travelling to india on oci card

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OCI Cardholders

Do you hold an oci card.

While your passport is the primary travel document, an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card is more like a lifelong visa. Since the OCI cardholders are not considered Indian citizens, they must have a valid passport during their stay in the country.

What you need to keep in mind

• The government of India has done away with the 'U' visa sticker on the passports of OCI cardholders. Immigration authorities shall not insist on producing foreign passports containing the 'U' visa sticker from OCI cardholders entering or exiting India. They will be given immigration clearance based on their valid foreign passport and OCI Registration Certificate (OCI booklet, also known as OCI card).
• In cases where the applicant appears different than on the OCI card owing to age, cardholders aged 20 years or younger must renew their card each time a new passport is issued and once after completing 50 years of age.
• For an OCI cardholder who is 21 to 49 years of age, re-issuance of OCI card registration is optional each time a new passport is issued. Applicants wishing to use this service can apply online under the OCI miscellaneous services.
• In case of a change in nationality of OCI cardholders, they can enter or exit India on the strength of their OCI card and a valid passport of the new nationality. This rule does not apply to Pakistani and Bangladeshi passports. The OCI cardholder must update the new nationality through miscellaneous services.

Recent updates and news for OCI cardholders

For the most recent updates on OCI terms and conditions, please refer to the following links:

Bureau of Immigration – Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder

Ministry of Home Affairs – Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder

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OCI Information

You should submit your OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) application at the VFS India Consular Application Centre.

Important Notes:

• Read the information available on all the tabs thoroughly before applying.
• If you have ever held Indian Citizenship, then it is mandatory to complete Renunciation of Indian Citizenship or Surrender of Indian Passport/ is the first step to complete before applying for OCI Visa. If you have not yet renounced your Indian Citizenship, then you must apply for Renunciation before applying for the OCI.
• Once application is submitted to the Embassy/ CGI for processing , please track the progress on GOI link https://ociservices.gov.in/statusEnqury . VFS team cannot offer any additional update on status till the OCI card is received back at our office from the Embassy/ Consulate

Select the visa type that is right for you to see important information on visa fees, documents required, forms, photo specifications and processing times.

New OCI Registration

Oci fees & documents required.

• Processing Times
• Photo Specifications
• Processing Time

Apply for OCI Services

While applying for an OCI, it is mandatory for former Indian nationals to provide Certificate of Renunciation of Indian citizenship. If you do not have the Renunciation Certificate, please apply for it first and after getting the renunciation certificate, please apply for OCI.

Eligibility for registration as OCI Cardholder:

Following categories of foreign nationals are eligible for registration as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Cardholder:

Any person of full age and capacity:

• who is a citizen of another country, but was a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after the commencement of the Constitution i.e. 26.01.1950; or
• who is a citizen of another country, but was eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of the commencement of the Constitution i.e. on 26.01.1950; or
• who is a citizen of another country, but belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15.08.1947; or
• who is a child or a grandchild or a great grandchild of such a citizen;
• A person, who is a minor child of a person mentioned in (a) above;
• A person, who is a minor child, and whose both parents are citizens of India or one of the parents is a citizen of India;
• Spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or spouse of foreign origin of an Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder registered under section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955 and whose marriage has been registered and subsisted for a continuous period of not less than two years immediately preceding the presentation of the application.

Following categories of foreign nationals are NOT eligible for registration as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Cardholder:

• Who or either of whose parents or grandparents or great grandparents is or had been a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh or such other country as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify.
• Foreign Military/Police personnel either serving or retired.

Before you start “New OCI Registration” on Govt. Website

• Check your eligibility before you start your registration.
• If you are already an OCI Card Holder, kindly use OCI Miscellaneous Services.
• If you are a PIO Card Holder, kindly register through OCI Registration (In Lieu Of Valid PIO-Card).
• If you are a PIO Card Holder and card is in lost state, kindly register through OCI Registration (In Lieu Of Lost PIO-Card).
• To reprint your already registered application, kindly use 'Re-Print Submitted Application' service.
• In case of urgent travel, applicants may apply for appropriate visa.

Prerequisites

• The height and width of the Applicant Photo must be equal.
• The minimum dimensions are 200 pixels (width) x 200 pixels (height).
• The maximum dimensions are 1500 pixels (width) x 1500 pixels (height).
• The height and width of the Signature Photo must have aspect ratio 1:3.
• The minimum dimensions are 200 pixels (width) x 67 pixels (height).
• The maximum dimensions are 1500 pixels (width) x 500 pixels (height).
• Kindly be ready with supporting documents in PDF format (Max size 1000kb). NOTE: UPLOADING OF DOCUMENTS AS STATED IN THE DOCUMENT CHECKLIST IS A MUST. YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE REJECTED AND RETURNED UNPROCESSED, IF YOU DON’T UPLOAD ALL THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ON GOVT. PORTAL.
• New OCI Registration – Sample form
• Document checklist for Foreign national - previously Indian passport holder (adult) Document checklist for Foreign national by birth and never held Indian passport (adult)
• Document Checklist for Foreign national - previously Indian passport holder (minor) Document Checklist for Foreign national by birth and never held Indian passport (minor)
• Document Checklist - For Foreign Spouse

After Registration

• After submission of online application, a copy of the application form will be printed with an Online Registration Number.
• Application form, complete in all respects, along with all relevant enclosures and requisite fee should be paid to the VFS India Consular Application Centre as per the Consular Jurisdiction in whose jurisdiction the applicant is ordinarily residing irrespective of the fact whether the same Indian Mission/Post/Office has issued the original OCI documents or not.

Guidelines for Shipping Service & its packaging

• You can select and pay for VFS provided courier service at the time of paying the fee online on VFS website.
• Please enclose only one application per package. Don’t enclose multiple applications in the same package.
• If used VFS offered courier service via UPS, Max. weight limit per package should be less than 0.5 Lbs & its a signature not required service.
• Pick-up from home/ office service is not included in the price. If you use any additional service, please ensure you make a separate payment directly with UPS.
• Only UPS Pak, UPS envelope or or UPS reusable envelope packaging can be used while shipping your application to the VFS Indian Consular Application Centre. Do not use UPS box or tube. Additional charges will apply if any other type of packaging is used which must be paid before your application is processed.
• Your return shipping address must match with the proof of address submitted as part of your application.
• VFS won't be responsible for any delays or damages if packages are in transit for inbound or outbound couriers.
• FedEx pre-paid labels are not acceptable to return your documents.
• Return address on the shipping label must match the address on the application form. Do not provide shipping address of Courier stores or Hold at Location stations.
• We don’t accept USPS pre-paid labels having expiry date limitation.
• Since our agreement of services is with UPS only, we cannot guarantee collection of your shipment by any other service provider from our officeYou are responsible for tracking your package and schedule a pick up from the VFS Consular application Centre once ready.

Policy - Return of incomplete documents after 20 days.

Incomplete application: If the application is not completed within 20 calendar days, then VFS will return your application unprocessed. In this scenario, the Consular and ICWF fee will be refunded post deduction of applicable postal charges (if applicable). Photocopy documents received after 20 days will be shredded and originals if any received will be returned to the Embassy of India or Consulate General of India. Applicants should contact the Embassy of India or Consulate General of India directly to receive their original documents, once VFS returns the original documents to the Embassy of India or Consulate General of India. In this scenario, only the Consular and ICWF fee will be refunded post deduction of applicable postal charges (if applies).

Policy – Additional documents after 07 days.

Additional documents: If the additional documents are not completed within 07 calendar days then Embassy/Consulates may stop processing your application. In this scenario, no fees will be refunded.

Fees and Charges

Note: Online payment/ Payment by card (s) convenience charges @3.5% will be charged over and over the total payment. We accept Master Card, Visa only

If paying by Money order or Banker or Cashier check, then it should be made in favor of “VFS Services (USA) Inc.

Documents Required

Processing time is 6 weeks from the date application reaches to the Embassy/ Consulate.

OCI Registration (In Lieu of Valid PIO card)

Before you start.

• If you are an PIO Card Holder, kindly register through OCI Registration (In Lieu Of Valid PIO-Card).
• If you are an PIO Card Holder and card is in lost state, kindly register through OCI Registration (In Lieu Of Lost PIO-Card).
• Bureau of Immigration (BoI) was accepting PIO cards as valid travel document till 30th September, 2023 along with valid foreign passport. PIO cards are no longer valid to travel. You must apply for OCI .
• Kindly be ready with supporting documents in PDF format (Max size 1000kb). You must upload documents online as listed in the checklist. NOTE: UPLOADING OF DOCUMENTS IS A MUST. YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE REJECTED AND RETURNED UNPROCESSED, IF YOU DON’T UPLOAD ALL THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ON GOVT. PORTAL.
• Government Sample Form
• Application form, complete in all respects, along with all relevant enclosures and requisite fee should be sent to the VFS India Consular Application Centre as per the Consular Jurisdiction in whose jurisdiction the applicant is ordinarily residing irrespective of the fact whether the same Indian Mission/Post/Office has issued the original OCI documents or not.
• If used VFS offered courier service via FedEx- points to notethen max. weight limit per package should be less than 0.5 Lbs.
• Pick-up from home/ office service is not included in the price. If you use any additional service, please ensure you make a separate payment directly with FedEx
• Only FedEx Pak, FedEx envelope or or FedEx reusable envelope packaging can be used while shipping your application to the VFS Indian Consular Application Centre. Do not use FedEx box or tube. Additional charges will apply if any other type of packaging is used which must be paid before your application is processed.
• Since our agreement of services is with FedEx only, we cannot guarantee collection of your shipment by any other service provider from our officeYou are responsible for tracking your package and schedule a pick up from the VFS Consular application Centre once ready.
• Applicants for new OCI, must provide 2 return courier labels with your application
• User Manual - How to Generate courier Label for Incomplete Application

Note: Online payment/ Payment by card (s) convenience charges @3.5% will be charged over and over the total payment.We accept Master Card, Visa only

OCI Registration (In lieu of LOST/Damaged PIO card)

Before you start – oci registration (in lieu of lost/damaged pio card).

• Kindly register through OCI Registration (In Lieu Of Valid PIO-Card).
• Bureau of Immigration (BoI) was accepting PIO cards as valid travel document till 30th September, 2023 along with valid foreign passport. PIO cards are no longer valid to travel. You must apply for OCI.
• Kindly be ready with supporting documents in PDF format (Max size 1000kb). You must upload the below statedthe documents online as listed on the checklist. NOTE: UPLOADING OF DOCUMENTS IS A MUST. YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE REJECTED AND RETURNED UNPROCESSED, IF YOU DON’T UPLOAD ALL THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ON GOVT. PORTAL.

processing time is 6 weeks from the date application reaches to the Embassy/ Consulate.

OCI Miscellaneous services

OCI Card Reissue Guidelines

Please refer the advisory - OCI Card Re-issue Guidelines

Before you start – OCI Miscellaneous Services

• To avail Miscellaneous Service, you must be an existing OCI Card Holder
• In case of issuance of new passport.
• In case of change of personal particulars viz. name, father’sname, nationality etc.
• In case of change of address/occupation

In case of urgent travel, applicants may apply for appropriate visa. In case of urgent travel, applicants may apply for appropriate visa.

Prerequisite

• Kindly be ready with supporting documents in PDF format (Max size 1000kb). Documents stated on the checklist must be uploaded online. NOTE: UPLOADING OF DOCUMENTS IS A MUST. YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE REJECTED AND RETURNED UNPROCESSED, IF YOU DON’T UPLOAD ALL THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ON GOVT. PORTAL.
• Document Checklist
• OCI Sample Form
• Affidavit in lieu of Originals
• Parental Authorization for Minors
• Application form, complete in all respects, along with all relevant enclosures and requisite fee should be sent to the VFS India Consular Application Centre as per the Consular Jurisdiction in whose jurisdiction the applicant is ordinarily residing irrespective of the fact whether the same Indian Mission/Post/Office has issued the original OCI documents or not

OCI in lieu of Damaged/Lost OCI Card

Before you start – oci in lieu of damaged/lost oci card.

• To avail OCI in lieu of Damaged/Lost OCI card Service, you must be an existing OCI Card Holder and should select “OCI Miscellaneous services on Govt. Portal
• OCI in lieu of Lost or Damaged OCI Checklist – For Adult
• OCI in lieu of Lost or Damaged OCI Checklist – For Minor

OCI In lieu of Damaged/Lost OCI Card

Renunciation of OCI card

Before you start – Renunciation of OCI card

• To avail Renunciation of OCI card service, you must be an existing OCI Card Holder

If paying by Money order or Banker or Cashier check, then it should be made in favor of “VFS Services (USA) Inc..

Update April 12, 2024

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Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

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Travel Advisory June 23, 2023

India - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism.

Do not travel to:

• The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest .
• Within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict .

Country Summary : Indian authorities report rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, has occurred at tourist sites and in other locations.

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and government facilities.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in rural areas from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these areas.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to India.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined India has a moderate level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to India:

• Do not travel alone, particularly if you are a woman. Visit our website for Women Travelers .
• Review your personal security plans and remain alert to your surroundings.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report for India.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Avoid all travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh). Sporadic violence occurs particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) separating India and Pakistan, and in tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The Indian government prohibits foreign tourists from visiting certain areas along the LOC.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

India-Pakistan Border – Level 4: Do Not Travel

India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the state of Punjab between Attari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open but confirm the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. A Pakistani visa is required to enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise apply for a Pakistani visa in your country of residence before traveling to India.

Northeastern States – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Incidents of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, including bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets, occur occasionally in the northeast.

U.S. government employees at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are prohibited from traveling to the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur without special authorization from the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata.

Central and East India – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in a large swath of India from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, particularly in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and on the borders of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. The Naxalites have conducted frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials.

Due to the fluid nature of the threat, all U.S. government travelers to states with Naxalite activity must receive special authorization from the U.S. consulate responsible for the area to be visited. U.S. officials traveling only to the capital cities in these states do not need prior authorization.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas . 

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid for six months beyond date of visa application to obtain a visa.

Two pages required.

Yes. Travelers must enter in either on a paper visa, valid for 10 years for U.S. citizens, or an e-tourist visa.

Required for yellow fever if the traveler is arriving from an infected area; others are suggested.

The possession of satellite phones is prohibited in India; Currency in excess of USD $5,000 must be declared. Please check with the Indian Embassy in Washington if you are planning to carry a large amount of currency into India.

Check local law for reporting requirements for exiting with large quantities of foreign currency and Indian rupees.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy new delhi.

Shantipath, Chanakyapuri New Delhi - 110021 India Telephone: +(91) (11) 2419-8000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) (11) 2419-8000 Fax: +(91) (11) 2419-0017 [email protected]

The U.S. Embassy, New Delhi   serves American citizens in the Indian states of  Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, the union territories of Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, and the country of Bhutan.

U.S. Consulate General Mumbai (Bombay) C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex Bandra East, Mumbai 400051 India Telephone: +(91) (22) 2672-4000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) (22) 2672-4000 If you are calling from within India, but outside Mumbai, first dial 022. Fax: 91-(0)22-2672-4786 [email protected]

The Consulate General in Mumbai provides consular services for the states of Goa, Gujarat, Chhatisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, and the union territory of Diu and Daman, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

U.S. Consulate General Kolkata (Calcutta) 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani Kolkata - 700 071, West Bengal, India Telephone: +(91) (33) 3984-2400 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) 99030 42956 or +(91) (33) 3984-2400 then dial "0" Fax: +(91) (33) 2282-2335

The United States Consulate General in Kolkata provides consular services for the states of Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Tripura and Assam. [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Chennai (Madras) 220 Anna Salai at Gemini Circle Chennai, India 600006 Telephone: +(91) (44) 2857-4000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: (0) 44-2857-4000. Ask for American Citizen Services.(Within India, but outside Chennai, first dial 044. From the United States, first dial 011-(91) (44) ) Fax: +(91) (044) 2811-2020

The Consulate General in Chennai provides consular services for the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and the Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Pondicherry and Lakshwadeep Islands. [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad Survey No. 115/1, Financial District, Nanakramguda Hyderabad, Telangana, 500032 Phone: 040 6932 8000

The Consulate General in Hyderabad provides services to the U.S. citizens in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha. [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

All U.S. citizens need a valid passport as well as a valid Indian visa or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, to enter and exit India for any purpose. Travelers without valid documents or the correct type of visa may be denied entry into India. Indian visa regulations and instructions change frequently, often with little advance notice. Travelers are urged to check the  website of the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C.  before any travel to India to review the most current information. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in India cannot assist you if you arrive without proper documentation.

U.S. citizens seeking to enter India solely for tourist purposes for stays of less than 60 days may apply for an eVisa at least four days prior to their arrival. Please visit the  Indian government's website for electronic travel authorization for additional information and to submit an application.  

U.S. citizens seeking to enter India as a tourist for longer than 60 days or for any other purpose must apply for a visa from an Indian embassy or consulate. The Government of India has appointed VFS Global to assist with visa services to individuals in the United States. Applicants may apply for Indian visas through the application link https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-visa .

Diplomatic and Official visa applications are accepted directly at the Indian Embassy and Consulates. All U.S. government employees traveling on official orders, including military personnel, must obtain country clearance for travel to India. Once you have received your visa, check it carefully to ensure that the type of visa and number of entries is appropriate for your travel plans.

Keep copies of your U.S. passport data page, as well as the pages containing the Indian visa and Indian immigration stamps with you at all times. Consider downloading these documents to your mobile phone in case of emergency. If your passport is lost or stolen, copies will help you apply for a replacement passport and an exit visa from the Indian government. Replacing a lost visa, which is required in order to exit the country, may take four or five business days.   

U.S. citizens of Pakistani origin or descent are subject to administrative processing and should expect additional delays when applying for Indian visas.

Foreign citizens who visit India to  study, do research, work, or act as missionaries,  as well as all travelers and residents planning to stay more than 180 days,  are required to register their visit or residency within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO)  closest to where they will be staying in addition  to having the appropriate visa  when they enter India. The FRRO maintains offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru (Bangalore), Lucknow, Calicut, Goa, Cochin, Trivandrum, and Amritsar. District Superintendents of Police serve as Foreigners Registration Officers (FROs) in all other places. We recommend all U.S. citizens review the entry requirements described on the  Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)  section on the Indian Bureau of Immigration website.

If you overstay your Indian visa, or otherwise violate Indian visa regulations, you may require clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs to leave the country. Generally, you will be fined and, in some cases, may be jailed for months. Visa violators seeking an exit permit must visit  the Foreigners Regional Registration Office portal  to submit the application and pay any levied fines. Processing of an exit permit under these circumstances can take up to 90 days and decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.  

For the most current information on entry and exit requirements, please contact the  Embassy of India  at 2536 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 939-9806 or the Indian Consulates in Atlanta ,  Chicago , Houston ,  New York , or  San Francisco . Outside the United States, inquiries should be made at the nearest Indian embassy or consulate.

General information regarding Indian visa and immigration rules, including the addresses and telephone numbers for the FRRO offices, can be found at the  Indian Ministry of Home Affairs Bureau of Immigration website.

HIV/AIDS RESTRICTIONS:  There are no disclosure requirements or restrictions for HIV/AIDS patients who enter India on a tourist visa. Disclosure regarding HIV/AIDS is required of anyone seeking a resident permit in India. Foreign residents found to be suffering from HIV/AIDS will be deported. Please verify this information with the  Embassy of India  before you travel.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

U.S. citizens should always practice good personal security and situational awareness. Be aware of your surroundings (including local customs and etiquette) and keep a low profile. Monitor local news reports, vary your routes and times in carrying out daily activities, and consider the level of security present when you visit public places, including religious sites, and when choosing hotels, restaurants, and entertainment and recreation venues.

India continues to experience terrorist and insurgent activities which may affect U.S. citizens directly or indirectly. Anti-Western terrorist groups, some on the U.S. government's list of foreign terrorist organizations, are active in India, including Islamist extremist groups such as Harkat-ul-Jihad-i-Islami, Harakat ul-Mujahidin, Indian Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Lashkar-e Tayyiba. The U.S. government occasionally receives information regarding possible terrorist attacks that could take place in India, monitors such information to determine credibility, and advises U.S. citizens accordingly.  Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive messages from the Embassy automatically.   

Past attacks have targeted public places, including some frequented by Westerners, such as luxury and other hotels, trains, train stations, markets, cinemas, mosques, and restaurants in large urban areas. Attacks have taken place during the busy evening hours in markets and other crowded places, but could occur at any time.  Alerts are usually more frequent around major holidays. The Maoists (also known as “Naxalites”) are the most active insurgent group in India. The Naxalites typically attack Indian government officials, but have also derailed trains, targeted other government buildings such as police stations, and conducted other criminal activity.  In eastern India’s Bihar state, 10 security personnel were killed and five injured in a Naxalite-triggered Improvised Explosive Device blast on July 18, 2016.  In the eastern state of Jharkhand, seven policemen were killed and eight others injured in a landmine blast by Naxalites on January 27, 2016.   

Beyond the threat from terrorism and insurgencies, demonstrations and general strikes, or “bandh,” often cause major inconvenience and unrest. These strikes can result in the stoppage of all transportation and tourist-related services, at times for 24 hours or more. U.S. citizens caught in such a strike may find they are unable to make flight and rail connections, as local transportation can be severely limited. Local media generally give an idea of the length and geographical location of the strike. Large religious gatherings that attract hundreds of thousands of people can result in dangerous and often life-threatening stampedes. Local demonstrations can begin spontaneously and escalate with little warning, disrupting transportation systems and city services and posing risks to travelers. In response to such events, Indian authorities occasionally impose curfews and/or restrict travel. You are urged to obey such curfews and travel restrictions and to avoid demonstrations and rallies as they have the potential for violence, especially immediately preceding and following political rallies, elections, and religious festivals (particularly when Hindu and Muslim festivals coincide). Tensions between castes and religious groups can also result in disruptions and violence. In some cases, demonstrators specifically block roads near popular tourist sites and disrupt train operations in order to gain the attention of Indian authorities; occasionally vehicles transporting tourists are attacked in these incidents. India generally goes on “High Alert” status prior to major holidays or events. You should monitor local television, print media, Mission India’s American Citizens Services  Facebook  page, and enroll with the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  for further information about the current situation in areas where you will travel.

The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai will post information about routine demonstrations on the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General websites, under the heading “Demonstration Notices.” Please monitor our websites regularly for information about protest activities in the country. Please note that the Embassy and Consulates General will issue emergency/security messages for other purposes, as necessary.

Religious violence occasionally occurs in India, especially when tensions between different religious communities are purposefully exacerbated by groups pushing religiously chauvinistic agendas. There are active "anti-conversion" laws in some Indian states, and acts of conversion sometimes elicit violent reactions from Hindu extremists. Foreigners suspected of proselytizing Hindus have been attacked and killed in conservative, rural areas in India in the past. 

Swimming in India:  You should exercise caution if you intend to swim in open waters along the Indian coastline, particularly during the monsoon season. Every year, several people in Goa, Mumbai, Puri (Odisha), off the Eastern Coast in the Bay of Bengal, and other areas drown due to strong undertows. It is important to heed warnings posted at beaches and to avoid swimming in the ocean during the monsoon season. Trained lifeguards are very rare along beaches.

If you visit the Andaman Islands, be aware that there have been reports of crocodile attacks in salt water resulting in fatalities.  Ask local residents about dangerous sea life before swimming and keep a safe distance from animals at all times.

Wildlife safaris:  India offers opportunities for observation of wildlife in its natural habitat and many tour operators and lodges advertise structured, safe excursions into parks and other wildlife viewing areas for close observation of flora and fauna. However, safety standards and training vary, and it is a good idea to ascertain whether operators are trained and licensed. Even animals marketed as “tame” should be respected as wild and extremely dangerous. Keep a safe distance from animals at all times, remaining in vehicles or other protected enclosures when venturing into game parks.

Trekking in India:  Trekking expeditions should be limited to routes identified for this purpose by local authorities. Use only registered trekking agencies, porters, and guides, suspend trekking after dark, camp at designated camping places, and travel in groups rather than individually or with one or two companions. Altitudes in popular trekking spots can be as high as 25,170 feet (7,672 m); please make sure that you have had a recent medical checkup to ensure that you are fit to trek at these altitudes and carry sufficient medical insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage.

Train Travel:  India has the third largest rail network in the world, and train travel in India generally is safe. Nevertheless, accidents and on-board fires are sometimes caused by aging infrastructure, poorly maintained equipment, overcrowding, and operator errors. Train accidents and fires have resulted in the death and serious injury of passengers.

Areas of Instability: Jammu & Kashmir:  The Department of State strongly recommends that you avoid travel to the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir because of the potential for terrorist incidents as well as violent public unrest. A number of terrorist groups operate in the territory targeting security forces, particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) separating Indian and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, and those stationed in primary tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. Since 1989, as many as 70,000 people (terrorists, security forces, and civilians) have been killed in the Kashmir conflict. Foreigners are particularly visible, vulnerable, and at risk. In the past, serious communal violence left the territory mostly paralyzed due to massive strikes and business shutdowns, and U.S. citizens have had to be evacuated by local police. The Indian government prohibits foreign tourists from visiting certain areas along the LOC (see the section on Restricted Areas, below).

India-Pakistan Border:  The Department of State recommends that you avoid travel to areas within ten kilometers of the border between India and Pakistan. Both India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the state of Punjab between Atari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open, but you are advised to confirm the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. A Pakistani visa is required to enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise you should apply for a Pakistani visa in your country of residence before traveling to India.

Both India and Pakistan claim an area of the Karakoram mountain range that includes the Siachen glacier. Travel or mountain climbing in this area is highly dangerous. The disputed area includes the following peaks: Rimo Peak; Apsarasas I, II, and III; Tegam Kangri I, II and III; Suingri Kangri; Ghiant I and II; Indira Col; and Sia Kangri. Check with the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi for information on current conditions.

Northeastern states:  Incidents of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, including bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets, occur occasionally in the northeast. While U.S. citizens have not been specifically targeted, it is possible that you could be affected as a bystander. If you travel to the northeast, you should avoid travel by train at night, travel outside major cities at night, and crowds. U.S. government employees at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are prohibited from traveling to the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur without permission from the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata. Restricted Area Permits are required for foreigners to visit certain Northeastern states (see the section on Restricted Areas, below.) Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata for information on current conditions.

East Central and Southern India:  Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in East Central India primarily in rural areas. The Naxalites have a long history of conflict with state and national authorities, including frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials, and are responsible for more attacks in the country than any other organization through an ongoing campaign of violence and intimidation Naxalites have not specifically targeted U.S. citizens but have attacked symbolic targets that have included Western companies and rail lines. While Naxalite violence does not normally occur in places frequented by foreigners, there is a risk that visitors could become victims of violence.

Naxalites are active in a large swath of India from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, particularly in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and on the borders of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. Due to the fluid nature of the threat, all U.S. government travelers to states with Naxalite activity must receive authorization from the U.S. Consulate responsible for the area to be visited. U.S. officials traveling only to the capital cities in these states do not need prior authorization.

Restricted/Protected areas:  While the Indian Government has designated that travelers to “portions” of certain areas need special advance permission, actual practice has been to require a permit to enter any portion of certain states or territories. Areas requiring a permit include:

• The state of Arunachal Pradesh
• Portions of the state of Sikkim
• Portions of the state of Himachal Pradesh near the Chinese border
• Portions of the state of Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal) near the Chinese border
• Portions of the state of Rajasthan near the Pakistani border
• Portions of the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir near the Line of Control with Pakistan and certain portions of the union territory of Ladakh
• The union territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands
• The union territory of the Laccadives Islands (Lakshadweep)
• Portions of the state of Manipur
• Portions of the state of Mizoram
• Portions of the state of Nagaland

More information about travel to/in restricted/protected areas can be found from India’s  Bureau of Immigration .

“Restricted Area Permits" are available outside India at Indian embassies and consulates abroad, or in India from the Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners Division) at Jaisalmer House, 26 Man Singh Road, New Delhi. The states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim maintain official guesthouses in New Delhi, which can also issue Restricted Area Permits for their respective states for certain travelers. While visiting Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) in Tamil Nadu, be aware the Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Center, Kalpakkam, is located just south of the site and is not clearly marked as a restricted and dangerous area.

For the latest security information, travelers should enroll in  STEP  to receive updated security information and regularly monitor travel information available from the  U.S. Embassy in New Delhi  as well as the U.S. Consulates General in  Mumbai  (Bombay),  Chennai (Madras),  Hyderabad , and  Kolkata  (Calcutta).

CRIME:  Petty crime, especially theft of personal property (including U.S. passports), is common, particularly on trains or buses, at airports, and in major tourist areas. Pickpockets can be very adept and women have reported having their bags snatched, purse-straps cut, or the bottom of their purses slit without their knowledge. If you are traveling by train, lock your sleeping compartments and take your valuables with you when leaving your berth. If you travel by air, be careful with your bags in the arrival and departure areas outside airports. Violent crime, especially directed against foreigners, has traditionally been uncommon, although in recent years there has been a modest increase. Be cautious about displaying cash or expensive items to reduce the chance of being a target for robbery or other crime, and be aware of your surroundings when you use ATMs. ATM card scams have been used to clone credit card details to withdraw money.

Sexual Assault:  Travelers should be aware that there have been reported cases of sexual assault, including rape, of U.S. citizens traveling throughout India. U.S. citizens, particularly women, are cautioned not to travel alone in India. Women traveling in India are advised to respect local dress and customs. Customary everyday dress for Indian women throughout the country is conservative, and even more so in non-urban areas,  with women wearing clothing that covers their legs and shoulders. Exceptions are vacation resorts catering to foreign clientele and some neighborhoods of the major cities of New Delhi and Mumbai. Western women, especially those of African descent, continue to report incidents of verbal and physical harassment by individuals and groups of men. Known locally as “Eve-teasing,” these incidents of sexual harassment can be quite frightening and can quickly cross the line from verbal to physical. Sexual harassment can occur anytime or anywhere, but most frequently has happened in crowded areas such as in market places, train stations, buses, and public streets. The harassment can range from sexually suggestive or lewd comments to catcalls to outright groping. The Government of India has focused greater attention on addressing issues of gender violence. One outcome has been greater reporting of incidences of sexual assault country-wide, and Indian authorities report rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Among large cities, Delhi experienced the highest number of reported crimes against women. Although most victims have been local residents, recent sexual attacks against female visitors in tourist areas across India underline the fact that foreign women are at risk and should exercise vigilance.

Women should observe stringent security precautions, including avoiding use of public transport after dark without the company of known and trustworthy companions, restricting evening entertainment to well-known venues, and avoiding isolated areas when alone at any time of day. Keep your hotel room number confidential and make sure hotel room doors have chains, deadlocks, and peep holes. Travel with groups of friends rather than alone. In addition, only hire reliable cars and drivers and avoid traveling alone in hired taxis, especially at night. Use taxis from hotels and pre-paid taxis at airports rather than hailing them on the street. If you encounter threatening situations, call “100” for police assistance (“112” from mobile phones).

Scams:  Major airports, train stations, popular restaurants, and tourist sites are often used by scam artists looking to prey on visitors, often by creating a distraction. Beware of taxi drivers and others, including train porters, who solicit travelers with "come-on" offers of cheap transportation and/or hotels. Travelers accepting such offers have frequently found themselves the victims of scams, including offers to assist with "necessary" transfers to the domestic airport, disproportionately expensive hotel rooms, unwanted "tours," unwelcome "purchases," extended cab rides, and even threats when the tourists decline to pay.  There have been reports of tourists being lured, held hostage and extorted for money in the face of threats of violence against the traveler and his/her family members.

You should exercise care when hiring transportation and/or guides and use only well-known travel agents to book trips. Some scam artists have lured travelers by displaying their name on a sign when they leave the airport. Another popular scam is to drop money or to squirt something on the clothing of an unsuspecting traveler and use the distraction to rob them of their valuables. Tourists have also been given drugged drinks or tainted food to make them more vulnerable to theft, particularly at train stations. Even food or drink prepared in front of the traveler from a canteen or vendor could be tainted.

Some vendors sell carpets, jewelry, gemstones, or other expensive items that may not be of the quality promised. Deal only with reputable businesses and do not hand over your credit cards or money unless you are certain that goods being shipped are the goods you purchased. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it is best avoided. Most Indian states have official tourism bureaus set up to handle complaints.

There have been a number of other scams perpetrated against foreign travelers, particularly in Goa, Jaipur, and Agra that target younger travelers and involve suggestions that money can be made by privately transporting gems or gold (both of which can result in arrest) or by taking delivery abroad of expensive carpets, supposedly while avoiding customs duties. The scam artists describe profits that can be made upon delivery of the goods, and require the traveler to pay a "deposit" as part of the transaction.

India-based criminals use the internet to extort money from victims abroad.  In a common scam, the victim develops a close romantic relationship with an alleged U.S. citizen they meet online. When the “friend” travels to India, a series of accidents occur and the victim begins to receive requests for financial assistance, sometimes through an intermediary.  In fact, the U.S. citizen “friend” does not exist; they are only online personas used by criminal networks. Victims have been defrauded of thousands of dollars in these schemes. Do not send money to anyone you have not met in person and carefully read the Department of State’s advice on  international financial scams . 

U.S. citizens have had problems with business partners, usually involving property investments. You may wish to seek professional legal advice in reviewing any contracts for business or services offered in India. The U.S. Embassy and/or consulates are unable to provide legal advice or intervene on behalf of United States citizens with Indian courts on civil or criminal matters.  A list of local attorneys is available on the Embassy and Consulates General  websites .

In another common scam, family members in the United States, particularly older people, are approached for funds to help callers claiming to be grandchildren or relatives who have been arrested or are without money to return home. Do not send money without contacting the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General to confirm the other party’s situation. You can also call our Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 888-407-4747 (from overseas: 202-501-4444). Review our information on  Emergency Assistance to Americans Abroad . 

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for more information on scams.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should first contact the local police, then inform the U.S. Embassy or local Consulate.

Report crimes to the local police by calling “100” or “112” from a mobile phone.                      

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Please note that you should ask for a copy of the police report, known as a “First Information Report” (FIR), from local police when you report an incident. Local authorities generally are unable to take any meaningful action without the filing of a police report. 

If your passport is stolen, you should immediately report the theft or loss to the police in the location where your passport was stolen. A FIR is required by the Indian government in order for you to obtain an exit visa to leave India if the lost passport contained your Indian visa. Although the Embassy or Consulate General is able to replace a stolen or lost passport, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) are responsible for approving an exit permit. This process usually takes three to four working days, but can take longer.

In cases of sexual assault or rape, the Embassy or Consulates General can provide a list of local doctors and hospitals, if needed, to determine if you have been injured and to discuss treatment and prevention options for diseases and pregnancy. You should be aware that in order for evidence of an assault to be submitted in a court case, Indian authorities require that the medical exam be completed at a government hospital. Therefore, if a victim goes to a private hospital for treatment, the hospital will refer them to a government hospital for this aspect of the medical process. 

There are a number of resources in India for victims of rape and sexual assault. The specific toll-free Women’s Helpline Service number in Delhi is 1091; in Mumbai it is 103; in Kolkata, 1090; in Chennai, 1091 or 2345-2365; and in Hyderabad one can dial 1-800-425-2908 or 1098 for crimes in general.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in India is “100.” An additional emergency number, “112,” can be accessed from mobile phones.

Please see our  information for victims of crime , including possible victim compensation programs in the United States. 

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur.  Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field.  In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities.  First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.  See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 

Furthermore, some activities are crimes under U.S. law and can be prosecuted in the U.S. regardless of whether they are allowed under local law.  For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Alcohol: Each of India’s states has independent regulations concerning alcohol purchase and consumption. Legal drinking ages range from 18 to 25 and can vary by beverage type. Some states permit alcohol use for medicinal purposes only, others require you to hold a permit to buy, transport, or consume alcohol. Penalties for violation can be harsh.

Drugs:  Several U.S. citizens have been arrested at Indian airports for attempting to smuggle illegal drugs from India.  All claimed that they did not realize they were carrying narcotics.  Never transport or mail packages that do not belong to you and maintain direct control of your luggage at all times.

Beef and Cow Hide: Several states in India impose various types of prohibition on beef.  In some rural areas, cow protection vigilantes have attacked people they suspected of selling or consuming beef, or possessing items made with cow hide.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

Dual nationality: India does not permit its citizens to hold dual nationality. In 2006, India launched the "Overseas Citizens of India" (OCI) program, which does not grant Indian citizenship but is similar to a U.S. "green card" in that you can travel to and from India indefinitely, work in India, study in India, and own property in India (except for certain agricultural and plantation properties). If you are a U.S. citizen and obtain an OCI card you will not become a citizen of India; you will remain a citizen of the United States. An OCI card holder does not receive an Indian passport, cannot vote in Indian elections, and is not eligible for Indian government employment. The OCI program is similar to the Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card except that PIO holders must still register with Indian immigration authorities, and PIO cards are not issued for an indefinite period. U.S. citizens of Indian descent can apply for PIO or OCI cards at the Indian Embassy in Washington, or at the Indian Consulates in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Houston. Inside India, U.S. citizens can apply at the nearest FRRO office (please see “Entry/Exit Requirements” section above for more information on the FRRO). U.S. citizens are required to travel on a U.S. passport when traveling in and out of the United States.

Religious activities and faith-based travelers:  See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report .  If you plan to engage in religious proselytizing you are required by Indian law to have a "missionary" visa. Immigration authorities have determined that certain activities, including speaking at religious meetings to which the general public is invited, may violate immigration law if the traveler does not hold a missionary visa. Foreigners with tourist visas who engage in missionary activity are subject to deportation and possible criminal prosecution. The states of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh have legislation that regulates or places restrictions on conversion from one religious faith to another. If you intend to engage in missionary activity, you may wish to seek legal advice to determine whether the activities you intend to pursue are permitted under Indian law.

Tourists should also be mindful of restrictions and observances when planning to visit any religious establishment, whether Hindu temples, mosques, churches, or other locations considered sacred by the local population. Many individual temples and mosques do not permit non-members to enter all or parts of the facilities, and may require the removal of shoes, the covering of the head, or have other specific requirements for appropriate attire.  

Customs restrictions: Before traveling to or from India, you are urged to inspect all bags and clothing thoroughly to ensure they do not inadvertently contain prohibited items. Several U.S. citizens have been arrested or detained when airport security officials discovered loose ammunition (even spent individual bullets and casings) or weapons in their luggage. If you are found to have loose ammunition or bullets (including empty bullet shells used in souvenirs) on your person or in your bags, you could be charged with violation of the Indian Arms Act, incarcerated, and/or deported from India.

In addition, U.S. citizens have been arrested for possession of satellite phones. Satellite phones, personal locator beacons, and hand-held GPS devices are illegal in India.

Indian customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from India of such items as, antiquities, electronic equipment, currency, ivory, gold objects, and other prohibited materials. Permission from the Government of India is required to bring in restricted items, even if you are only transiting through India. If you do not comply with these regulations, you risk arrest or fine or both and confiscation of these items. If you are charged with any legal violations by Indian law enforcement, have an attorney review any document before you sign it. The Government of India requires the registration of antique items with the local police along with a photograph of the item. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of India in Washington or one of India's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements. More information is available from the Indian Central Board of Excise and Customs .

Indian customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters, located at the U.S. Council for International Business , 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information call (212) 354-4480, or email USCIB for details. Please see our section on Customs Information for more information.

Natural disaster threats: Parts of northern India are highly susceptible to earthquakes. Regions of highest risk, ranked 5 on a scale of 1 to 5, include areas around Srinagar, Himachal Pradesh, Rishikesh and Dehra Dun, the northern parts of Punjab, northwest Gujarat, northern Bihar, and the entire northeast. Ranked 4 (high damage risk) is an area that sweeps along the north through Jammu and Kashmir, Eastern Punjab, Haryana, Northern Uttar Pradesh, central Bihar and the northern parts of West Bengal. New Delhi is located in zone 4. Severe flooding is common in hilly and mountainous areas throughout India. Flooding in 2013 in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and other areas left thousands of people presumed dead and temporarily stranded dozens of U.S. citizens.

Typhoons/cyclones and subsequent flooding are common along the Indian coasts, in particular the Eastern coastal states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal, and have at times resulted in massive loss of life.  Tourists and residents in areas prone to these events should remain vigilant during severe weather, monitor local media for latest developments, and heed all municipal warnings.  Residents in these areas should have contingency plans for loss of power and inavailability of goods and services, including supplies for multiple days after a severe weather event.

Accessibility: While in India, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different than what you find in the United States. Despite legislation that all public buildings and transport be accessible for disabled people, accessibility remains limited. One notable exception is the Delhi metro system, designed to be accessible to those with physical disabilities.

Women Travelers: Please review our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Students:  See our   Students Abroad  page and FBI travel tips .

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  Section 377 of India’s penal code makes same-sex sexual acts illegal in India. On September 6, 2018, the Supreme Court of India declared unconstitutional the application of Section 377, barring discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, effectively legalizing homosexuality in India. Reports of widespread discrimination and violence against LGBTQI+ persons, particularly in rural areas, persist. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Zika is present in India. See the Centers for Disease Control’s website for more information.

The quality of medical care in India varies considerably. Medical care in the major population centers approaches and occasionally meets Western standards, but adequate medical care is usually very limited or unavailable in rural areas.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. 

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . 

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance (our webpage) to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of India to ensure the medication is legal in India.  Always, carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. 

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you are arriving in India from Sub-Saharan Africa or other yellow-fever areas, Indian health regulations require that you present evidence of vaccination against yellow fever. If you do not have such proof, you could be subjected to immediate deportation or a six-day detention in the yellow-fever quarantine center. If you transit through any part of sub-Saharan Africa, even for one day, you are advised to carry proof of yellow fever immunization.

Dogs and bats create a high risk of rabies transmission in most of India. Vaccination is recommended for all prolonged stays, especially for young children and travelers in rural areas. It is also recommended for shorter stays that involve occupational exposure, locations more than 24 hours from a reliable source of human rabies immune globulin and rabies vaccine for post-exposure treatment, adventure travelers, hikers, cave explorers, and backpackers. Monkeys also can transmit rabies and herpes B, among other diseases, to human victims. Avoid feeding monkeys. If bitten, you should immediately soak and scrub the bite for at least 15 minutes and seek urgent medical attention.

Influenza is transmitted from November to April in areas north of the Tropic of Cancer (north India), and from June through November (the rainy season) in areas south of the Tropic of Cancer (south India), with a smaller peak from February through April; off-season transmission can also occur. All travelers are at risk. Influenza vaccine is recommended for all travelers during the flu season.

Outbreaks of avian influenza (H5N1 virus) occur intermittently in eastern India, including West Bengal, Manipur, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Assam. For further information on pandemic influenza, please refer to the Department of State's 2009-H1N1, Pandemic Influenza, and H5N1 Fact Sheet .

Malaria prophylaxis depends on time of year and area the traveler is visiting. Please consult the CDC website for more information. Dengue fever presents significant risk in urban and rural areas. The highest number of cases is reported from July to December, with cases peaking from September to October. Daytime insect precautions such as wearing long-sleeved shirts and mosquito repellent are recommended by the CDC.

Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in India. For further information, please consult the CDC’s Travel Notice on TB .

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in India, and you should consult your doctor prior to travel and consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you.  The air quality in India varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons.  It is typically at its worst in the winter. Anyone who travels where pollution levels are high is at risk. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:

• Infants, children, and teens
• People over 65 years of age
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
• People with heart disease or diabetes
• People who work or are active outdoors

Current air quality data can be found on the Embassy’s Air Quality page . The data on this site are updated hourly.

Rh-negative blood may be difficult to obtain as it is not common in Asia.

For emergency services, dial 112 from a cell phone; from a land line, dial 100 for police, 102 for ambulance (108 in parts of South India), and 101 for fire. Ambulances are not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, and traffic does not yield to emergency vehicles. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance. Most hospitals require advance payment or confirmation of insurance prior to treatment. Payment practices vary and credit cards are not routinely accepted for medical care.

Medical Tourism: Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. Companies offering vacation packages bundled with medical consultations and financing options provide direct-to-consumer advertising over the internet. Such medical packages often claim to provide high quality care, but the quality of health care in India is highly variable. People seeking health care in India should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and refer to the information from the CDC . Persons traveling to India for medical purposes require the proper “medical” visa. Please check with the nearest Indian embassy or consulate for more information.

Despite reports of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospitals, in general travelers should not delay or avoid treatment for urgent or emergent medical situations. However, health tourists and other travelers who may be contemplating elective procedures in this country should carefully research individual hospital infection control practices.

Surrogacy: Commercial surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in India, subject to complex local regulation.  For additional information, visit the Government of India’s official information on foreigner surrogacy . 

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in India maintain lists of local doctors and hospitals, all of which are published on their respective websites under "U.S. Citizen Services." We cannot endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Travel by road in India is dangerous. India leads the world in traffic-related deaths and a number of U.S. citizens have suffered fatal traffic accidents in recent years. You should exercise extreme caution when crossing streets, even in marked pedestrian areas, and try to use only cars that have seatbelts. Seatbelts are not common in three-wheel taxis (autos) and in taxis’ back seats. Helmets should always be worn on motorcycles and bicycles.Travel at night is particularly hazardous.

On Indian roads, the safest driving policy is always to assume that other drivers will not respond to a traffic situation in the same way you would in the United States. Buses and trucks often run red lights and merge directly into traffic at yield points and traffic circles. Cars, autos, bicycles, and pedestrians behave only slightly more cautiously. Use your horn or flash your headlights frequently to announce your presence. It is both customary and wise.

Inside and outside major cities, roads are often poorly maintained and congested. Even main roads frequently have only two lanes, with poor visibility and inadequate warning markers. On the few divided highways one can expect to meet local transportation traveling in the wrong direction, often without lights. Heavy traffic is the norm and includes (but is not limited to) overloaded trucks and buses, scooters, pedestrians, bullock and camel carts, horse or elephant riders en route to weddings, bicycles, and free-roaming livestock.

Public Transportation: Buses, patronized by hundreds of millions of Indians, are convenient in that they serve almost every city of any size. However, they are often driven fast, recklessly, and without consideration for the rules of the road. Accidents are quite common.

Traffic Laws: Traffic in India moves on the left. It is important to be alert while crossing streets and intersections, especially after dark as traffic is coming in the "wrong" direction. Travelers should remember to use seatbelts in both rear and front seats where available, and to ask their drivers to maintain a safe speed.

In order to drive in India, you must have either a valid Indian driver’s license or a valid international driver’s license. Because of difficult road and traffic conditions, you may wish to consider hiring a local driver.

If a driver hits a pedestrian or a cow, the vehicle and its occupants are at risk of being attacked by passersby. Such attacks pose significant risk of injury or death to the vehicle's occupants or risk of incineration of the vehicle. It could be unsafe to remain at the scene of an accident of this nature, and drivers may instead wish to seek out the nearest police station. Protestors often use road blockage as a means of publicizing their grievances, causing severe inconvenience to travelers. Visitors should monitor local news reports for any reports of road disturbances.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

Emergency Numbers: The following emergency numbers work in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata:

• Fire Brigade 101
• Ambulance 102

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of India’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of India’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page . Travelers are urged to use caution while booking private helicopters for travel, especially in the northeast. 

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• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

India was cited in the State Department’s 2023 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  India . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Instructions For Filling Application Form

Applicants applying for oci-card, please read.

Please fill the fields in BLOCK LETTERS.

A person who has not attained the age of 18 years is considered as minor. In case of minor who cannot sign, his/her left thumb impression may be placed in the signature box. Parents should not sign on the behalf of the children.

Signature/Thumb impression should be confined to the prescribed box. In case of minor applicants, parents should NOT sign in the box.

Photograph to be affixed on the application should be a square shape of size not less than 51*51mm (with 80% coverage of face). It should have plain light color background (not white) without the border with front view of person's head and shoulders showing the full face in middle of the photograph. It should not be stapled and not have any signature.

Photographs that do not conform to these standards will be rejected and may cause a delay in processing the applications. Please see standards of acceptable photographs as Photo Link.

If there are any objections while processing the applications, the same will be displayed on the Online Status Enquiry. Please follow the instructions and send requisite documents to the Indian Mission/ Office where you have applied quoting the File (or Acknowledgement) Number.

After successful registration, copy of Part A and Part B with an online registration number will be printed. Application form on Parts A and B, complete in all respects, along with all relevant enclosures may be submitted to the appropriate office.

Enclosures to be attached with the application:

In case of applications for registration as Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder in lieu of PIO card, only copies of the following documents to be attached:-

Valid passport of the applicant

Valid PIO card of the applicant.

In case of fresh application for registration as OCI Cardholder, following documents are to be attached:-

Proof of present citizenship – Copy of present valid passport (applicable in all cases), with validity of minimum 6 months at the time of submission of application.

In case application is submitted in India, copy of any type of Visa (other than Missionary Visa, Tourist Visa and Mountaineering Visa)/ Residential Permit with 3 months validity as on the date of application.

Evidence of self or parents or grandparents or great grandparents being a citizen of India at the time of, or at any time after the commencement of the Constitution i.e. 26.01.1950 or being eligible to become a citizen of India at the time of commencement of the Constitution i.e. 26.01.1950 or belonging to a territory that became part of India after 15th August, 1947:- These could be:

Copy of the Indian Passport; or

Copy of the Domicile Certificate issued by the Competent Authority; or

Copy of Nativity Certificate from the Competent Authority; or

OCI Card/ PIO card of parents/ spouse along with the documents upon which the OCI/ PIO card was issued; or

Any other proof substantiating the request. Usually applicant does submit a certificate of residence or place of birth of self/parents/grandparents from First Class Magistrate/District Magistrate (DM) of the concerned place.

Evidence of relationship as parent/grandparent/ great grandparent, if their Indian origin is claimed as basis for registration as OCI Cardholder: The document of relationship could be “Birth Certificate” issued from competent authority mentioning both parents’ name. In case the birth certificate is issued by a foreign authority, it is to be Apostilled or endorsed by the concerned Indian Mission abroad.

In case of minor child whose both parents are citizens of India or one of the parents is a citizen of India:

Copy of child’s birth certificate

Copy of Indian passport of the parents / one of the parents or copy of the Domicile Certificate or Nativity Certificate issued by the Competent Authority in respect of the parents/ one of the parents or any other proof substantiating the status of the parents/ one of the parents as being Indian citizen(s).

If the parents are divorced, court order of dissolution of marriage, which specifically mentions that the legal custody of the child is with the parent who is applying for the OCI card.

Evidence as spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or spouse of foreign origin of an OCI Cardholder:

Registered marriage certificate; indicating that the marriage has taken place before 2 years on the date of application.

In the case of spouse of an Indian citizen - Copy of the Indian Passport of the spouse or copy of the Domicile Certificate or Nativity Certificate issued by the Competent Authority in respect of the Indian spouse or any other proof substantiating the status of the spouse as being an Indian citizen

In the case of spouse of an OCI Cardholder - Copy of the present valid Passport of the spouse and copy of the OCI Card of the spouse and copies of the documents upon which the OCI Card was issued to the spouse.

In case of applications submitted to the Indian Mission/ Post abroad, OCI registration fee of US$ 275 (US$ 100 for conversion of PIO to OCI card) for each application or equivalent amount in local currency to be paid by way of Demand Draft (till online payment facility is introduced).

In case of applications submitted in India, a fee of Rs.15,000/- (Rs. 5500/- for conversion of PIO to OCI card) by way of Demand Draft drawn in favour of “Pay and Accounts Officer (Secretariat), Ministry of Home Affairs payable at New Delhi (till online payment facility is introduced).

The documents enclosed with the application should be self attested.

This form when completed should be submitted in original along with photograph, signature and requisite documents.

After submission of the complete application online including documents, photograph and signature, the applicants are required to visit their jurisdictional FRRO/ Mission/ Post with the originals of the supporting documents uploaded with online application for prior verification.

In India to the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO), Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Amritsar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Lucknow, Kochi, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) , Ahmedabad and Goa.

Outside India, to the Indian Mission/Post having jurisdiction over the country of which the applicant is a citizen or if he/she is not living the country of his/her citizenship, to the Indian Mission/Post having jurisdiction over the country of which the applicant is ordinarily resident.

After receipt of application in concerned office, a File (or Acknowledgement) Number would be issued to the applicant by way of acknowledgement

The applicant can verify the status of his/her application online by quoting the online Registration Number or File (or Acknowledgement) Number.

Please contact Mission/Office where you have applied for OCI registration after 10 days from the date of dispatch of documents from Delhi or any day after receipt of documents at the Mission/Office whichever is earlier. Please produce your passports(s) and PIO card, if applicable, in person/through authorized person for affixing OCI visa sticker and issuance of registration certificate. In case of applications filled in India with FRRO, applicants should go to the FRRO office in person/through authorized person.

For collection of OCI document, the applicant is required to be present at the concerned Indian Mission / FRRO Office in person or he/she can send a duly authorized person, along with his/her passport & PIO card (if any) and the original documents for which self-attested copies were attached at the time of submitting application, for verification purposes.

Please check that all fields in the form are filled in and all necessary enclosures are attached before submission of the form to Indian Mission/Post abroad or FRRO in India.

Concealment of any material fact or false representation etc. will lead to cancellation of registration as Overseas Citizen of India (Please refer to section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955).

For Re-print this application, visit : https://ociservices.gov.in

For status Enquiry about your application, visit : https://ociservices.gov.in

Applicants applying for OCI-Card, please note-

It is mandatory to upload Applicant's image and Applicant's signature image during OCI-Registration.

Both the images must be in jpeg or jpg format, with max size 1MB.

• The height and width of the Applicant Photo must be equal.
• The minimum dimensions are 200 pixels (width) x 200 pixels (height).
• The maximum dimensions are 3500 pixels (width) x 3500 pixels (height).
• The height and width of the Signature Photo must have aspect ratio 1:3
• The minimum dimensions are 200 pixels (width) x 67 pixels (height).
• The maximum dimensions are 3500 pixels (width) x 2500 pixels (height).

Kindly be ready with both these images before starting the registration process.

Applicants applying for Miscellaneous Services, please read

• To avail Miscellaneous Service, you must be an existing OCI Card Holder

In case the existing OCI card holder wishes to update the latest information about his latest passport, Change in address/Occupation/Contact details, the OCI card holder can select the option as given below and upload the latest photograph and requisite documents. These details shall be updated into the OCI system records and an acknowledgement shall be shared with OCI card holder on his/her registered email ID. The services under these categories are gratis in nature:

In case issuance of new Passport Details (each time a new passport is issued up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age)

In case change in address/occupation/contact details.

As per latest MHA guidelines, The re-issuance of new OCI card will be applicable for following categories:

In case of issuance of new passport (once a new passport is issued after completing 20 years of age.)

In case of change of personal particulars viz. name, father's name, nationality etc.

In case of loss/damage of OCI registration certificate.

• In case the existing OCI card holder wishes to apply for re-issuance of OCI Card, application form, complete in all respects, along with all relevant enclosures and requisite fee may be submitted to the Indian Mission/Post/Office in whose jurisdiction the applicant is ordinarily residing irrespective of the fact whether the same Indian Mission/Post/Office has issued the original OCI documents or not.

In case the existing OCI card holder wishes to update/upload the latest information about his latest passport, Change in address/Occupation/Contact details, the OCI card holder can select the option/(s) as given below and upload the latest photograph and requisite documents. These details shall be updated into the OCI system records and an acknowledgement shall be shared with OCI card holder on his/her registered email ID. The services under these categories are gratis in nature.

Photograph be a square shape and it should have plain light color background (not white) without the border with front view of person's head and shoulders showing the full face in middle of the photograph. It should not be stapled and not have any signature.

Please contact Mission/Office where you have applied for OCI registration after 10 days from the date of dispatch of documents from Delhi or any day after receipt of documents at the Mission/Office whichever is earlier. Please produce your passports(s) and PIO card, if applicable, in person/through authorized person for affixing OCI visa sticker and issuance of registration certificate. In case of applications filed in India with FRRO, applicants should go to the FRRO office in person/through authorized person

In case application is submitted in India, copy of any type of Visa (other than Missionary Visa and Mountaineering Visa)/ Residential Permit with 3 months validity as on the date of application.

Please contact Mission/Office where you have applied for OCI registration after 10 days from the date of dispatch of documents from Delhi or any day after receipt of documents at the Mission/Office whichever is earlier. Please produce your passports(s) and PIO card, if applicable, in person/through authorized person for affixing OCI visa sticker and issuance of registration certificate. In case of applications filed in India with FRRO, applicants should go to the FRRO office in person/through authorized person.

Applicants applying for Miscellaneous Services, please note-

There will be re-issue of OCI card only once i.e. when a new passport is issued after completing 20 years of age. This will be as per the existing system of re-issue of OCI cards under OCI Misc. services.

Provision for uploading of a copy of the new passport containing the photo and also a latest photo on the online system each time a new passport is issued up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age.

In the case of those who have been registered as OCI card holder as spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or spouse of foreign origin of an OCI card holder, provision for uploading a copy of the new passport containing the photo and also a latest photo on the online system each time a new passport is issued, along with the following:-

A declaration signed by the OCI card holder and his/ her Indian spouse or OCI card holder spouse to the effect that their marriage is still subsisting.

In case the OCI card holder is the spouse of an Indian citizen, copy of the Indian passport of the Indian spouse.

In case the OCI card holder is the spouse of an OCI card holder, passport & OCI card of the OCI card holder spouse.

OCI card holder may upload the documents within 3 months of issue of new passport. This service will be on gratis basis. A simple form along with provision for uploading these documents to be provided.

On uploading of the documents as at (2) & (3) above, an auto email to be sent by the system to the OCI card holder confirming that the documents have been successfully uploaded.

After verification of the uploaded details by concerned Indian mission/FRRO, an acknowledgement through email to be automatically sent to the OCI card holder informing “Updated details have been taken on record”.

It is mandatory to upload Applicant's image and Applicant's signature image during OCI-Registration

Both the images must be in jpeg or jpg format, with max size 500kb.

Applicants applying for Special Permission, please read

To apply for special permission for any of the activity, you must be an existing OCI Card Holder.

You may apply for the special permission of any one of the activities listed below:

To undertake research;

To undertake any Missionary or Tabligh or Mountaineering or Journalistic activities;

To undertake internship in any foreign Diplomatic Missions or foreign Government organisations in India or to take up employment in any foreign Diplomatic Missions in India;

To visit any place which falls within the Protected or Restricted or prohibited areas as notified by the Central Government or competent authority;

Photograph should be a square shape with 80% coverage of face. It should have plain light color background (not white) without the border with front view of person's head and shoulders showing the full face in middle of the photograph. It should not be stapled and not have any signature.

The Overseas Citizen of India Card holder applying for permission for activities the following documents need to be uploaded ;

For Research Activities-

Copy of OCI Card

Copy of Passport (in case of dual nationality, both passports)

Copy of admission letter received from university/ institute

Bonafide certificate from the institute mentioning period of research

Copy of synopsis of research papers

Duly certified Form 'G'

Evidence of financial resources

Residence proof

Recent photograph

Recent Signature

Undertaking from the applicant:

For Mountaineering Activities-

Copy of permission from Indian Mountaineering Foundation

Copy of expedition details

PAP/ RAP permission, if any

For Missionary work-

Copy of sponsorship from institution/ organization

For internship/ employment-

Contract / sponsorship of Internship/ Employment

For Tabligh work-

For journalistic activities-

Copy of contract/ sponsorship with organization

Documents related to designation in media platform

Documentary Clearance Form along with required documents as per format prescribed on MEA's website www.mea.gov.in (if applicable)

Undertaking for making documentary as per format prescribed on MEA's website www.mea.gov.in (if applicable)

For Visit Protected or Restricted or prohibited areas as notified by the government: please visit https://indianfrro.gov.in/ for further details.

Undertaking from the applicant is as given below:

"I undertake that I will not engage in an prohibited activity other than the one for which I have been permitteyd. Further, I understand that if I violate any of the provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955 or provisions of any other law or any law for time being in force as may be specified by Government, my OCI registration will not only be cancelled but also I shall be prosecuted as per law of the land."

Once the application is submitted by OCI Card holder, acknowledgment will be sent to him on e-mail and link will be provided to check status of application.

As soon as permission is granted by concerned Indian mission or Indian FRRO, the status will be shared with the applicant on e-mail

For Status Enquiry about your application, visit : https://ociservices.gov.in

Applicants applying for Permission, please note-

It is mandatory to upload Applicant's photograph and Applicant's signature image during OCI-Registration.

The maximum dimensions are 1500 pixels (width) x 1500 pixels (height).

Overseas Citizen Of India Cardholder

All valid pio-card holders may now register to become oci-card holder..

For more details click here

New OCI Registration

Before you start.

• Check your eligibility before you start your registration.
• If you are already an OCI Card Holder, kindly use OCI Miscellaneous Services.
• If you are an PIO Card Holder, kindly register through OCI Registration (In Lieu Of Valid PIO-Card).
• If you are an PIO Card Holder and card is in lost state, kindly register through OCI Registration (In Lieu Of Lost PIO-Card).
• To reprint your already registered application, kindly use 'Re-Print Submitted Application' service.
• In case of urgent travel, applicants may apply for appropriate visa.

Prerequisites

• Kindly be ready with Applicant's image and Applicant's signature image (Max size 1MB).
• Kindly be ready with supporting documents in PDF format (Max size 1000kb).

After Registration

• After submission of online application, a copy of the application form will be printed with an Online Registration Number.
• Application form, complete in all respects, along with all relevant enclosures and requisite fee may be submitted to the Indian Mission/Post/Office in whose jurisdiction the applicant is ordinarily residing irrespective of the fact whether the same Indian Mission/Post/Office has issued the original OCI documents or not.

OCI Registration (In Lieu Of Valid PIO-Card)

• Bureau of Immigration(BoI) will accept PIO cards as valid travel document till 30th September, 2019 along with valid foreign passport and the Indian Immigration check posts will continue to consider all PIO cards valid for exit/entry into India till 30th September, 2019. This extension of timeline is subject to the condition that if in the meantime any deadline is notify by the ICAO thereby making hand written PIO cards invalid the PIO cardholders may have to obtain appropriate visa from Indian Missions/Post abroad.
• The height and width of the Signature Photo must have aspect ratio 1:3.

OCI Registration (In Lieu Of Lost PIO-Card)

Oci miscellaneous services.

• In case of issuance of new passport.
• In case of change of personal particulars viz. name,father’s name,nationality etc.
• In case of loss/damage of OCI registration certificate/visa.
• In case of change of address/occupation
• In case the existing OCI card holder wishes to update/upload the latest information about his latest passport, Change in address/Occupation/Contact details, the OCI card holder can select the option/(s) as given below and upload the latest photograph and requisite documents. These details shall be updated into the OCI system records and an acknowledgement shall be shared with OCI card holder on his/her registered email ID. The services under these categories are gratis in nature: 1. In case issuance of new Passport Details (each time a new passport is issued up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age) 2. In case change in address/occupation/contact details.
• These Misc services can be availed for re-issuance of OCI Card as well as updating the information time to time as mentioned in the MHA notification dated 16th April, 2021. The re-issuance of new OCI card will be applicable for following categories: 1. In case of issuance of new passport (once a new passport is issued after completing 20 years of age.) 2. In case of change of personal particulars viz. name, father's name, nationality etc. 3. In case of loss/damage of OCI registration certificate.
• In case of Renunciation of OCI Card.
• Kindly be ready with Applicant's image and Applicant's signature image (Max size 1Mb).
• In case the existing OCI card holder wishes to update/upload the latest information about his latest passport, Change in address/Occupation/Contact details, the OCI card holder can select the option/(s) as given below and upload the latest photograph and requisite documents. These details shall be updated into the OCI system records and an acknowledgement shall be shared with OCI card holder on his/her registered email ID. The services under these categories are gratis in nature

Apply For Special Permission

• To apply for permission for any of the activity, you must be an existing OCI Card Holder.
• to undertake research;
• to undertake any Missionary or Tabligh or Mountaineering or Journalistic activities;
• to undertake internship in any foreign Diplomatic Missions or foreign Government organisations in India or to take up employment in any foreign Diplomatic Missions in India;
• to visit any place which falls within the Protected or Restricted or prohibited areas as notified by the Central Government or competent authority;
• After submission of online application, applicant will be informed regarding permission through e-mail.

OCI Document Upload/ Re-upload

• This feature is to re-upload supporting documents for your OCI application.
• This feature can be used only after successful online registration.
• Uploading/Re-uploading of documents cannot be performed once your application gets acknowledged at Indian Mission/FRRO.
• Kindly be ready with supporting document in PDF format (Max size 1000kb).
• Kindly be ready with File reference number of your application along with the passport number.

OCI Image Upload/ Re-upload

• This feature is to re-upload Applicant's Image/ Signature.
• Re-upload cannot be performed once your application gets acknowledged at Indian Mission/FRRO.

Status Enquiry

• This feature is to check current status of your application.
• This feature will be useful only if your application gets acknowledged at Indian Mission/FRRO
• Ordinarily, OCI Registration Certificate and Visa are available for delivery within 60 days from the date of acknowledgment

Re-Print Submitted Applications

• This feature is to download and reprint application form, that you have already completed online.
• Reprinting cannot be performed after your application gets acknowledged at Indian Mission/FRRO.
• Kindly be ready with File reference number of applicant's application, applicant's date of birth along with the passport number.

Book Appointment / Reschedule Booking Appointment

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FAQ On OCI Related Matters

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• Meet and Greet for Indian Students in USA, 21 October 2022 Consulate General of India in New York in association with GOPIO- Manhattan organized the 'Annual Day for Indian Students in USA' on October 21, 2022 at the Consulate. The Chief Guest for the evening was Mrs. Chandrika Tandon, Chairperson of Tandon Capital Associates and a recognized business leader, Grammy- nominated artist and humanitarian.
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• Home › Consular Services › OCI Services › FAQ On OCI Related Matters

Q: I am a Person of Indian origin, currently residing in New York. Where should I apply for an OCI Card ?

A: Applicants residing any part of Jurisdiction of CGI New York can file their online OCI application on CKGS website ( www.in.ckgs.us ) . After online application and payment of online fess please take a print out of application submit physical copy of application along with required documents to CKGS center at the following address by walk-in or by Mail. For more details on fess, documents required etc. please visit CKGS website ( www.in.ckgs.us )

Cox and Kings Global Services Pvt. Ltd.

2 nd Floor, 235 West, 23 rd Street, New York-10011.

Website: www.in.ckgs.us

Ph: 646-589-0088 & 516-206-1483

Q: I am a person of Indian origin as my parents were born in undivided India before partition. After partition, they briefly held Pakistani citizenship before moving to the United States. Am I eligible for an OCI card ?

A: No. If the applicant, or his/her parents or grand-parents have ever been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh, he/she will not be eligible for an OCI card.

Q: I am a Person of Indian Origin currently living in a USA. Where should I apply for an OCI Card? What are the documents required? How long does it take for issue of the Card?

A: Applicants residing any part of Jurisdiction of CGI New York can file their OCI Application with CKGS at the following address. For details, please refer to the website of CKGS ( www.in.ckgs.us ). It normally takes about 4-5 weeks for issue of an OCI Card (excluding CKGS mailing time).

Q: I hold a valid PIO Card. Am I required to convert this to an OCI Card? Will my PIO Card be valid beyond the conversion deadline?

A. Yes, the date for submission of applications for registration as OCI cardholder in lieu of PIO card online has been extended till 31 st March 2019.

Q: What is the procedure to convert a PIO Card to an OCI Card? How much time does this take?

A: Apply online for conversion of your PIO to OCI Card on CKGS website ( www.in.ckgs.us ) . It will take around 5-6 working days (excluding CKGS mailing time)

Q: Is a Renunciation Certificate compulsory before I apply for an OCI Card? What is the procedure to apply for a Renunciation Certificate? How long does it take to issue it?

A: Yes, a Renunciation Certificate is compulsory before applying for an OCI card. You can apply for renunciation certificate through CKGS website. It takes 5-6 working days to issue Renunciation Certificate (excluding CKGS mailing time).

Q: Can I travel to India with just my OCI Card, or should I also carry the passport which contains the ‘U’ Visa (OCI Visa)?

A: No need to carry the passport which contains the U visa , Vide circular No. 26011/06/2015-OCI dated 29 th January, 2015 of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India has decided that, all immigration authorities in India will not insist on production of the foreign passport containing the 'U' Visa Sticker in the case of OCI Cardholders while they enter/exit India and the immigration clearance will be granted based on production of just the valid OCI card , accompanied by a valid passport (which may not have the U visa sticker).

Q: My spouse is a foreign national of non-Indian origin. I hold an OCI Card. Is my spouse entitled to an OCI Card? What about my children?

A: Yes, the spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or spouse of foreign origin of an Overseas Citizen of India cardholder registered under section 7A and whose marriage has been registered and subsisted for a continuous period of not less than two years immediately preceding the presentation of the application, can apply for an OCI card. Minor children whose both parents are citizens of India or one of whose parents is a citizen of India are eligible to apply for an OCI Card.

Q: Are foreign military personnel of Indian origin eligible for OCI cards?

A: No, foreign military personnel either in service or retired are not entitled for grant of OCI. No person who has earlier served in a foreign military organization is eligible for an OCI card.

Q: What are the situations for which re-issue of an existing OCI card is necessary?

A: In case of issuance of new passport:

a. For an applicant who is 20 years of age or younger, OCI documents must be re-issued each time a new passport is issued.

b. For an applicant who is 50 years of age or older, OCI documents must be re-issued once after the issuance of a new passport.

c. If the OCI card is issued for the first time after the age of 50 years, then there is no need for re-issuance of OCI.

d. For an applicant who is 21 to 49 years of age, there is no need to re-issue OCI documents each time a new passport is issued. However, if the applicant desires, he/she can request that the OCI documents be re-issued so that the OCI documents reflect the correct passport number.

• In case there is a change in personal particulars
• In case of loss/damage of passport and/or OCI booklet
• For correcting personal particulars entered wrongly while submitting online applications e.g. name, father’s name, date of birth, etc.
• In case of change of address/occupation
• Please visit CKGS Website for more information

Q: What are the benefits available to an OCI Card holder?

A: An OCI card holder gets the following benefits:

A multiple entry, multi-purpose life-long visa for visiting India.

Exemption from registration with local police authority for any length of stay in India.

Parity with Non-resident Indians (NRIs) in respect of economic, financial and educational fields as per the relevant Acts, except in relation to acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties.

OCI can be used as identity proof for application of PAN Card and driving license as well as for opening a bank account if the OCI card holder is residing in India.

Q: What are the benefits to which an OCI card holder is NOT entitled to?

A: The OCI Card holder is not entitled:

• to be a member of a Legislative Assembly or of a Legislative Council or of the Parliament of India;
• to hold Indian constitutional posts such as that of the President, Vice President, Judge of the Supreme Court or High Court etc.;
• He/she cannot normally hold employment in the Government
• to undertake any Missionary work, Mountaineering and Journalism without prior permission of the Govt. of India;
• OCI cardholder shall also require Protected Area Permit (PAP)/Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit any place which falls within the Protected/Restricted Area notified by the Government as in the case of any other foreigner.

Q: Can an OCI Card holder renounce his OCI status?

A: Yes, he/she has to declare their intention of renunciation in Form XXII to the Indian Mission/Post where OCI registration was granted. After receipt of the declaration, the Indian Mission/Post shall issue an acknowledgment in Form XXII A.

Q: I have a valid OCI Card and a valid foreign passport. Is there any minimum validity specified for my foreign passport?

A: You will be allowed entry into India if you have a valid OCI Card and a valid foreign passport, with a minimum remaining validity of six months. You do not need to carry the old passport on which your "U” (OCI) Visa was stamped, if that happens to be different from your current passport.

Q. Can foreign nationals, who are not otherwise eligible for OCI, get OCI if they are married to persons who are eligible for OCI?

A. Yes, the spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or spouse of foreign origin of an Overseas Citizen of India cardholder registered under section 7A and whose marriage has been registered and subsisted for a continuous period of not less than two years immediately preceding the presentation of the application.

Q. Are Minor children eligible for OCI Card?

A. Yes, minor children whose both parents are citizens of India or one of the parents is a citizen of India are eligible for OCI Card.

Q. Whether civil Govt. servant working in Ministry of Defence as IT engineers/civil contractors entitled for OCI?

Q. Who can avail the OCI Miscellaneous services?

A. Only a registered Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holder can avail the OCI Miscellaneous Services.

Q. Under what circumstances can the OCI Miscellaneous services be availed?

A. OCI Miscellaneous services can be availed for re-issuance/issuance of duplicate OCI Registration Certificate and Visa in the following category of cases:

(i) In case of issuance of new passport.

(ii) In case of change of personal particulars viz. nationality etc.,

(iii) In case of loss/damage of OCI registration certificate/visa.

(iv) In case of filling of wrong personal particulars while submitting online applications viz. name, father’s name, date of birth etc.,

(v) In case of manually filled in applications (discontinued now) mistakes have been committed by the Indian Mission/Post/Office while entering the personal particulars.

(vi) In case of change of address/occupation

Q. How to avail the OCI Miscellaneous services ?

A. The services can be availed by applying online on CKGS website ( https://www.in.ckgs.us/oci/ )

While applying online select reissue of OCI and desired Miscellaneous service under this. After online application please submit physical copy of application along with required documents to CKGS center by Walk-in or Mail.

Q. What should be done for issuance of duplicate OCI Card in case of loss of OCI Card?

A. In case of loss of OCI documents, file a complaint with the Police authorities. Apply online for reissue of OCI under lost category through CKGS. Please submit physical copy of application along with required documents (including Police Report) to CKGS center by Walk-in or Mail.

Q. I have recently acquired a new passport; do I need to re-issue my OCI card?

A: OCI Card renewal is only required once after acquiring a new passport after turning 20 years of age

• OCI card holder who is 20 years of age or younger, OCI card must be renewed each time a new passport is issued.
• OCI card holder who is 21 to 49 years of age, it is not mandatory to renew OCI card each time a new passport is obtained.
• OCI card holder who attains the age of 50 years or more, OCI card must be renewed only once after the issuance of a new passport .
• It is also clarified that if an OCI cardholder renews his/her foreign passport of 10 year validity at any time between the age 41 to 49 and which remains valid till he/she attains the age of 51 to 59, the old OCI card would remain valid till he/she obtains a fresh passport.
• If the OCI card is issued for the first time after the age of 50 years, then there is no need for re-issuance of OCI card in case a new passport is obtained. However, if the applicant so desires at any time he/she can apply under Miscellaneous Services for re-issue of the OCI card to reflect the updated passport number, change in personal particulars etc.

Q: I am a Person of Indian origin, currently residing in New York. Where should I apply for an OCI Card?

A: Applicants can file their online OCI application on Government Website ( https://ociservices.gov.in/ ) followed by CKGS website ( www.in.ckgs.us  ) . After online application and payment of online fess please take a print out of application submit physical copy of application along with required documents to CKGS center at the following address by walk-in or by Mail. For more details on the process, fess, documents required etc. please visit CKGS website ( www.in.ckgs.us  ) and read through the “HOW TO APPLY” section carefully.

Website: www.in.ckgs.us 

Ph: 917-444-7911 & 917-444-7752

Q: I am a person of Indian origin as my parents were born in undivided India before partition. After partition, they briefly held Pakistani citizenship before moving to the United States. Am I eligible for an OCI card?

A: Applicants can file their OCI Application with CKGS at the following address. For details, please refer to the website of CKGS ( www.in.ckgs.us). It normally takes about 3-4 weeks for issue of an OCI Card (excluding CKGS mailing time).

A. Yes, the date for submission of applications for registration as OCI cardholder in lieu of PIO card online has been extended till 31 st December 2021.

A: Apply online for conversion of your PIO to OCI Card on CKGS website ( www.in.ckgs.us  ) . It will take around 2-3 working days (excluding CKGS mailing time)

A: Yes, a Renunciation Certificate is compulsory before applying for an OCI card. You can apply for renunciation certificate through VFS website. It takes 2-3 working days to issue Renunciation Certificate (excluding VFS mailing time).

A: Yes, he/she has to declare their intention of renunciation in Form XXII to the Indian Mission/Post where OCI registration was granted. After receipt of the declaration, the Indian Mission/Post shall issue an acknowledgment in Form XXII A. Renunciation of OCI

A: You will be allowed entry into India if you have a valid OCI Card and a valid foreign passport. You do not need to carry the old passport on which your "U” (OCI) Visa was stamped, if that happens to be different from your current passport.

(i) In case of issuance of new passport (refer to the condition according to one’s age)

(ii) In case of change of personal particulars viz. nationality etc.

(iv) If wrong personal particular is filled in the online application viz. name, father’s name, date of birth etc.

Q. How to avail the OCI Miscellaneous services?

A. The services can be availed by filling online application on the Indian Government website ( https://ociservices.gov.in/ ) followed by a short online process on CKGS website ( https://www.in.ckgs.us/oci/  ) to complete the online process.

While applying online select reissue of OCI and desired miscellaneous service under this. After online application please submit physical copy of application along with required documents to CKGS center by Walk-in or Mail.

A. In case of loss of OCI documents, file a complaint with the Police authorities. Apply online for reissue of OCI under lost category through VFS. Please submit physical copy of application along with required documents (including Police Report) to VFS center by Walk-in or Mail.

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Address: Consulate General of India, 3 East 64th Street (Between 5th and Madison Avenues), New York, NY 10065

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Consulate closed on Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays Official working hours: 9.00 AM - 5.30 PM EST Submission of documents/or any Consular Query: 09:30 am to 11:30 am Collection of documents: 04:00 pm - 04:30 pm For submission of documents : 09:15 am to 11:15 am (Monday to Friday) Delivery of documents : 11:30 am to 13:00 pm (Monday to Friday) --> For submission of documents : 9:15 am - 12:15 pm Delivery of documents : 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm-->

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Rules & Restrictions for OCI Card Holders

February 23, 2024 | NRI Services Read in this piece about the rules and restrictions for OCI Card Holders in effect since March 2021.

Changes at a Glance

• Most Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders do not need to have their OCI cards reissued every time they get a new passport.
• Those having OCI cards issued before the cardholder was 20 years old, on the other hand, only need to get a new OCI card once when they get a new passport after turning 20.
• There are new requirements for OCI cardholders who are under the age of 20 to notify the government when they receive a new passport, as well as for OCI cardholders who are married to Indian nationals or other OCI cardholders.
• The government's eased OCI card re-issuance requirements decrease the administrative burden of needing to apply for a new OCI card and show the government's flexible attitude in the wake of recent restrictions for OCI card holders.

Overseas Citizen of India

People eligible to be registered as oci, application for oci card.

• PIOs who have moved from India and earned citizenship in a foreign nation other than Pakistan or Bangladesh are eligible for Overseas Citizenship of India.
• A visa that allows you to visit India multiple times and for multiple purposes for the rest of your life.
• No need to report to the police for the duration of your stay in India.
• Financial, economic, and educational parity with NRIs, save in the purchase of agricultural or plantation lands, and
• A person who has been registered as an OCI for five years and has lived in India for one year out of the five years prior to filing the application is eligible to apply for Indian citizenship under section 5(1) (g) of the Citizenship Act, 1955.

Benefits of OCI

The following benefits are not available to oci card holders:, change in rules, key changes introduced.

• research activities;
• missionary / Tabligh / mountaineering / journalistic activities;
• internships or employment with any India-based, foreign diplomatic missions or foreign government organisations; and
• visits to any areas or places notified as protected / restricted / prohibited space by the Central Government (or by any relevant authority).
• Air costs inside India; and
• Entry fees for museums, national parks, national monuments, wildlife sanctuaries, and historical sites in India.
• inter-country adoption of India born children (subject to adherence and compliance with adoption procedure laid down under applicable laws and regulations);
• appearing for the all-India entrance examinations, such as, JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) Advanced and Mains, NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), or other tests that makes an OCI card holder eligible for admission to any NRI seat or any supernumerary seat (to clarify, OCI cardholders are not eligible to get admission for seats reserved exclusively for Indian citizens);
• purchase or sale of immovable properties, except agricultural land, farmhouses, or plantation properties; and
• pursuing specific profession of a doctor, dentist, nurse and pharmacist, lawyer, architect, or a chartered accountant in India (subject to stipulations under applicable laws and regulations).
• Rights and privileges not covered by any notification issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the Foreign Exchange Management Act 1999; educational, economic, or
• financial fields or aspects not categorically listed in the OCI Notification 2021;
• rights and privileges not covered by any notification issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the Foreign Exchange Management Act 1999 (FEMA).

Pan/Adhaar Card Linking For NRI/OCI

• Current residents of the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and Meghalaya.
• Non-Resident Indians as defined by the Income Tax Act, 1961.
• Individuals aged equal to or above anytime during the previous year.
• Non-Indian citizens.

Old Passport Not Required for Travel to India

Impact on employment opportunities, restrictions on dual citizenship, provisions for people registered as poi, registration and reporting requirements of oci card holders.

• Definition of Resolution plan will now include provisions for corporate restructuring: The amendment act has inserted an explanation in the definition of resolution plan to clarify that a resolution plan that proposes the insolvency resolution of a corporate debtor may include the provisions for corporate restructuring, including by way of merger, amalgamation and demerger.
• NCLT will have to record reasons for delay in discarding an application for initiation of CIRP: As per the Code, the NCLT must dispose of an application for initiation of CIRP within a period of 14 days from the receipt of application. However, there have been cases when the NCLT has taken more than 14 days to make a decision on the application. Therefore, to ensure speedy disposal and value maximization of the corporate debtor's assets, a proviso has been added which requires that NCLT to record its reasons in writing in case an application is not disposed within 14 days.
• Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process to be concluded within 330 days: Earlier, the IBC demanded completion of CIRP within 180 days including a one-time extension of 90 days. However, many a times the Courts have allowed removal of certain periods, for instance, time consumed in litigation, from the compulsory completion period resulting in a lot of unresolved CIRPs well beyond the time duration allowed in the IBC. The Amendment act makes it compulsory for a CIRP to be completed within 330 days including any extension of time granted and time taken under legal proceedings. It further states that any pending CIRPs that have been going on for over 330 days should be completed within 90 days from the date of commencement of the Amendment Act.
• Voting by authorised representative representing a class of financial creditors: To avoid any confusion and facilitate decision making in the Committee of Creditors, especially in cases where financial creditors are a large group, the Amendment Act provides that an authorized representative representing a class of financial creditors shall vote on behalf of all the financial creditors he/she represents in accordance with the decision approved by more than 50% of such financial creditors. This principle however would not be applicable in case of voting for withdrawal of CIRP.
• Amount payable to functional creditors and disagreeing financial creditors: The Amendment Act provides that payment of debts of operational creditors shall be the higher of
• the amount to be paid to these creditors at the time of liquidation of the corporate debtor u/s 53 or
• the amount that would have been paid to such creditors, if the amount to be distributed under the resolution plan had been distributed in accordance of priority as mentioned u/s 53 (1)
• NCLT has not approved or rejected a resolution plan
• an appeal is pending at the Supreme Court or at the NCLAT (National Company Law Appellate Tribunal)
• a lawsuit has been launched in a court challenging the decision of NCLT in relation to a resolution plan
• Committee of Creditors (COC) to contemplate way of distribution submitted in the resolution plan: Besides the current need of approval of resolution plan after keeping in mind the practicality and acceptability of the resolution plan, the amendment act requires that the CoC consider the manner of distribution proposed in the resolution plan by taking into account the order of priority amongst creditors, as prescribed u/s 53 (1) relating to liquidation waterfall, including the priority and value of security interest of a secured creditor.
• NCLT approved resolution plan will be binding on the Central Government, State Government or any local authority to whom corporate debtor owes a statutory debt: As per the Code, the approved resolution plan was only binding on the corporate debtor and its employees, creditors, members, guarantors and other stakeholders included in the resolution plan resulting in instances where the Government used to follow up for the balance dues after the said approval of resolution plan. The Amendment Act has now modified Section 31(1) to illuminate that any NCLT approved resolution plan will be binding on the Central Government, State Government and any local authority to whom a corporate debtor owes a debt in respect of payment of dues arising under any law.
• Liquidation after setting up the Committee of Creditors (COC): The Amendment Act simplifies by way of an explanation, u/s 33(2) which covers liquidation, that the COC may decide to liquidate the corporate debtor any time after the setting-up of the COC until the confirmation of the resolution plan, including at any time before the development of the information memorandum. This change is pertinent as there have been cases where NCLTs have demanded that a liquidation order may be passed only after failure of the CIRP even though an early liquidation would have resulted in value maximization.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK Government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in India set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the  High Commission of India in London or another Indian consulate in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering India.

Passport validity requirements

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into India.

Your passport must also: - have 2 blank pages for your visa

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

Apply for the right type of visa for the purpose of your travel.

You need a visa to travel to India unless you are an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder.

India has a number of visa categories. Make sure you get the right visa for the purpose and duration of your travel.

Penalties for having the wrong visa can include refusal of entry or deportation. This may also include not being allowed to enter India in the future.

For latest information on Indian visas and immigration requirements, see the  e-FRRO online portal (part of the Indian Foreigners Registration Office), the  Bureau of Indian Immigration website  and  Indian Ministry of External Affairs website .

Applying for a visa or e-visa

Find out how to apply for a visa from the Indian Bureau of Immigration Depending on your requirements you may be able to apply for:

• regular (paper) visa
• e-visa (make sure to check the website’s ‘FAQs’ for restrictions on airports and seaports of entry)

Check your eligibility and any restrictions before you apply and allow plenty of time for your application to be processed.

More information is available from the website of High Commission of India in London .

Applicants of Pakistani origin

If you are of Pakistani origin, a British-Pakistan dual national, or holding a National Identity Card for overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), the visa processing time will be substantially longer than other visa applications. More information is available from the High Commission of India in London .

If you are a British-Pakistan dual national, you must apply for an Indian visa on your Pakistani passport. If you have renounced your Pakistani nationality or cancelled your Pakistani passport, you will need to submit documentary proof of this.

Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders

If you hold a valid Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card, you can use this, along with your valid British passport to visit India. You do not need a visa. If you have a Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card, you will need to convert it to an OCI card. More information is available from the  High Commission of India in London  and the  Indian Bureau of Immigration .

Arrival, registration, and extensions

If you plan to stay in India for more than 180 days and do not hold an OCI card, register within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) . You could be denied permission to leave if you do not do this. Check if you are required to  register your arrival .

Overstaying in India on a visa is an offence. Make sure you leave the country before your visa expires or get an official extension if needed. More information is available on the Indian Bureau of Immigration website.

If you’re hospitalised

If you or someone you’re travelling with has a short-term Tourist Visa and is hospitalised, you may be able to extend or ‘convert’ to a Medical Visa .

Exit requirements

You will pass through immigration as you depart India. Officials will check when you entered the country. If you do not have an entry stamp, for example if you have a newly issued passport, you will need to apply for special exit visa before you travel. This must be done online and can take between five and fifteen working days for straightforward applications. Factor this into your timeframe to leave India when you are booking flights. For further information see the  e-FRRO online portal (part of the Indian Foreigners Registration Office).

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and vaccination certificates you may need on TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre).

Depending on your circumstances, these may include:

• yellow fever

The Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare also provides  vaccination guidance and data .

Accommodation

By law, hotels, hostels and other accommodation providers must register the stay of foreign guests with the Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office (FRRO) using a “C Form”.  Please ask your accommodation provider to ensure they have done so.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of India . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Satellite phones and listening devices

It is illegal to possess and operate satellite phones in India without a licence. British nationals have been arrested for bringing them into the country without prior permission. You can contact the Indian Department of Telecommunication to request a licence .

You may also need prior permission from the Indian authorities to bring equipment like listening or recording devices, radio transmitters, powerful cameras, or binoculars into India. You can ask the High Commission of India in London for advice.

Taking money into India

There are restrictions on bringing Indian rupees into India.

Visitors, including tourists, must not bring any amount of Indian currency into the country. If you’re resident in India, you can bring up to 25,000 rupees into the country.

If you’re visiting India, you can bring cash, travellers’ cheques (in pounds sterling or another foreign currency) or a bank card with you and exchange or withdraw rupees once in India.

You must declare any amount above 5,000 US dollars in notes, or 10,000 US dollars in notes and travellers’ cheques combined.

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Indian-origin Foreign Citizens Must Ensure New Criteria of OCI Card Validity before They Visit India

Recently, the Consulate General of India worldwide released a press release circulating a new update for the Overseas Citizen of India card . The OCI card holders – foreign citizens of Indian origin – are required to comply with the new criteria regarding validity of their OCI cards before they book their travel to India. The new criteria of the OCI card validity came into effect this November 1.

The OCI card holders within the age bracket of 20 years are required to get their OCI cards reissued each time when their passport is reissued , according to the Consulate General of India. Those above 20 years of age are exempted from ensuring this criterion of validity.

Reissue of the OCI card is not compulsory along with reissue of the passport for those within the age bracket of 21 to 50 years . But they have to carry their old passport which their OCI card was issued on, in order to prove the card validity. They do also have to carry the current passport.

Those above 50 years of age are required to get their OCI cards reissued only once when their passport is renewed after they turn 50. It is also recommended in the Consulate General of India’s press release that the Overseas Citizen of India card holders must always carry the expired passport along with the current/new passport and the OCI card while traveling to India.

Also Check: Revised Rules for Gaining New OCI Cards

The government of India has also decided to allow the OCI card holders’ investment in the tax-saving national pension scheme (NPS), adding value to the OCI card beyond its primary use as a lifelong visa to India for multiple entries.

Related Stories

73 thoughts on “ indian-origin foreign citizens must ensure new criteria of oci card validity before they visit india ”.

Most people then prefer using visa for India visit

Not that easy! 1 year Visa will cost you $69 (Service fee) + US$ 130 (Government & admin fee for UK / USA) – are you ready my friend?

https://www.indianimmigration.org.in/visa-fees

This is crazy…

This is insane. We were sold a fake bill of goods for the $250+ we spent on the OCI when we first applied. It was supposed to replace the need for a visa. Now we have to go back thru the daunting process of uploading docs and paying even more money to the government and CKGS for something that was to be a one time process when first introduced.

Yeah it’s literally daunting. They don’t make this process easy and of course even the most techie person can’t figure out their stupid website.

This is not a good move. I applied for the OCI card in New York. We have to wait out on the pavement of the outsourced office and the entire process is so difficult. It’s another way of getting money out of us.

you are right, It is like changing rules in the middle of game as it fit to their goal . That may be helping to fill the gap in inefficiency in running government business.

I agree the demonization was the biggest eye opener. The oci card claims parity with nri but they simply wrote off all the money and most nri did not complain. Granted it is a few hundred dollars but that is not the point here you have to abide by rules and not change goal post to suit your needs

Friends, this is our Proud Indian Policies. When they brought OCI as you also said in your posts, this supposed to be lifelong. And process of getting any thing done in CGI, New York is horrible. So much paper work, copies etc. and moreover processing fees etc and dealing with 3rd party for the processing. Can’t these people work more as compare to celebrate events in the office, taking all Indian and American holidays off. Just compare the process of getting a passport in USA, what a difference. Looks like it will take ages for them to make things simpler for Indians whether it is in India, USA or anywhere else. Just my comments.

I totally agree. Not sure when Indian Government and Consulate will learn to make things simple. Dealing with any Consulate/Agency is horrible. When we spent lot of Money and time for OCI, it was supposed to be only one time process. Even OCI card itself states lifelong. This is totally cheating and way to continuously get our money and unnecessarily harass people. And then they make propaganda that “Come visit India !!!”

Bunch of Idiots. whats the point of getting it then for children below 20. its much easier getting the e-visa

Update the Picture on New OCI cards, You don’t have to update any documents. Just old OCI card and New US passport and FEES is only $25,

Hi Manisha, is there a link for this? when we check misc. service.. it’s almost a new OCI process.

I believe the Indian consulate offices are managed by IFS (Indian Foreign Service) graduates who are supposed to be highly intelligent. Well, this is what we get for their intelligence! A community college graduate in USA can do a better and more efficient job than these crooked bureaucrats.

This is crazy. They are singling out people over 50. Why discrimination with people above 50? Do they know the meaning of ‘lifelong’

I just got stopped at Delta Counter from RDU, and they would not let me on-board the flight. I have an OCI card with an old passport number. I had checked in online before boarding the flight and there was no warning.

I did not see or noticed the press release. Not sure how you are supposed to find out. Can you imagine the panic & the stress? The counter agent did not care or gave a sh.. She was f….following the rules. She was rude and no concern whatsoever that I have meetings scheduled on Monday in Bangalore.

Fortunately, I live close to the Airport and was able to ask my wife to bring the old passport. Fortunately, I kept the old passport and did not shred it. I was able to board the flight without any issues after showing my old passport.

I went through immigration in Bangalore and not a word about showing the old passport. I guess they have not seen the fu…. Press release either.

Thanks for sharing this information. They in fact asked us to shred / surrender Indian passport when I got US passport after which I got my OCI. This whole thing is BS and rip-off. They forget the fact that lot of people have life emergencies and not everyone goes to India for a vacation every time!

This is documented clearly. You need to keep the original passport with OCI VISA if it’s not transferred to new passport.

VERY VERY FRUSTRATING!! Where can we collectively complain about this?

Yes India should make it simple! Even country like USA do not bother about what passport you are holding. Their Green Card is valid for 10 years and it is not required to reissue if passport is renewed ! Actually they do not stamp any visa on the passport. Indian Government should understand the facial features may change over years but not the FINGER PRINTS! Why not use fingerprint to verify the true identity of the OCI card holder? India has still long way to go……..!

For OCI, they have started collecting the finger print now

I agree with you, once OCI is issued, it should be valid lifelong. They say if OCI is issued after the age of 50, it is not renewed but at the same time they ask to upload a recent picture and passport copy. The frustrating part is the Indian Embassy people in Chicago as well as Washington cannot clarify if people who got OCI after age of 50 need to load passport copy and recent photo. Hypothetically if a person got OCI at 55, and renewed passport at 60, why should that person be asked to upload picture?

The Indian Government can do away with the renewal of OCI card after age 50 and endorse a new photograph on the OCI card by charging a one time fee of $50 or so for the administration fee. That would eliminate all the duplication of paperwork needed. The same can be adopted for all minors too . That way you just hold on to one OCI card for life

Having attended the camp for OCI I was told that I am over 70 and do not require to renue my OCI and I have to carry my old passport plus the new passport. Is it ok?

Hi , If we have the old Indian passports which match the passport number on the OCI card ,

Is it good enough to travel to India ?

Appreciate any guidance

Any one traveled recently on OCI and not carrying old passport?

Yes I only had my new passport and no where did it say to carry the old passport. The emirates counter in Orlando did not let me board the flight and were extremely rude and my old passport was in New York and no way of getting it before the flight left. They did not offer any help watched me cry, offloaded my luggage and never warned me that my return ticket will not be valid for me to come back to the states. If you do not travel your first leg your return gets automatically canceled. Basically spent 6000 dollars in tickets and emirates did not give a F..K. I Had not seen my family in a year and this was so stressful as I only got 2 weeks off work to visit them. Spent a ton of money and time all because emirates staff were assholes. When I finally landed in India no one asked me about my old passport Immigration was a breeze. My advise please do carry your old passport with the new passport and do not fly Emirates!!

Very good. It is really informative blog. Thank you for sharing this..

Great Post! This is an amazing article. Thanks for Sharing such a great post. Keep Posting!!

No need to renew OCI (as it says, VISA for Life) just carry all the (OLD and New) US Passports.

Not sure I understand. OCI must be carried while travelling in and out of India. Carry the current passport always.

– If OCI references the OLD Passport, Carry OLD passport and New Passport+OCI

– If OCI references only the new Passport, then OCI + New Passport is good enough.

Follow the rules of OCI renewal and get your OCI renewed soon(before June 2021).

I have OCI card (lifelong visa on old PP) and just turned 51 with renewed US passport. I have an emergency to go to India and not sure if I need visa since I do not have a renewed OCI (above age 50 rule)? I have tried to reach consulate general for the past three days and unsuccessful. Flight is in a week and not sure if I am able to travel. Any suggestions?

Hello Sir! You are able to able because the deadline for reissuance of OCI cards based on renewed US passports is June 30, 2021. Wish you safe and hassle-free travel!

Hi, you should have written to External affairs ministry, Passport department, New Delhi, India. They are taking immediate action regarding renewal of OCI card. It is my experience.

I have a OCI (lifelong visa on a old passport). Iam 55. I had renewed my passport when I was 49. I am travelling to India end of March. I do not have the renewed OCI stamp on my new passport. Will I be able to travel to India without the renewed OCI on my new passport?I will be taking both my old and new passport and the OCI card with me.

Hello Sir! Since June 30, 2021 is the deadline for reissuance of OCI cards, you can travel. Please be advised to check with the consulate/embassy for a more definite answer to your satisfaction.

regarding the new OCI rules, I understand that if I am over 50 I need to renew my OCI but Is it only when I renew my passport? for example: my passport doesn’t expire until next year but I am planning on going to india end of this year. Would I still need to renew my OCI even if my passport doesn’t expire until next year?

Hi Dixita! You can travel to India with your existing OCI card and passport. You will be required to get your OCI card reissued only when you renew your passport.

I got my OCI when i was already 54 years old. I renewed my US passport in 2019. do I need to get my OCI renewed? My understanding of rules is that if one got OCI before the age of 50 and then when their US passport is renewed after the age of 50 years, OCI card needs to be renewed once. However, I was already 54 years when I got OCI.

Hi Kamalesh! Probably not. Besides, OCI cardholders with the old passport number on the OCI card can travel to India till December 31, 2021. Please be advised to check with the consulate or embassy for a more definite answer.

What happens after December 31, 2021?

my wife is pregnant due on Jun end and she haven’t got her h4 approved yet. Can we apply OCI for baby with my approved H1 and her H4 receipt notice?

Hi Johny! You can to the best of our knowledge. Please be advised to check with a visa and immigration expert.

some one please help me. I have oci on my British passport, but now I just became us citizen,i know i have to transfer oci to my new passport but I do not have time to,because iam flying out in a week. so can I travel on with British passport and on my return to US Present my US passport.

Hi Dineshchandra! As far as we know, you can most probably travel to India irrespective of any foreign passport you hold. However, please be advised to check with the consulate as well.

Hello, I’ve got a question. I am required to renew my OCI but I need to travel to India urgently and won’t be able to renew my OCI that soon. Would I still be able to travel with my old OCI that was issued to me in 2007 and yes along with the old password the OCI was issued with? Thanks!

Hi Behlah! The rules are relaxed until December 31, 2021 for the entry of OCI cardholders into India with the old passport with the OCI number and the new passport. Please go through https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/relief-for-oci-card-holders/

Hi, I have one question I will turn 50 year on May 16. My US passport will expire in 2030. If I am applying for New OCI card now then when I have to renew my OCI card. I am little confuse should I get OCI card or Entry visa since fees are almost same and don’t want to spend more money in a year because I will turn 50 in 5-6 months.

Hello Mam! As per the regulations, you must get your OCI card reissued once you turn 50.

Agree it took me almost 3 days with daily 4 hours and also online help from collogue daily of an hour and half and finally able to submit my new US passport information as well as my passport picture & my signature sign on OCI miscellaneous service cause i already have OCI card issued me in 2011 when I was 53-year-old so I just need to upload my new USA Passport, i believe that’s all.

It is frustrating and least to say also disappointing as well.

I am Physician practicing here in USA for 30 years, and never saw this non sense on any USA Federal Government site for any documents to submit including recently issuance of new USA Passport to me for which I did online application with vey ease.

I thought our beloved PM has vision of everything to be DIGITAL, but this OCI site is full of CRAP.

Plus, after when I have done with the last part of uploading the new USA passport details on this OCI miscellaneous site & after hit the upload button, I expected it will say completed thanks, but nothing happens!

So, you really still don’t know it has accepted & now completed?

I haven’t yet received any email regarding it either. What a waste of time, energy and headache! I am sure it has raised my BP tremendously.

Is this what we expect from PM Modi ji Government Service??

I am an avid fan of PM Modi ji, but surely lost confidence of his government services especially for NRI, who have always welcome him in USA with Love, Vigor, Enthusiasm & respect.

I hope and wish I can write him directly to make him acknowledge that how difficult it has been for NRIs like me to visit family & friends!

We need to abolish the “BABU” controlling the government services & be friendly and helpful attitude to his NRI clients.

Hi Folks I have a burning question regarding the new rules of OCI card holder as well as Visa policy to visit India ok. I have OCI card issued in 8/2011 when I was 53-year-old then. My OCI card at that time linked with my USA passport. It says I have lifelong and multiple Visa for India. Now My old USA passport expired in 3/2021 and I received the new USA Passport in 8/2021. I just realize, while was booking the air tickets to visit India in late 1/22. My Agent says I need to upload my new USA Passport online to OCI miscellaneous services. Now here the confusion, frustration, pain, agony starts! It is such an unfriendly, ridiculous, time consuming, slow, an unresponsive service, that anyone with the Coolest mind would lose patience, & gets angry, furious. Firstly, after all painstaking task you do that took me almost 3 days, & when I reached the final step of uploading the new passport, and hit upload then submit nothing happens like one can expect that it would say completed thanks right? Nope but it didn’t happen! Only email I have received says “Thank you for completing Part-B of OCI- Application on 18/Nov/2021 01:48 IST”. Your File-number is “such & such ” for all future reference. Please upload relevant documents as it is mandatory for complete OCI-registration. Please ignore if already uploaded. Now this email doesn’t say or mention that yea thanks we have received all necessary information & your application now completed. So, with such an ambiguity, you don’t know that you’re ok to buy air fare tickets before the prices goes up? I know it is very long post, but I hope someone here can comment on it, help me and likewise others who may be having same issue. Thanks to all who bother to read review and reply to it.

Hi, I got my OCI at the age of 60. My new Canadian pp expires in 2027. My wife got her OCI at the age of 57. Her pp also expires in 2027. We are travelling to Mumbai first and then to Dubai returning to Mumbai. So we enter Mumbai twice. We always travelled with the old and new passports to avoid any issues. Under the new rules can we continue travel with both old and new passports? Both are Canadian seniors. Is it required to have our OCI reissued as our passports only expire in 2027? Please advise Thanks

Hi Richard! If your passport was renewed after you became 50 years old, you should get the OCI card reissued. We think both of you got the OCI card issued (the first time) on the current passports which will expire in 2027. If yes, then no worries. Both of you can travel to India. You can also carry your old passports.

How much does it cost to get it re-issued?

Sharma, 12/15/2021 at 5:45 p.m. Hello, I received my OCI card when I became 60 years old. I have an OCI card issued on luly12, 2012. My OCI card at that time was linked with my USA passport ( it says: U Life Long Visa Multiple Entries) that expired on June 2021 and I received my new passport in Sept 2021. I need guidance on what exactly I need to do with my OCI card. What’s the process. I’ve read so many times the OCI Misc. Services section. I understand I have to renew or update my new passport information before Dec.31, 2021. Please guide me step by step. I want to travel in March 2022. Thank you so much in advance.

Hi Madhu Sir! You need to get your OCI card reissued with the new passport information.

I applied for my OCI in 2010 while I was 4 months short of 50 years of age and got it. I have been travelling to India several times since then. Now I hear stories about renewing my OCI card as I have not completed 50 years when I applied for my OCI. My current passport is due for renewal in 2026. Can anyone advise me whether I can travel to India using my current OCI card?

Hi Mercy! As per the rules, you are required to get your OCI renewed after 50 years of age.

My daughter’s OCI issued in 2016 and she is turn 19 and she have new passport, does she require to have reissue new OCI Thanks, Janak

Hi Janak! She needs to get the OCI card reissued only once after she turns 20. All she needs to do now is to upload a copy of the passport and a recent photograph on the OCI card service website.

I am 54 years age. I have a need to travel to India in 15 days. I have not applied for new OCI and new passport number is not same as in OCI. If I apply for new OCI now, I don’t think I will receive it in time. What are my options? Anyone’s help will be greatly appreciated.

Hi Uday! You can travel with the existing OCI card, the new passport and old passport. This relaxation is extended through December 31, 2022. Please go through https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/relief-for-oci-card-holders/

My 2 daughters ( 9 yrs and 4yrs ) have OCI cards, their US passports will expire this year. We have plans to visit India later this year, so we are going to renew their US passports.

Do we need to renew their OCI card as well?

Hi Pinki! No need to renew the OCI card up to 20 years of age. All they need to do is upload a copy of the new passport and a copy of the latest photograph to the OCI website.

Sorry if I’m asking the same question. My daughter is 12 yrs and we are planning to go to India in first week of June. She has OCI card, but her Passport is new. Do we need to post Physical copies as well? Usually how long the process takes for approvals?

Hi Sree Devi! No need to post physical copies. Everything is done online.

Hi all – i am 79/80 years old born Indian (Mysore 1943) without any OCI or Indian passport – i am a US citizen now – if i want to go back to India do i have to get the OCI or can i just go to India – does anyone really know who can advise me – i just want to go back home – that’s all – please advise anyone – i am tired of living in the US – no family – no friends – nobody – i want to go back home (but even there i have no one living anymore all passed away) what can i do anyone please

Hi Fazel! The OCI card is good for you. If you have an OCI card, you can stay in India for any duration.

Fazel, if you don’t have OCI card, you can go to India on a tourist visa and stay there upto 6 months on that visa. Please apply for a visa before you leave on this site: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/

If you want to live in India for a longer time, you will need to apply for OCI. Good luck.

If you want to go to India and spend the rest of your life there then you’ll have to get OCI. You will have to prove that you’re of Indian origin. Previous Indian passport Birth certificate. Parents documents etc.

Hope you have all the documents. After applying it will take 3 months or so.

With OCI you can go to India and stay there once and for all.

Hopefully you will have had your OCI by now.

Hi! If I got my OCI 10 14 years ago (when I was 22 years old) do I need to apply for new OCI? I read that you need new OCI card every 10 years. I did get a new passport 3 years ago so I know I have to carry OCI card, Old passport and new passport when traveling to India. However, can someone tell me if I need to apply for new OCI card too?

Hi Rosh! Once you cross the threshold of 21 years, you are required to get your OCI card renewed. This requirement is relaxed only till December 31, 2022.

If you got your OCI for the first time after you have had a foreign passport after the age of 20, or after having a foreign passport renewed after your 20th birthday, that OCI is a permanent document as of current government of India rules. However when you have a foreign passport renewed after you turn 50, then you have to update your photos and nationality status on the OCI website. To the other comments from Overseas nationals who were once upon a time Indian citizens and no complain, they should stop moaning. People in India travel far more and are harassed by other high commission and embassies more often.

My daughter OCI was issued when she was 12 years old. She got her new passport when she was 17 years old in year 2016 and still valid until 2026. She was not 20 when the new passport was issued in 2016. Does she need to have OCI reissued or just update the passport details with photo- online?

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• India allows 'revocation order' for Goans with Portuguese citizenship to apply for OCI cards

The MEA memorandum dated April 4 said, "The Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to accept 'revocation certificate' as an alternative document in lieu of 'surrender certificate' in case of Indian nationals hailing from the erstwhile Portuguese territories in India, who have acquired Portuguese nationality as per Portuguese Nationality Law."

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Indians travelling to South America transiting via Istanbul airport will now require "Electronic Airport Transit Visa"

"The Embassy of the Republic of Turkiye announces that Turkish authorities has commenced requiring the "Electronic Airport Transit Visa" (e-ATV) for Indian & Nepalese passport holders traveling to Mexico, Panama, Colombia and Venezuela, transiting via the Istanbul Airport," it stated. Moreover, the statement further read that Indian and Nepalese passport holders, subjected to the requirement of e-ATV, can get their e-ATV via the website "evisa.gov.tr" starting from April 15, free of charge as per the current practice.

• Published On Apr 21, 2024 at 09:46 PM IST

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• Home > Consular Services > OCI Card Reissue Guidelines

OCI CARD RE-ISSUE GUIDELINES

(1) WHEN TO APPLY FOR RE-ISSUE OF OCI CARD:

If the OCI cardholder acquired OCI card before attaining the age of 20 years and has obtained new passport after attaining the age of 20 years.

If the OCI card is lost or damaged.

If there is change in name for whatever reasons, including change in name after marriage.

If there is change in nationality, provided the new nationality is not that of Pakistan or Bangladesh.

If there are any errors in the existing OCI card. The OCI cardholder needs to provide suitable proof for carrying out necessary correction.

Note : The OCI miscellaneous application may be sent to VFS Global. Applicants may refer to https://services.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-oci-services for the process. The fee for this service is as under:

US$25.00 for re-issue of OCI card in lieu of existing OCI card / US$100.00 for re-issue of OCI card in lieu of lost or damaged OCI card.

US$3.00 towards Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF).

US$15.90 payable as service charge to the Outsourcing Agency, and

Fee for any optional services like shipping labels.

(2) WHEN RE-ISSUE OF OCI CARD IS NOT NEEDED / ONLINE UPDATION IS SUFFICIENT:

OCI cardholder is required to upload ONLINE a copy of the new passport and a recent photo each time a new passport is issued up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age. The uploading of these documents may be done within three months of receipt of new passport.

Foreign spouse of an Indian citizen or spouse of foreign origin of an OCI cardholder is required to upload a copy of the new passport and a recent photo ONLINE each time a new passport is issued, along with a declaration on subsisting of marriage, copy of the Indian passport of the Indian spouse / passport and OCI card of the OCI cardholder spouse.

Similar exercise may be done in case of change in address or occupation. However, if an OCI cardholder joins foreign Military/Police service, he/she must renounce the OCI card to the nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate or to the jurisdictional FRRO, if the OCI cardholder is in India.

Note: Please visit https://ociservices.gov.in/welcome and select the option ‘OCI Miscellaneous Services (Passport Particulars Updation)’ for uploading copy of the passport, recent photograph and other documents. This does not involve any submission of documents through the Outsourcing Service Provider or the Embassy. The service will be gratis.

1OCI Card Reissue Guidelines

According to the recent relaxation in requirements for OCI Card Reissue:

(i) Mandatory requirement of re-issuance of an OCI card each time a new passport is issued to a foreigner up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age, is dispensed with;

(ii) OCI cardholder is required to get the OCI card re-issued only once when a new passport is issued after completing 20 years of age. (Applicants may refer to https://services.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-oci-services for the process). The fees for this is US$ 25 and US$ 3 for Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF). You also need to pay US$ 15.90 to the Outsourcing Agency as service charge, and a fee for any Optional Services used like Shipping Labels;

(iii) OCI cardholder is required to upload ONLINE a copy of the new passport and a recent photo each time a new passport is issued up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age. The uploading of these documents may be done within three months of receipt of the new passport;

(iv) Foreign spouse of an Indian Citizen or spouse of foreign origin of an OCI cardholder is required to upload a copy of the new passport and a recent photo ONLINE each time a new passport is issued, along with a declaration on subsisting of marriage, copy of the Indian passport of the Indian spouse/passport and OCI card of the OCI cardholder spouse.

[In case of (iii) and (iv), please visit https://ociservices.gov.in/welcome and select the option ‘OCI Miscellaneous Services’ for uploading copy of the passport, recent photograph and other documents. This does not involve any submission of documents through the Outsourcing Service Provider or the Embassy and will be Gratis].

2. Further, on account of ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, in order to avoid inconvenience to OCI cardholders who are required to get their OCI cards reissued, it has been decided by Government of India to extend the timeline for re-issuance of OCI card from December 31, 2021 till December 31, 2022 .

3. The requirement of carrying old and new passports, along with the OCI card, has been done away with. Henceforth, an OCI cardholder traveling on the strength of existing OCI card bearing old passport number is not required to carry the old passport. However, carrying the new (current) passport is mandatory.

(i)     Mandatory requirement of re-issuance of an OCI card  each time  a new passport is issued to a foreigner up to 20 years of age and  once  after completing 50 years of age,  is dispensed with; 

(ii)     OCI cardholder is required to get the OCI card  re-issued only once when a new passport is issued after completing 20 years of age. (Applicants may refer to https://services.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-oci-services for the process). The fees for this is US$ 25 and US$ 3 for Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF). You also need to pay US$ 15.90 to the Outsourcing Agency as service charge, and a fee for any Optional Services opted for like Shipping Labels;  

(iii) OCI cardholder is required to upload   ONLINE a copy of the  new passport and a recent photo   each time a new passport is issued up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age.  The uploading of these documents may be done within three months of receipt of the new passport; 

(iv)    Foreign spouse of an Indian Citizen or spouse of foreign origin of an OCI cardholder is required to upload a copy of the  new passport and a recent photo ONLINE  each time a new passport is issued, along with a declaration on subsisting of marriage, copy of the Indian passport of the Indian spouse/passport and OCI card of the OCI cardholder spouse. 

(In case of (iii) and (iv), please visit https://ociservices.gov.in/welcome and select the option ‘ OCI Miscellaneous Services’ for uploading copy of the passport, recent photograph and other documents. This does not involve any submission of documents through the Outsourcing Service Provider or the Embassy and will be Gratis ).

2. Further, timeline for re-issuance of OCI card in r/o OCI cardholders who may be required to get their OCI card re-issued, has been extended till December 31, 2021.

According to the recent relaxation in OCI Card Reissue Requirements:

(i)     Mandatory requirement of re-issuance of an OCI card  each time  a new passport is issued to a foreigner upto 20 years of age and  once  after completing 50 years of age is dispensed with; 

(ii)     OCI cardholder is required to get the OCI card  re-issued only once when a new passport is issued after completing 20 years of age;  

(iii)    OCI cardholder is required to upload   ONLINE a copy of the  new passport and a latest photo   each time a new passport is issued upto 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age.  The uploading of these documents may be done within three months of receipt of the new passport.  The service will be provided on  Gratis  basis; 

(iv)    Foreign Spouse of an Indian Citizen or spouse of foreign origin of an OCI cardholder are required to upload a copy of the  new passport and a latest photo ONLINE  each time a new passport is issued along with a declaration on subsisting of marriage, copy of the Indian passport of the Indian spouse/passport & OCI card of the OCI cardholder spouse. 

4. Appropriate modifications are being made in the OCI Miscellaneous Services portal to implement the above decisions. This is expected to be launched soon. OCI cardholders are therefore requested to wait for the updating of the portal before submitting any application for re-issue of OCI card.

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'India can speak about its own policy': US on Australian journalist's claims on visa denial

Avani dias, a journalist at the australian broadcasting corporation, claimed that she had to leave india abruptly after her visa was denied, being told that her reporting "crossed a line". government sources said her claims were incorrect as her visa was extended despite violating rules..

"After Australian Government intervention, I got a mere two-month extension...less than 24 hours before my flight," she said in a post on 'X'. "We were also told my election accreditation would not come through because of an Indian Ministry directive. We left on day one of voting in the national election in what Modi calls 'the mother of democracy".

However, government sources said that Dias' claims were "incorrect, misleading and mischievous" and that she was found to have violated visa rules while "undertaking her professional pursuits". Curiously, Dias left India on April 20 two days after her visa was extended till June after the journalist was assured her visa would be extended for the coverage of the general elections.

The sources asserted that Dias' claims about not being permitted to cover the elections were factually incorrect as covering election activities outside of booths is permitted to all visa-holder journalists. Authority letters are required only for access to polling booths and counting stations, but this cannot be processed while the visa extension is under process, they added.

What did the US government say about the claims?

Responding to the allegations made by Avani, US State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel on Thursday said, "Look, the government of India can speak to its own visa policy. That is not something I am going to opine on from here."

"Broadly, we have been clear with countries around the world about the integral role that a free press plays in the fabric of democracy. That is why we come up here and take questions regularly. But I will let the officials in India speak to the specific," Patel told reporters at a news conference.

Notably, other ABC correspondents including, Meghna Bali and Som Patidar have already received their letters, according to government sources. During the press briefing, Patel also denied making any remark on the internal investigation report by the Indian Government on the alleged assassination plot of Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

French journalist's OCI card revoked

This matter came months after French journalist Vanessa Dougnac was issued a notice by New Delhi for an alleged violation of visa rules and her Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card was revoked by authorities, prompting her to leave the country in February. The Indian government said the notice issued to Vanessa Dougnac was "not related to her work" and clarified she had "violated visa rules".  

Dougnac said she cannot afford to wait for the outcome of the legal process set in motion in the wake of a notice issued to her by the government regarding the cancellation of her Overseas Citizen of India card. "Today, I am leaving India, the country where I came 25 years ago as a student, and where I have worked for 23 years as a journalist. The place where I married, raised my son, and which I call my home," she said.

She said leaving India was not her choice and that she was forced to by the government which had claimed that her articles were "malicious" and harming "the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India". The notice to Dougnac also figured in the delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, who was the chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations.

(with inputs from agencies)

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• India allows 'revocation order' for Goans with Portuguese citizenship to apply for OCI cards

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India allows "revocation order" for Goans with Portuguese citizenship to apply for OCI cards

N ew Delhi [India], April 21 (ANI); In a significant move, the Ministry of External Affairs ( MEA ) has directed passport authorities to issue a "revocation order" for individuals from Goa and Daman & Diu, who had their Indian passports revoked after acquiring Portuguese citizenship.

This decision could offer relief to many who were rendered ineligible to apply for Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) due to the previous passport requirements.

The MEA memorandum dated April 4 said, "The Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to accept 'revocation certificate' as an alternative document in lieu of 'surrender certificate' in case of Indian nationals hailing from the erstwhile Portuguese territories in India, who have acquired Portuguese nationality as per Portuguese Nationality Law."

"In view of the above, all PIAs are hereby advised to mandatorily Issue Revocation order, in all such cases wherein instead of issuing Surrender Certificate, PIAs decide to revoke the passport by invoking Section 10 (3) of the Passports Act, 1967," it added.

The requirement of a 'surrender certificate' had posed challenges for those wanting to apply for OCI cards. After a November 30, 2022 memorandum by the MEA , passports of Goans who acquired Portuguese citizenship were revoked for "suppressing material information" about their foreign nationality. This led to passport authorities ceasing the issuance of surrender certificates, making many ineligible for OCI cards.

"PIAs have revoked passport (instead of issuing surrender certificate) of many Indian national hailing from erstwhile Portuguese territories in India (Goa, Daman & Diu), if the passport in question, was obtained after acquisition of Portuguese nationality/citizenship. Since Surrender Certificate" is one of the mandatory documents for obtaining OCI Card, revocation of passport has rendered them ineligible for obtaining OCI Card," the Ministry of External Affairs has instructed passport authorities in the country.

The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card is a passport-like document issued by the Indian government to people of Indian origin who are foreign citizens. The OCI card allows people to register as Overseas Citizens of India if they were citizens of India on January 26, 1950 or later. OCI provides foreign citizens of Indian origin the right to live and work in India indefinitely.

Following the MEA decision, the Goa Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant lauded the announcement and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister, Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar for accepting the request of his government and providing relief to thousands of Goa citizens.

In a post on X, Goa Chief Minister said, "Great news for people of Goa. MEA has issued clarification that Revocation Certificate will also be a valid document in lieu of Surrender Certificate for obtaining OCI Card. I thank the Union Govt led by PM @narendramodi ji, Home Minister Shri @AmitShah Ji, Minister of External Affairs @DrSJaishankar ji & MEA MoS Smt @M_Lekhi for accepting the request of the State Government that would provide huge relief to thousands of Goan & their families."

Under Portuguese law, individuals born in Goa before December 19, 1961, and two subsequent generations have the option to register as Portuguese citizens. With a Portuguese passport offering visa-free entry to countries like the UK and EU, many Goans have availed this opportunity for better employment and education prospects overseas.

The issue escalated over the past year as the denial of surrender certificates caused anxiety among Goans.

With the MEA 's recent directive, the acceptance of the revocation certificate as an alternative to the surrender certificate is expected to ease the OCI application process for many affected individuals. (ANI)

Critics of Narendra Modi barred from entering India after speaking out against government

British academic Nitasha Kaul has long researched the changing social and political landscape in India.

It's led her to a dire conclusion about the world's most populous democracy.

"What we're witnessing post-2014 is a democratic erosion in India — that is undeniable," Professor Kaul told the ABC.

More than 950 million Indians are eligible to vote in this year's general election which began last week , and is held in seven phases until June 1.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to easily win a third term in office after first coming to power in 2014.

But ahead of the critical poll, Professor Kaul was shocked when she was barred from entering the country.

In February, she was detained and then deported after being invited to speak at a conference on the country's constitution, despite holding a valid lifelong visa.

She said no reason had ever been given for the decision.

"If you are critical of a political project, or a political party or their policies, it should be very straightforward that you're not against the country," she said.

"What … these kinds of actions do is label people as anti-national for being critical of a party or of its policies or a leader."

Professor Kaul held an Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card.

Indian citizens can only hold one passport, but the OCI card acts as a lifelong visa, allowing foreign nationals of Indian origin to reside and work in India.

Professor Kaul's experience isn't an isolated one.

Research by the pro-democracy group Article 14 found at least 102 people have had their OCI cards revoked since 2014 under a clause of the country's citizenship laws.

The clause allows the government to cancel an OCI for several reasons, including if they have "shown disaffection towards the Constitution of India".

A Human Rights Watch report found several high-profile academics — who had published research critical of Indian government policy, Mr Modi or had commented on big issues affecting the country — were among those barred from entering India.

The report noted that in addition to cancelling OCI cards, the Indian government downgraded the privileges of 4.5 million OCI cardholders in 2021.

That move meant they needed to seek special permission to carry out tasks like research and journalism or visit areas in India listed as "protected".

Reducing public debate in India

Professor Kaul is the chair of the Centre for the Study of Democracy at the University of Westminster and has written extensively on how India's political landscape has changed since Mr Modi came to power.

She has also written about rising authoritarianism in the country.

After going public about her experience, she said other academics expressed concern their work would be a barrier to them getting home to see family.

She said the government's aim was to ultimately reduce the size of the public sphere in which to debate policy and publish academic work.

"This is a classic kind of authoritarian thing to be doing," she said.

Professor Kaul also received "violent, vicious, extremist, misogynistic, graphic sexual trolling" and death threats online.

"The idea for people who do that to people who are in the public domain is to try and intimidate and silence them," she said.

At the time Professor Kaul was denied entry, India's Ministry of External Affairs said "entry of foreign nationals into our country is a sovereign decision".

'Grossly unfair' 

London-based writer and activist Amrit Wilson's OCI card was cancelled two years ago.

She was born in India but moved to the United Kingdom when she was in her 20s, keeping close ties to her home nation.

Ms Wilson said the government attributed the cancellation to an article she wrote about protesting Indian farmers  and a social media post about the Muslim-majority region of Kashmir.

She's challenging the cancellation.

"It seemed grossly unfair," Ms Wilson told the ABC.

"The government can't handle dissent of any type. It locks dissenters up and if they're abroad it tries to target them in other ways."

The Indian government was contacted for comment on why it was cancelling OCIs. 

Opposition MPs have been arrested , protesters have been detained and internet shutdowns have targeted anti-government commentary in the lead-up to the national election. 

Reporters Without Borders ranked India 161st of 180 countries and territories in its latest World Press Freedom Index.

Human Rights Watch's Asia director Elaine Pearson said other countries should hold India to account.

"These governments should press the Modi administration to interact with its critics to bring about reform, instead of intimidating them into silence," Ms Pearson said.

Rising Hindu nationalism

Mr Modi's grip on political power is intricately connected with religion and a rising anti-Muslim sentiment in India.

India is still officially a secular nation, and while Hinduism is the biggest religion, the country is home to 200 million Muslims.

Despite that, Mr Modi hasn't hidden his Hindu nationalist ideals.

In January, he inaugurated a Hindu temple built on the site of a demolished mosque, delivering on one of his earlier poll promises.

His government has also moved to enact a law that fast-tracks naturalisation for people who have fled from religious persecution in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan but excludes Muslims from those countries.

In 2019, he stripped the Muslim-majority region Kashmir of its special status, bringing it under Delhi's control.

Ms Wilson said there was a concerted attack on Muslims, aiding the government and Mr Modi's political agenda.

"Modi plays to the Hindu majority by creating a fear of Muslims," she said.

"He concocts all kinds of lies about the Muslim population, and people do fall for it."

Last week, India's main opposition party accused Mr Modi of using hate speech after he called Muslims "infiltrators" at an election rally .

Mr Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party denies accusations of fostering religious intolerance and says its policies benefit all Indians.

India Hate Lab, a website tracking hate speech in India, found a steep rise in hate speech targeting Muslims in the second half of 2023. 

It documented 413 incidents, a 62 per cent rise compared to the first six months of the year.

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