The Bed and Breakfast Scheme allows a resident owner to provide paid accommodation and breakfast to guests under a recognised homestay or B&B framework.
The Ministry of Tourism defines a Bed & Breakfast as an accommodation unit where tourist accommodation and breakfast are provided. A homestay involves renting a room in a resident-occupied house or flat, usually with meals.
What Is a Bed and Breakfast Scheme?
A bed and breakfast establishment provides overnight accommodation and breakfast to paying guests.
The national guidelines apply to owners or promoters who reside in the establishment with their family and let out rooms to paying guests. The owner may let out a minimum of one room and a maximum of six rooms, with a maximum of 12 beds.
Bed and Breakfast Delhi
For Bed and Breakfast Delhi, the tourism authority registers B&B establishments under Gold and Silver categories.
Delhi Tourism’s citizen charter states that the registration fee is ₹5,000 for Gold Category and ₹3,000 for Silver Category.
The applicable category depends on the facilities, services and standards of the establishment. Confirm the current Delhi Tourism guidelines and application portal before applying.
Bed and Breakfast Registration in Uttar Pradesh
For Bed and Breakfast Registration in Uttar Pradesh, the process has two stages.
First, the owner applies on the Ministry of Tourism website to register the establishment. Then, the owner submits the Ministry registration certificate on the UP Tourism website to receive the UP B&B or homestay certificate.
The UP Tourism Policy states that the owner may use Form A for registration and Form D for renewal through the regional office.
Eligibility Conditions
A B&B or homestay should meet the following conditions:
The premises should be a residential unit.
The owner and family should reside there.
The owner may let out one to six rooms, up to 12 beds.
Bedrooms should have adequate bathrooms, water, power, ventilation, lighting, and furniture.
The premises should maintain hygiene, cleanliness, sanitation and safety standards.
Fire-safety requirements should be met.
The owner should also ensure that the property complies with local municipal rules, building-use permissions and tax requirements.
Bed and Breakfast Registration Online
Bed and Breakfast registration online is generally handled through the Ministry of Tourism’s NIDHI+ system. The Ministry uses NIDHI+ to process registration and classification of B&B and homestay establishments.
Step 1: Check State Requirements
First, identify whether the state has its own B&B or homestay scheme.
For example, UP requires the owner to first register on the Ministry of Tourism website and then submit the certificate to UP Tourism.
Step 2: Prepare Property Details
Next, prepare the property address, room details, owner details and photographs.
Ensure that the number of rooms and beds falls within the applicable homestay limit.
Step 3: Complete the Online Form
Complete the prescribed application on the relevant portal.
The Ministry’s guidelines state that applications should be submitted online along with the applicable fee, payable digitally.
Step 4: Upload Documents
Upload clear copies of identity, ownership, and property records.
Also, upload the completed facilities checklist where the portal requires it. The guidelines state that the checklist must be filled out online and submitted with the application.
Step 5: Inspection and Scrutiny
The authority may verify the premises and facilities.
Keep the property ready for inspection, with safety equipment, clean rooms and accurate records available.
Step 6: Obtain the Certificate
After approval, download the B&B or homestay registration certificate.
Check the property address, category, validity and conditions before advertising the establishment.
Documents for B&B Registration
Common documents include:
Owner’s identity proof and photograph.
Address proof.
Property ownership documents or No Objection Certificate from the owner.
Property photographs.
Room and bed details.
Site plan or layout, where required.
Fire-safety arrangements.
Water, electricity and sanitation details.
Completed facilities checklist.
Applicable fee-payment receipt.
The exact document list varies by state and application portal. The national guidelines require the facilities checklist to be submitted with the online application.
Airbnb Registration vs B&B Registration
Airbnb registration is a listing process on a private booking platform. It does not replace the applicable tourism, local-body, tax or safety approvals.
A B&B registration is a government or tourism-authority approval. It may be needed to operate as a recognised B&B or homestay and to access state tourism benefits.
Online Guest House Booking Compliance
Listing a property for online guest house booking does not remove the need for local approvals.
Before listing on an online platform, the owner should check:
Whether the property is permitted for paid guest accommodation.
Whether a B&B, homestay or guest-house registration is required.
Local municipal and property-tax requirements.
Fire-safety and building-safety requirements.
GST and income-tax obligations.
Platform-specific verification requirements.
A booking-platform listing is not a government licence.
Validity and Renewal
Validity depends on the state scheme.
In Uttar Pradesh, the policy refers to Form D for renewal of a B&B establishment.
In Delhi, check the certificate’s validity and renewal instructions issued by Delhi Tourism. Do not assume that a national homestay classification automatically renews a state registration.
Benefits of B&B Registration
A registered B&B or homestay may receive:
Recognition under the applicable tourism scheme.
Access to state tourism benefits, where available.
Greater guest confidence.
A structured framework for safety and hygiene.
Eligibility for tourism promotion or support schemes, subject to conditions.
Registration does not guarantee bookings or exemption from other approvals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Treating an Airbnb listing as a government registration.
Letting out more rooms or beds than the scheme permits.
Applying without confirming the state-specific process.
Ignoring fire-safety and sanitation requirements.
Using inconsistent owner or property details.
Operating before receiving the applicable certificate.
Missing renewal deadlines.
Conclusion
The Bed and Breakfast Scheme supports resident-owned homestays and B&B establishments. A typical eligible establishment is owner-occupied and lets out one to six rooms, with a maximum of 12 beds.
For Delhi, apply through Delhi Tourism and confirm the Gold or Silver category fee. For Uttar Pradesh, obtain the Ministry of Tourism registration first and then submit it to UP Tourism for the state certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bed and Breakfast Scheme?
It is a tourism scheme under which a resident owner provides paid accommodation and breakfast to guests.
Is Airbnb registration the same as B&B registration?
No. Airbnb registration is a platform listing. B&B registration is a government or tourism-authority approval.
How many rooms can a homestay have?
Under the national guidelines, the owner may let out one to six rooms, with a maximum of 12 beds.
What is the Delhi B&B registration fee?
Delhi Tourism’s citizen charter lists ₹5,000 for Gold Category and ₹3,000 for Silver Category.
Can I register a B&B in Uttar Pradesh online?
The UP policy requires registration through the Ministry of Tourism website, followed by submission of the certificate to UP Tourism.
