When planning to travel to India, it’s important to make sure that all of your documents are in order and up to date. This includes your PIO card, which stands for Person of Indian Origin. If your PIO card has expired, you may still be able to travel to India, but you will need to obtain a new card before your departure. The process to get a new card is relatively simple and can be done through the Indian consulate nearest you. Once you have your new card, you’ll be all set to enjoy your trip to India!
No, you cannot travel to India with an expired PIO card.
Can I travel to India on expired Pio?
The Bureau of Immigration has announced that PIO cards will be accepted as a valid travel document until 31st December, 2022. Indian Immigration Check Posts will continue to consider all PIO cards valid for exit/entry from/into India until 31st December, 2022. This is to facilitate the transition for PIO card holders who are required to obtain an OCI card.
You can enter India with a valid OCI card and a valid foreign passport. You don’t need to carry your old passport with the “U” (OCI) visa if it’s different from your current passport.
Can I still convert my Pio to OCI
The government of India has announced that the deadline for converting Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cards to Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards has been extended until 31 December 2023. This extension will provide relief to those PIO card holders who have not yet been able to convert their cards to OCI cards.
If you have any emergency travel plan, you can travel with your current OCI card, current passport and old passport associated with OCI.
Do Pio need visa to visit India?
The PIO card holders do not require a visa to visit India for a period of 15 years from the date of issue of the PIO card. They are exempted from registration at FRRO/FRO if their stay does not exceeds 180 days. In case if the stay exceeds 180 days, they shall have to register with FRRO/ FRO within the next 30 days.
The PIO Card will have a validity of 15 years subject to the condition that a valid Passport accompanies it. This means that as long as you have a valid passport, your PIO Card will be valid for 15 years. After that, you will need to renew your PIO Card.
Can I travel back to India with expired visa?
As long as the return occurs within 4 days of the visa’s expiration, it is not required. This allows for some flexibility in case of emergencies or other unforeseen circumstances.
If you intend to visit India, you will need to ensure that you have a valid OCI Card as well as a valid foreign passport. You will not need to carry your old passport, on which your “U” (OCI) Visa was stamped, if that happens to be different from your current passport.
Can I travel while OCI renewal is in process
In case an OCI card holder who has attained the age of 50 years and has got his/her passport renewed subsequently but has not got his/her OCI card re- issued on renewal of his/her passport, he/she may travel on the strength of the existing OCI card along with the old and new passports.
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.
How long does OCI renewal take in USA?
The processing time for a visa application is 6 weeks from the date the application reaches the Embassy or Consulate.
Yes, it is mandatory to convert your PIO card to OCI card before December 31, 2023. This is because all Person of Indian Origin card holders are now deemed to be OCI card holders in India’s Citizenship Amendment Bill 2015. So, if you want to continue to enjoy the benefits of being an OCI card holder, you need to convert your PIO card to OCI card.
Can you travel without updating OCI
oci cardholders will be allowed to travel on the strength of their existing oci cards bearing old passport numbers subject to the condition that the oci cardholders will have to travel along with new passports.
The PIO and OCI Card Schemes have been merged, and the Government of India has decided to discontinue the issuance of any new PIO cards with effect from January 9, 2015. All applicants will now have to apply for an OCI card only. The OCI application form is available on the website https://passportgov.in/oci/.
How many days can a US citizen stay in India OCI card?
US citizens can stay in India for up to 180 days at a time if they have applied for the 1 year India Visa. After 180 days, they must leave the country and can only re-enter if they have a valid visa.
If you are an OCI card holder and you need to apply for an emergency visa, you will need to complete the Indian Visa Application form and submit it along with a digital passport photo that is 2×2 inches in size and has a white background. You will also need to submit address proof documents such as a utility bill or a copy of your lease agreement.
How long is OCI taking these days
Dear applicant,
We regret to inform you that your OCI application is taking longer than usual to process. The complete processing of OCI cards involves a number of steps, and can be further delayed because of incomplete applications. We appreciate your patience as we work to complete your application as soon as possible.
A PIO card allows visa-free travel from and to India to the person holding a valid card. A PIO card is considered valid only if you hold a valid passport. On the contrary, an OCI card allows lifetime visa-free traveling to and from India.
How to convert PIO card to OCI card
The conversion of a PIO card to an OCI card is a simple process that can be completed online. All you need to do is start the registration process as OCI-Registration (in lieu of a valid PIO card) and fill out all the required details. Once you have provided the valid PIO card details, you can complete Part-B of the registration process.
The OCI application processing time usually takes 8 to 10 weeks. However, you may track your application by entering the Tracking ID on https://wwwin.ckgsus.com/trackandtrace/ or by entering the Passport Number and Online Registration Number or File Number on http://passportgov.in/oci/statusEnqury.
What is the difference between PIO card and OCI card
Person of Indian Origin (PIO) is an Indian origin individual who has settled abroad, while Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) are those individuals who became eligible for Indian citizenship on or after 26 January 1950. There is often confusion between these two concepts, but it is important to understand the difference between them.
PIO status grants certain benefits to foreign citizens of Indian origin, such as the ability to apply for an Indian visa without sponsorship from an employer, the right to purchase property in India, and the right to access certain Indian government programs. PIO status is typically granted for a period of 15 years, after which it must be renewed.
Final Words
No, you cannot travel to India with an expired PIO card.
There is no definitive answer to this question as expired cards may still be accepted by some airlines and travel companies. However, it is always advisable to check with the specific airline or travel company before making any travel plans.
