C-Form in India — tourist registration with authorities
Many travelers only hear about C-Form when they need a visa extension. here is what you need to know at the start of your trip.
Who is it for?
For every tourist staying in commercial accommodation in India — hotel, hostel, guesthouse, or short-term rental. This is especially critical for those planning a long stay, those whose visa is expiring, and those expected to file any application with the Indian Immigration authorities.
What appears on the form
- Full name as it appears in passport
- Passport number, country of issue, and validity
- Visa details: type, number and validity
- India entry date and entry point
- Expected check-in and check-out dates
- Name and address of accommodation in India
How the process works
- 1At check-in, provide your passport and visa to the accommodation for copying.
- 2The accommodation fills in the guest details and submits the C-Form to immigration authorities.
- 3Ask the host for a digital or printed copy of the form — preferably on the same day.
- 4Keep the copy throughout your trip; when moving to a new accommodation, request a new C-Form.
Common mistakes
- Don't forget to ask for a copy at check-in only to realize it's missing a month later.
- Incorrect passport details in the form — please check the number and names.
- Assuming that staying with friends or in a private home exempts you from registration.
- Discarding an old C-Form — it's recommended to keep all copies from the trip.
- Start FRRO process without a valid C-Form for the current stay.
FAQ
What is a C-Form?
C-Form is a foreign guest registration form in India. Hotels, hostels, guesthouses, or hosts use it to report a tourist's stay to immigration authorities — including passport details, visa, entry, and stay dates.
Who needs to submit the C-Form — the tourist or the hotel?
Responsibility for submission lies with the accommodation, not the tourist. The tourist's role is to provide correct details and request a copy of the form after submission.
Why is it important to keep a copy?
A valid C-Form from your accommodation is required for FRRO procedures, including visa extensions and Exit Permits. Without a valid C-Form for your stay period, it is very difficult to process applications with immigration.
What to do if the accommodation doesn't file a C-Form?
Ask the host to submit and provide a copy. If the place refuses or isn't registered, consider moving to a stay that files the C-Form correctly — especially if you have a FRRO process pending.
Do we submit the C-Form instead of the hotel?
No. The submission is done by the accommodation provider to the Indian authorities. We assist in reading the form, verifying details, and using it within the FRRO process.
We review the form, ensure details are correct, and include it in the extension request.
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