What is GRC & Form C?
GRC = Guest Registration Card
Form C = Foreigner Registration Form
Legal documents required at check-in. GRC is for all guests, Form C is specifically for foreign nationals staying in India.
GRC (Guest Registration Card)
Every hotel in India must maintain a Guest Registration Card for each guest. It's a legal requirement under local laws.
Information on GRC
- Guest full name
- Address (permanent and local)
- Nationality
- ID proof number (Aadhaar, Passport, DL, Voter ID)
- Check-in and check-out dates
- Room number assigned
- Number of guests
- Purpose of visit
- Coming from / going to
- Guest signature
When GRC is Required
- At check-in for every guest
- Both Indian and foreign nationals
- Even for day-use bookings
- For all room types including dormitories
Form C (Foreigner Registration)
Form C is mandated under the Foreigners Act, 1946 and Registration of Foreigners Rules, 1992. It must be submitted for every foreign national within 24 hours of check-in.
Legal Requirement: Failure to submit Form C can result in penalties up to ₹5,000 per guest, blacklisting by FRRO, and potential legal action against both hotel and guest.
Information on Form C
- Full name as per passport
- Nationality
- Passport number, place and date of issue
- Visa number, type, place and date of issue
- Date of arrival in India
- Port/Place of entry
- Address in India
- Purpose of visit
- Next destination
- Photo (passport size)
Form C Submission Process
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Online (Preferred) | Via indianfrro.gov.in or state police portal |
| Physical | Submit to local FRRO/FRO or police station |
| Deadline | Within 24 hours of check-in |
| Record Keeping | Hotel must maintain copies for police verification |
GRC vs Form C
| Aspect | GRC | Form C |
|---|---|---|
| For whom | All guests | Foreign nationals only |
| Submission | Kept at hotel | Submitted to FRRO/Police |
| Deadline | At check-in | Within 24 hours |
| ID required | Any valid ID | Passport + Visa mandatory |
| Format | Hotel's own format | Government prescribed format |
Best Practices for Hotels
- Digital GRC: Use PMS to capture GRC digitally - saves time and is searchable
- ID scanning: Scan and store ID copies with GRC
- Form C automation: Many PMS systems can auto-fill and submit Form C online
- Staff training: Front desk must know what IDs are acceptable
- Record retention: Keep GRC/Form C records for 1-3 years (check local requirements)
- Police verification: Be prepared for random checks by authorities
PMS Integration: Modern PMS systems like eZee, Hotelogix integrate with FRRO portals to submit Form C automatically. This reduces manual work and errors.
Acceptable ID Proofs for Indian Guests
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport
- Driving License
- Voter ID Card
- PAN Card (some states)
- Government ID for officials
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Missing GRC: Varies by state - typically warnings, then fines
- Missing Form C: Fines up to ₹5,000 per guest, license issues, legal trouble
- Repeat offenses: Can lead to hotel license suspension or cancellation