India Tightens Visa Regulations, Removes Grace Period for Long-Term Foreign Stays

The Indian government has introduced significant changes to its immigration framework by tightening visa and registration requirements for foreign nationals seeking to stay in the country beyond 180 days. The revised provisions, notified under the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025, are aimed at strengthening oversight of long-term foreign residents and ensuring stricter compliance with visa conditions.

Under the earlier system, foreigners holding visas that permitted stays of up to 180 days were allowed a 14-day grace period after crossing the six-month threshold to complete mandatory registration formalities. The new rules eliminate this provision, requiring visitors who intend to remain in India beyond 180 days to register with the relevant authorities before the completion of the six-month period.

Officials say the move is intended to improve monitoring mechanisms and streamline immigration procedures. The revised regulations also apply to certain categories of visa holders whose visas may be valid for more than 180 days but restrict each individual stay to a maximum of six months. Such individuals will now have to obtain the necessary permissions and complete registration requirements before reaching the prescribed limit if they wish to extend their stay.

The amended framework further clarifies that requests for extensions beyond the permitted duration will be considered only under exceptional or emergency circumstances. This marks a shift toward a more stringent approach in handling long-term stays by foreign nationals.

In addition to changes in registration requirements, the government has modified provisions relating to children born in India to foreign citizens. While some reporting obligations have been eased in cases where one parent is an Indian citizen and the child retains Indian nationality, authorities must be informed if the child later acquires foreign citizenship.

The notification also updates reporting responsibilities for hospitals, nursing homes and accommodation providers hosting foreign nationals. Analysts believe the reforms reflect India’s broader effort to modernize immigration administration, enhance compliance and maintain accurate records of foreign visitors residing in the country for extended periods.