nationals in India. Officials said the revised rules are aimed at improving administrative efficiency and ensuring better compliance with India’s evolving immigration regime.