Official Message sent by the AV Council, Please read carefully before coming to Auroville.

Adult Learning Activities: The principles of unending education and constant progress are cornerstones of Auroville.
The richness of the many forms in which this unfolds in Auroville makes it a unique and precious field of potential learning and personal growth. The need to further support this with common guidelines and compliance structures has been acknowledged.

Auroville operates as a microcosm in the larger macrocosm of India that has afforded us the space and protection for this experiment and to which each of us is accountable. To that end, the Auroville Council and the Working Committee have set up a short-term study group to revisit and investigate current visa regulations, financial contributions and general guidelines

It is very important that all who host workshops, courses, classes etc. understand the necessary legal requirements as non compliance can have an adverse impact on Auroville as a whole.

The following are some of the legalities surrounding visa issues pertaining to Adult Learning Activities in Auroville:

Foreign Nationals are welcome to teach classes, workshops, etc. in Auroville, but only on an Auroville recommended entry visa or business visa, and only through a registered Auroville unit, which may include remuneration through the Auroville unit concerned.
Individual Aurovilians & Newcomers can teach/facilitate classes, courses, workshops, give tours, etc. free of charge, or against payment / contribution / donations but only through a registered Auroville unit / activity.
Unfortunately, tourist visa holders are not allowed to teach classes, courses, workshops, etc. nor offer therapies, consultations even if no remuneration is involved.
Tourist visa holders are welcome to visit/stay in Auroville but are not allowed to promote their groups travel / activities in Auroville nor recruit participants during their stay. They are welcome to avail themselves of services, programs and tours in Auroville but only through a registered Auroville unit.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Best, Auroville Council