Vizag Hotels Told To Report Foreign Guests’ Details Within 24 Hours

VISAKHAPATNAM: Visakhapatnam city police commissioner Shankhabrata Bagchi has directed hotels, lodges, guest houses, homestays and other accommodation providers to report the arrival and departure details of foreign nationals online within 24 hours.

In a statement, the commissioner said the requirement applied to all foreign nationals, including Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, staying in hotels, hostels, paying guest accommodations, homestays and rented premises across the city.

Under the provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, accommodation providers must collect prescribed details of foreign guests and submit Form III through the designated online portal or mobile application. Separate reports on arrival and departure must be uploaded within 24 hours of each event.

The establishments must also maintain the prescribed records electronically for the stipulated period and make them available for inspection by competent authorities.

Bagchi directed accommodation providers who had not obtained login credentials for online submission of Form III to complete registration immediately and ensure uninterrupted reporting.

He said educational institutions and hospitals accommodating foreign nationals must also comply with their reporting obligations under the Act and relevant rules.

Warning against non-compliance, he said violations could attract action under Section 23(b) of the Act, which provides for imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to Rs 3 lakh, or both.

Bagchi, who also serves as the foreigners registration officer for Visakhapatnam city, urged hotel owners, managers, homestay operators, educational institutions and medical establishments to follow the reporting requirements. He said the measure was intended to ensure proper documentation of foreign nationals, strengthen immigration oversight and enhance national security.