Glossary term · Visa & travel
FRRO registration (also: FRO registration, Foreigners Regional Registration Office): FRRO registration is the process by which certain foreign nationals record their stay with India’s Foreigners Regional Registration Office or Foreigners Registration Office.
Most international patients on a visa of 180 days or less do not need to register with the FRRO. The Ministry of External Affairs states that a foreigner on a visa longer than 180 days must register within 14 days of arrival. Someone on a shorter visa who wants to stay beyond 180 days must register before the stay goes past that point.
What is the FRRO?
The Foreigners Regional Registration Offices and Foreigners Registration Offices handle registration, visa extension, conversion, exit permission and change of address for foreigners in India. Applications are made online through e-FRRO.
Who needs to register?
- Visa of more than 180 days: register within 14 days of arrival.
- Visa of 180 days or less: no registration unless you wish to stay beyond 180 days.
- Nationals of Pakistan and Afghanistan follow separate rules. MEA states Pakistani nationals on a medical visa must register within 7 days.
- Children under 16 are exempt.
Registration is needed once per visa validity, even on a multiple-entry visa.
What does the hospital do?
Hotels and other accommodation providers must file Form C for all foreigners, including OCI cardholders. Indian missions state that hospitals submit treatment details on Form C where applicable. Your hospital’s international desk usually knows the local practice.
Rules change
India updated its immigration law framework in 2025. Check the current registration rules on the Bureau of Immigration or e-FRRO site before you travel, especially for long stays.
Questions people ask
Do e-Medical visa holders need to register?
The e-Visa portal does not list registration as a step for e-Medical visa holders. Registration depends on the visa length and how long you stay. If your treatment means staying longer than planned, speak to the hospital and check e-FRRO.
What documents does registration need?
MEA lists the original passport with visa, copies of the passport and visa, photographs and details of your residence in India. Other documents depend on the visa type. Most steps are now done online with uploads.
Sources
- Ministry of External Affairs: visa services provided by FRROs/FROs
- Ministry of Home Affairs: Medical and Ayush Visa Portal
- High Commission of India, Colombo: revised medical visa rule
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. How we write and check.