On the eve of the New Year 2022, the government of India announced the extension of the deadline for reissuance of OCI cards through December 2022 given the current emergence of COVID-19 cases. The reissuance of an OCI card, which is otherwise a mandatory requirement for OCI cardholders on renewal of their passports, is relaxed till December 31, 2022. Without worrying about the mandatory reissuance of OCI cards, foreign citizens of Indian origin can travel to and from India through 2022.
The extended deadline relieves OCI cardholders of the need to get the OCI card reissued once they complete 20 years of age and 50 years of age. However, the relaxation being temporary, it is recommended that the OCI cardholders who turned 20 or 50 last year or will do so this year must get the OCI card reissued with the new passport number before the new/extended deadline expires.
“Alongside the reissuance deadline, certain relaxations are also extended for OCI cardholders’ travel to and from India in 2022. The previous mandate for carrying the old/expired passport, the number of which features on their existing OCI cards, continues to be dispensed with through the new year. However, it is still mandatory to carry the new passport while traveling to India. As not all international airlines comply with the relaxations, we recommend our customers to carry the old/expired passport along with the new one,” said the chief travel advisor of IndianEagle.com, a leading air-ticketing agency.
This major relief for the Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) with renewed passports but old OCI cards came just before the launch of air bubble flights during the pandemic. The rigid enforcement of the OCI validity and renewal policy by the immigration authorities and airline officials was relaxed to ensure smooth travel and from India until June 30, 2020 – which was extended until June 2021, and then to December 31, 2021. As a result, OCI cardholders below 20 and above 50 years of age travelled on air bubble flights to India without hassles.
The relaxation of the OCI renewal policy allows OCI cardholders to upload online a copy of the new passport and a recent photograph whenever the passport is renewed until they become 20 years old. The same relaxation is extended to them on completion of 50 years of age. OCI cardholders are required to upload only once a copy of the passport and a recent photo online when the passport is renewed after their 50 years of age. The documents must be uploaded online within three months of the renewal of the passport.
“Inadequate awareness about the sudden enforcement of the OCI card renewal rules which have been in place for years had resulted in a mounting number of trip cancellations and cases of harassment at origin airports or during transit at connecting airports before the COVID pandemic brought air travel to a standstill. However, the Government of India has been considerate towards OCI cardholders by not only extending the deadline further, but also allowing them to travel to India,” said the chief customer relations officer of Indian Eagle Travel.
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There is no clarity and mass NRIs are confused.
Indian government should make it simple rule to avoid inconvenience and harassment
Copy of notification should be available online or on Foreign Ministry’s website.
It creates bad impression of red tapism.
What I don’t understand is, this card is not free we have to pay to obtain it and with that we have to deal with sudden changes in terms of rules and regulations. Just make it simple, why there is a need to change at 20 and 50. Once we obtain the card let be usable life time. We are Indians after all, just so happen that we drooped from the sky and landed on the other part of the world except India, that don’t change us as Indians. Its 2021 now, make the process simple.
Face feature changes with age which is true more for the young and old age group. I understand the Indian government concern. To make the face recognition problem simple, just ask every one to upload their latest passport picture with their new and old (OCI visa stamp) foreign passport number and details to update the Indian government visa office database.
The solution is too simple and makes Indian government Babu’s daily life unproductive (under the table).
I attempted to upload my latest passport pic and signature on the OCI Admin Services portal and finally it gave me some message stating FRBO offices are closed at the moment. I have not received a confirmation via email that it has been accepted. What do I need to do now?
I am in same situation and there no acknowledgement E mail . I wrote an E mail to indian consulate regarding this issue, but no reply from them so far. If you know any other contact number and other information regarding this issue please share with me . thanks
I am in same situation like yours. I contacted u.s consul but no reply so far.i don’t know what to do .
A big confusion on application part & we are suffering with poor customer support!
Is there anything simple and straightforward in Indian system or India? That’s why we left India.
Indian government is won’t let passenger board plane, when overstaed in India after expiring Indian visa. They can enforce penalty at airport and let them board the plane. I sincerely appreciate if u take this issue to Indian government authority
How awful you live in foreign countries and want to go to India but also want to criticise India .
If you left good for you ,
,Evans you don’t want to go back , yes india is different but remember it’s the past government of 70 years did not do anything to change this .
You live in different countries you follow rules so follow India’s rule .
Please don’t forget india was ruled by the foreign country for years which has held India back .
Don’t slag India
Not sure what the GOI is trying to achieve by harassing children and old people by these OCI rules? The demonetization, GST, Citizenship row etc are wasting the nation’s time and attention. Looks like the positions of officials have been filled with psychos.
You have gotten used to American lifestyle and cannot deal with Indian problems!! That’s all! Even basic traffic in US makes us feel like terrible things have happened. Remember, millions and millions deal with such things in India daily. So please remember your patience that you had during your days in India. This is just minor inconvenience,
yes we got to American lifestyle and India is getting American lifestyle and claims to be global outsourcing provider. Pathetic and useless
Most appropriate pointer. India and Indians have always bent backward to accommodate unforeseen lapses–that is my experience of many years (as compared to many other airports and pertinent officials elsewhere in this world!). Good to keep our innate desire to be harsher with us–Indians and India–in due check and balance!
Speak for yourself. You have not idea what others are going through and why we are asking for this basic information. You also do not know what we are doing for the country and the government.
We were issued oci card at age of 65 since then have new passport do we have to renew oci
Hello Sir! If your OCI card has the new passport number, then no need to renew the OCI card. If no, you can upload your latest photo to the OCI portal.
This is bizarre.. Whereever you are.. you must be changing your passport as well.
Why don’t you say the same thing to your host country.
OCI rules are getting relaxed. You should be happy
policies should be clear and the one that makes sense. OCI card is issued for life.
So, why is it connected to a passport is not clear. Any passport number should not be listed on OCI card.
And if listed, the need to get it updated every time a passport is renewed, should be waived for all OCI card holders irrespective of age.
If a renewal is necessary, it should be automatic via filing the new, updated, info online.
Your suggestion in correct. Like updating other information can be updated the new passport information can be updated on line. This will avoid lots of aggravation going to OCI office or mailing because OCI offices are wher parking is big issue, waiting for your number in line, travling for long distance in heavi traffic. By mailing OCI office lost of passport or sending back wrong passport. I have received wrong passport & OCI card from OCI office in New York.
Yes, if we need to update OCI booklet with new passport number, procedure need to be simplified. Like sticker that will be genetrated online can be afffix to original OCI booklet.
The solution is very simple. But then how will the middle men (CGI or VFS) will benefit. How will they make money. It will never happen. I am planning to travel to India in May 2021. I have a PIO for my son with 2024 expiry and my daughters OCI with Lifelong validity stamp. I have sent their US passport for renewal and its going to take 10-12 weeks and then I wont have time to renew it. So I will travel with their old PIO and OCI cards with old passports along plus new newsletter from NewYork Indian embassy mentioning that now its all extended till Dec 2021.
Hi, Where does it say the deadline is extended till dec 2021. Everywhere I see its mentioned deadline is June 2021. Will be glad if you can point me to the newletter. I am in a similar situation as yours.
I am in same situation and traveling in June. Can you let me know how it goes? Both my kids have PIO. My son’s expire Oct 2021 and my daughter’s 2024. I do not have time to convert PIO to OCI.
https://www.cgisf.gov.in/news_detail/?newsid=106
It is link of new notice regarding extension of renewal of OCT
I fully agree with what you are saying. When OCI is for life why renew it. If they want to get new photos for children/elderly they should state that reason. No where they say that. It takes long time to get OCI renewed. Also how do people know all these rule changes? especially when OCI is for life is printed on it.
This is typical Indian way of doing things. They enforce the law suddenly and then sit and watch the fiasco.
In this article they talked about this deadline “June 30, 2020” but there is no mention of that on the web page for
“OCI card renewal rules” (this link is provided in this article itself).
Indians are good workers but very poor managers – sorry, that’s what I see every where.
It is a shame that Indian bureaucrats cannot write a very simple rule in easy and precise English.
Actually there is no will, desire or work ethic.
The content below is an excerpt taken directly from the Indian Embassy website.
It provides a little bit more clarity.
Guidelines about the Reissuance of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card
It has been noticed that some OCI cardholders were not allowed to board flights to India as the passport numbers on their OCI cards did not match with their current passport numbers and the OCI cards had not been reissued.
To avoid this inconvenience, OCI cardholders are required to note the following guidelines regarding the reissuance of OCI Card:
Up to the Age of 20 – OCI cardholders must get the OCI Card reissued each time their passport is renewed.
Between 21-50 years – Reissuance of OCI Card is not required each time the passport is renewed. It is advisable to carry the old passport along with the current passport and the OCI Card as part of abundant caution, but is not mandatory.
After completion of 50 years of age, OCI Card is required to be reissued mandatorily only once.
LATEST BELOW
Press Release on Relaxation in OCI Guidelines till 30th June 2020
PRESS RELEASE
The following OCI guidelines have been in force since 2005:
1. OCI card needs to be re-issued each time a new passport is acquired by the cardholder up to the age of 20 years.
OCI card is required to be re-issued once on acquiring a new passport after completing 50 years of age.
Re-issuance of OCI card is not required each time a passport is issued to a cardholder between 21 and 50 years of age.
2. This is to inform that Government of India has decided to grant temporary relaxation till 30th June 2020 in the following cases:
In case an OCI card holder below the age of 20 years has not got the OCI card re-issued on change of passport, he/she may travel on the strength of his/her existing OCI card bearing old passport number subject to the condition that along with the new passport, the OCI cardholder carries old passport mentioned in the OCI card.
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.
3. It is, however, advised that OCI cardholders may take steps to comply with the existing OCI guidelines in Para 1 above and renew their OCI cards as required by the rules.
If I obtain my first OCI card after my 50 years of age, do I still need the re-issuance of OCI card when I get a new renewed passport? Please clarify.
Hi Phillip! You may not need to get the OCI card reissued. All you can do is to upload a copy of your new/renewed passport on the OCI portal of Indian government.
Recently, hearing of these issues as applied to children travelling with their parents, several people I know just applied for a e-visa for the child few days before the planned trip.
Since the OCI portion wasnt even brought up, they had no issues completing their trips!
I agree having to do this despite the OCI being present is ridiculous though! The OCI replacement procedure is so slow and painful, that its just seemingly not worth it, especially for kids who have to renew their main passport every 5 years….as such by they time they reach 20 years, they will have to apply for a new OCI 4 times! Really? Minor children of NRI’s who were born abroad need to go through this procedure?
i agre, procedure is tortous
Renewal is not as simple as it sounds, one will have to make a trip to bank to arrange payment as they DO NOT accept credit card or personal checks. Following is what I found when I tried to submit online application to mail in for renewal in New York.
“Payments must be made by Money order/Pay order /Cashiers/ Bankers check favoring “Cox and Kings Global Services USA LLC”.
Dear Indian Government, How about you just take money every 5 years but spare us the hassle and stress of renewing these OCIs over and over just to reflect a new password number or a new address on the same piece of paper.
Have you ever considered a simple database update to reflect a new passport number or address in your records instead of repeatedly canceling and reissuing new OCIs every few years for each NRI, young or old.
You, anyways, validate everything at the port of entry. So why is this not a practical solution?
You can keep ripping us off with these application fees for every database update while we are happy to win our sanity back.
I don’t get one thing, why can’t they put a EXPIRATION date on OCI card ????? Like there is expiration date on every other thing to make it simple this playing puzzle every morning 20 years 50 years
Cox & Kings on their website have screen shots – but these screenshots are not the same as the Government website ? – why the disconnect ?
The application is too complicated. Its more simple to get USA passport renewal, then OCI renewal. I have been rejected 3 time on Minor issues- You missed middle name in your wife’s name etc. They need to make it simple. Send old OCI send fees and new passport and simple application.
When so many travelers from so many countries are traveling to India with new passport and OCI stamped passport, why they have to go through the harassment. The old passport with OCI stamp and new passport should be allowed till new passport expires. Even than OCI is for life time why need to be made again? Make it easy so more Indians can travel to their mother land. Sad that we are still using 19th century thoughts. Hope some one will pay attention in politics or in authority.
I can’t figure out since I have renewed my USA Passport, if I need to get my OCI card also renewed. I thought OCI card was for life, why confusing it now in such a way? also the age implications are so confusing, you don’t know whether you need to do anything or not. Why not put a questioner where you plug in your OCI card number, date of birth and the result lets you know what to do next?
On oci card thay should keep enough room to add new passport number so when ever we renew passport just go to Indian Consalate and just add new passport number on oci card and Consalate stamp that’s it problem solve
The solution is very simple. But then how will the middle men (CGI or VFS) will benefit. How will they make money. It will never happen. I am planning to travel to India in May 2021. I have a PIO for my son with 2024 expiry and my daughters OCI with Lifelong validity stamp. I have sent their US passport for renewal and its going to take 10-12 weeks and then I wont have time to renew it. So I will travel with their old PIO and OCI cards with old passports along plus new newsletter from NewYork Indian embassy mentioning that now its all extended till Dec 2021.
Recently I had submitted for OCI re-issue along with my passports for SFO VFS office. Although the checklist says “copy” for address proof, they asked for notarized affidavit. On the day I responded sending original document instead of dealing with notarized affidavit, SFO office returned my passports (old and new) without OCI booklet. Does anyone had similar experience? Now I do not know whether I can travel to India without OCI booklet (with only visa sticker on old passport). Even to ask for re-processing re-issue of OCI, they expect us to submit it which they didn’t returned. They are extremely difficult to reach (other than writing). I understand they are very busy but if they mess up the process after a long wait, our life becomes difficult. Any comments/feedback is welcomed.
This is so much confusing and no information is finding anywhere. Before booking my tickets I went to the Indian consulate and enquired about the above news just to avoid last-minute confusion at the airport. No one there to answer, after waiting some time one person came out and asked him by showing the press release, he said yes I can travel but no proof. Then we booked our tickets and ready to travel on 3rd March. But today (1st March) Emirates posted a press release on this and said minor much match passport number on OCI. Not sure what to do? Is airlines right or Indian Govt press release right? in big confusion have to travel with two kids once I reach Dubai if they won’t allow the board the flight will be in big trouble. Tried to reach Indian Consulate but no one answering the call. Maybe I need to cancel the flight to not to take risks.
Hi Raj! In our knowledge, June 30, 2021 is the deadline for reissuance of OCI Cards for those below 20 and above 50 years of age. Could you share Emirates’ press release that you referred to in your post?
Hi
We are planning to travel to India beginning of April and my minor Son will travel with his old OCI card (ofcourse will carry old passport as well).
we plan to come back in July to US, since the extension is until June 30th will it impact our return travel for my minor Son with US passport?
Could anyone please provide clarification on that?
Hi Surinder! No one can give clarification. Please be advised to not take risk if the current deadline is not extended further. Once the deadline expires, airlines will strictly enforce the rules.
I agree with your comment. But OCI visa is needs to be valid while entry (ofcourse if you are carrying both OCI card and the passport associated passport old or new). While departing I do not understand what could be a problem (I could be wrong). While departing one should have valid visa to enter the country such that airline can let you travel – right?
Hi There, what was your experience coming back? As we are in same situation , going in Dec 2021 but coming back in January 2022
Would appriciate if you can please confirm thank you
Hi – is this deadline of June 2021 officially granted? I turned 50 in September and traveling soon on original OCI that is tied to my first US passport, I got a new US passport 4 years ago and traveled once to India using OCI but that time I was 47. Pls advise. Thank You.
Hi Dipesh! As per the rules, you need to get the OCI card revalidated/reissued on renewal of the passport after you became 50. However, the rules are relaxed till June 30, 2021.
As I understand, deadline for OCI re issue has been extended until June 30th, 2021. So, if an OCI holder travels to India from US on say June 15th 2021 (after school year is done) and returns on say July 30th 2021 from India to US, will he/she still be allowed to travel back into US on that date with current OCI, old US passport and new US passport?
Hi Jay! We regret not being able to address your query this moment. Please be advised to check with the airline that you will be traveling on.
Dear Ms Shailza
Allowed to travel with current OCI, old US passport and new US passport for departure from Washington and back.
Regards,
Laxman Karki
Manager Washington
Tel(o)+15718885152
Hello Jay and for anyone who is looking for this clarity
Dear Ms Shailza
Allowed to travel with current OCI, old US passport and new US passport for departure from Washington and back.
Regards,
Laxman Karki
Manager Washington
Tel(o)+15718885152
Hi Sailaja! Thank you for sharing your experience and clearing the doubts. May we know which airline you traveled on from the US to India?
I need someone to clearly answer to my question.
I just turned 50 and my passport and OCI are expiring Sep, 2021
Can I travel from june, 2021 and be back by july, 2021 and not get my both documents renewed.
Hi Tej! We are not sure if you will be able to travel. Please be advised to check with Indian Consulate/Embassy.
Unfortunately any deadline extension does not solve the root cause of this problem. Why is a renewal required for something which was promised (to the delight of the NRI community) to have LIFETIME validity by the honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi?
(watch this : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvPkGvZe19Q).
Many of us already carry old/current passports in any case, so the passport details in the OCI can easily be verified at any travel point. All this seems to be nothing more than a revenue generating mechanism. The whole OCI renewal process of dealing with the embassy/consulate, amounts of hoops to jump through (multiple forms, copies, photos, notarization, payment, courier, etc etc) is so arduous and frustrating already. Why make us suffer by renewal requirements – especially for kids whose passports expire every 5 years? If someone has more than 1 kid, it gets even more cumbersome. And we have to do this over and over till the kids are 20 years old ???
These OCI renewal rules have been touted to be applicable since 2005. That’s 16 years back !!! Why isn’t the Indian government even attempting to modernize this archaic process? As someone also mentioned here, even applying/getting a new USA passport is much easier than getting an OCI renewal. If the Indian government still wants us to follow the existing requirements, we are ready to pay the fees over and over again but atleast make the process/documentation rules much simpler !!!
I am now thinking of just applying for e-visa for my kids (before any India travel) even though they have an OCI. From what I have read the e-visa process is much simpler.
Hi, is the OCI renewal exemption is only for US citizens or Mexican citizens too ?
Hi Pankaj! The exemption is for all OCI card holders around the world.
We renewed my kid US Passport recently but OCI card showing Old Passport. We are travelling to India in July and will be back in August 2021.
With the new extension till Dec 2021, I hope we don’t need to renew her OCI Card. Also, we are planning to take both Old and New Passport incase there is any queries from Airlines..
Hi Srinath! You are good to go with the new deadline being December 31, 2021.
Hi,my wife plans to visit UK by May 2021.issue is,my minor child’s passport has been changed due to expiry n he is having oci card with old passport number.will they have issues while travelling from India to uk in may 2021?
Hi Fredy! Please be advised to check with the Embassy/the Consulate.
I renewed my sons Portuguese passport in March 2020 and I only received it in hand in Aug 2020. I have not re issued OCI and intend to travel to UK in May 2021. Can I travel from India to UK with both old and new passport and old OCI? Plz answer as because of Covid my travels plans have been scrapped several times n the anxiety is.killing me .Thank you
Hi Sneha! Yes, you can. Please be advised to check with the Embassy/the Consulate.
I have OCI card for a while now.My US passport will be valid for another 8 years. Can I travel to India safely in 2021 with my OCI booklet ,old passport with OCI sticker and new passport?
Why do we have to renew OCI cards? My understanding is OCI is for lifetime and I did it for the whole family.
If appearance change s an issue, our US passport gets updated with current photos every 10 years/5years anyway.
Can someone please look into these issues and help us?
Hi Chitra! Yes, you might be able to travel. Please be advised to go through https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/relief-for-oci-card-holders/. OCI cards need to be re-issued because it must show the new passport number. However, there is a relaxation. Please go through https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/oci-cardholders-below-20-years-age/.
My children’s British passports have expired, I’ve not renewed due to covid, it’s been over a year now since they expired. Once I renew the British passports can I renew the OCI’s or is there a period in which I must renew my Oci before they are not accepted?
Hi Arovbukay! Please go through https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/oci-cardholders-below-20-years-age/ for the latest guidelines regarding OCI cards.
Very good
Hello. My mom’s US passport was renewed in 2018 and she fits into renew once post 50 years catrgory. I never renewed her OCI onto her new passport. I read that it needs to be done within 3 months. Have I missed the boat? What do i have to do now?
Hi Shivir! If your mother is above 50 years, you can apply for her OCI renewal at any time.
I got my OCI booklet in 2010 and a stamp in my old passport which expired in 2015 . Till now I I always carried my OCI Card, old and new passport while travelling to India . My old passport was renewed in 2015. With the new rules do I need to upload a copy of my current active passport issued in 2015 ( expires in 2025) even though it is already 6 years now.
Hi Mohan! If you are above the age of 50 years, you need to get your OCI card reissued.
Hello, My dauther’s OCI was to be re issued in 2016 at the age of 20 and renewal of her passport, she travelled to India by carrying old and new passport in 2018 and in 2019 along with the old OCI (non reissued/old). As I read on the gov. of India web site re issue must be done within 3 months of the new passport. We are planned to travel in Oct/Nov 2021. What shall I do as the re issue of OCI was missed. Kindly help with your valuable information.
Thanks
Hi Ahmed! Please be advised to check with the Indian embassy/consulate in your jurisdiction.
Ahmed, I am also in the similar situation for my kids travel, could you please let me know what you find out.
Hi,
Recently (3 months before)I got a new Canadian passport for my son (he was 20 at that time). His OCI was with the old passport when he was a child. I booked my ticket to India for Nov 2021 and not having much time to apply and get the OCI re-issue. Is this extended deadline of Dec 31,2021 apply to his case? Otherwise, what could I do?
Please advise.
Hi Rohini! You son can travel to India before December 31, 2021 carrying both the old and new passports.
Thanks Sir. So this deadline extension applies irrelevant to the age. Is it right? As of his current Canadian passport, he completed 20 years and while travelling on Nov 30, he is 21 (completed).
Your reply is much appreciated.
Thanks
Hi Indian Eagle,
I am over 50 years old and have an OCI. I got a new US passport. I have the OCI card, and old US passport with the OCI visa. Can I travel to India before Dec 31, 2021 without uploading the new passport details in the government of India website. I heard a passengers over 50 was denied boarding by United for not uploading current passport info.
I am now 62 years of age. Can I travel to India with my old passport which has the OCI stamp along with the new passport as we did in the past? Thank you
Hi Sudhir! You can travel, as the deadline for the OCI card reissuance has been extended through December 2021.
Hello I need some help here, I have OCI sticker with U number in my old passport, I never received a booklet at first place. Can I travel with just the sticker along with my new passport or I need to apply for booklet first?
Hi Himani! The ‘U’ visa sticker on the passport is not valid any more. It was dispensed with way back in 2015. You must have the OCI card/booklet.
Cant see the name of the right website to upload, renew or read all these rules.
If anyone know the name of the website, please let me know which button I need to click to oci related news and paperworks.
Hi Kanu! https://ociservices.gov.in/welcome for your perusal.
hi my daughter renewed her passport may 19 2021 when she turn into 20.she got her oci card on dec 12 2010.she is planning to go to india this year .did she need to renew her oci card now? please reply
Hi Lakshmi! As the relaxation is extended till December 31, 2022, she can travel to and from India with her existing OCI card, the new passport and the old passport. Please be advised to crosscheck the same with the Indian Embassy/Consulate in your jurisdiction.
At age of 65, I had my first OCI issued on or about March 2012 incorporating my USA passport (I am a naturalized citizen) and after 10 years I had to obtain a renewed US passport and that was received in December 2021. Immediately I had applied for updating my OCI renewed passport number to the competent authority in the prescribed procedure ONLINE and uploaded my picture, signature and the new passport. OCI acknowledged the receipt of my application staying that my application is received on December 17, 2021 and is under consideration.
Till date the status has not changed, nor did I receive the updated OCI.
I am planning to visit India by the end of April, 2022. Can I visit India without the OCI being updated with the new renewed passport? Am I going to get the OCI card with NEW passport number incorporated in my existing OCI?
Hello Sir! You can travel with the existing OCI card, the new passport and the old passport until December 31, 2022.
I have uploaded the copy of renewed USA passport with the photo and signature to enable my OCI card be updated in December 2021 via OCI suggested portal online. My OCI card was first issued in March 2012 when I was 59 years.
If I do not receive the updated OCI card, can I visit India in April 2022 with my OCI card and both passports (old and renewed)?
Thanks and regards,
Jaya
i submitted my oci renewal on 17/2/22,unfortunately they did not process it because one of the mandatory field was not filled,they sent an junk email 22/12,but i did not see it until 13/2,any way i refilled application and sent it ,but now my mum is unwell and i need to travel,my OLD OCI is with HCI ,how do i travel without OLD OCI,can you give a suggestion,HCI will not allow me to go without appointment,how do i get old OCI
I turned 50 in may 2014 and renewed my passport in Oct 2014 which will now expire in oct 2024. I have an old OCI which was done in 2008 on my old passport and i have travelled to India with this new passport many times after oct 2014.
With the new extension, can I travel with this OCI on this new passport
Hi, I turned 50 in 2021. My US passport was renewed in 2020. As per my understanding, if I am traveling to India in May 2022, I do not need a new OCI card and can travel with my old OCI card. Correct?
Hi Vams! You can travel to and from India until December 31, 2022 with your existing OCI card, new passport and old passport.
I have renewed my Portuguese passport last week. I am 67 years old. Do I need to renew my OCI card ? Portuguese embassy did not return my old passport
Thanks.
Hi Gilberto! If your passport was not renewed after you turned 50 years, you need to renew the OCI card on renewal of the passport.
I was 58 years old when I renewed my British Passport. My OCI Card contains my old passport number. Can I travel to India and back to the
Hi Nelson! You can travel to India before December 31, but there may be issues during your return travel in 2023. Kindly be advised to check with the airline and the Indian Embassy/Consulate.
Hi! I’m 18 years old and am traveling to India from Canada this summer for 2 months. My old passport (that was associated with my original OCI) expired back in 2020, so I got a new one that same year. However, I didn’t know that I was supposed to upload my renewed passport online within the 3 months that I received it
To compensate for this, if I travel with both of my passports (current and old) along with my OCI card, will I be allowed to board my flight? Thanks.
Hi Divya! You’re likely to be allowed boarding as the relaxation of this OCI rule is extended through December 2022. However, be advised to check the same with the Indian consulate in your jurisdiction.
I have turned in OCI Miscellaneous Service Application to update new PP information. The status shows that Application has been acknowledged. Need to know how much time it takes for approval. If I have to travel in next 3 weeks or so, can I travel to India using Old PP with OCI stamped in it, OCI with old PP Number, New PP and print of acknowledge status page of OCI Miscellaneous Application. I got my OCI when I was over 50 years of age so do not fall in that 50 years new OCI requirement clause.
Any help in this matter is highly appreciated. Thanks
Hi Dinesh ji! The OCI cardholders can travel to and from India with their OCI card with the old PP number, the old passport and the new passport. This relaxation is available until December 31, 2022.
i heard that if you got your first OCI card after 50 years old, then you don’t need to renew or re-issue of OCI card. The rationale is that you don’t change that much in your face characteristics after 50. if this is correct, you only carry your old & new passports with your OCI card only even after 31 December 2022.
Please clarify the above statement.
I had hoped that life would get better under PM Modi but I guess you can’t change the hidebound bureaucrats in India.
The rules around OCI renewal are very convoluted and super confusing!
OCI was supposed to be for life but the GOI keeps changing the rules and continuing to harm India’s image.
Hi,
My son ( 7yrs old) got his OCI updated online recently, linking his renewed passport details.
What are the documents we need to have with us when we travel (from US to Blore, in June), other than the old OCI and current US passport. ?
Thank you in advance.
Regards,
Hema
Hi Hema! In addition to the OCI card and the US passport, you must carry your vaccination card/certificate and upload it also on Air Suvidha. If your son is not fully vaccinated, he needs to take an RT-PCR test and upload the negative result on Air Suvidha within 72 hours before undertaking the journey from USA.
Thanks for the reply!
Hello, my son’s us passport is renewed recently, I have uploaded the new passport and passport photo to oci miscellaneous service but I haven’t received the update confirmation. We’re planning to travel to India next week. Can I carry his old passport, new passport and oci. Thanks for inputs.
Hi Santosh! Yes, you can carry.
Hi
I got my OCI card issued after the age of 50
Since then I have obtained a new Australian passport.
I am 67 yrs now and travelling to India soon.
Do I need to update my OCI card ?
Hi Sunil! As per the relaxation extended till December 31, 2022; you can travel with your OCI card, old passport and new passport. However, be advised to verify the same with the Indian Embassy or Consulate.
Hi, I have my daughter’s US passport renewed. However, we didn’t received her old expired passport yet (USPS has lost it somehow). If I have to travel to India, I understand I don’t need to renew the OCI, except that I should update the new passport details. My question is, can I travel India now without expired passport? or do I need both expired and new passport along with OCI to travel?
Hi Kishore! As per the relaxation available through December 2022, your daughter can travel with the OCI card and the new passport. But, some airlines require OCI cardholders to carry the old passport as well. It varies from airline to airline. Hence, be advised to check with the airline that your daughter will travel on.
Hi – my son’s passport was renewed in Jan 2019 and we did not transfer his OCI to the new passport. I applied for OCI updation in Sept 2021 by uploading the required documents but was rejected as photo/signature was not apparently high resolution. I only recently realised that as did not receive the rejection email.
I have recently resubmitted a new updation application with new documents which hopefully will meet requirements.
However, we are due to travel to India in July and there is high risk that updation will not be confirmed by then (40-50 days processing time). Will we able to travel with his new’ish passport (Jan’19 issued), old passport (just in case) and OCI card on the back of the relaxation about re-issuance of OCI card till 31 December 2022?
Anything else we need to ensure complete prior to travel.
Hi Tony! In our knowledge, your son can travel to India with the OCI card, the new passport and the old one as long as the relaxation is in place. However, be advised to check the same with the airline he will travel on.
Thank you Indianeagle – the BoI also confirmed the same
That’s great. Wish you and your family a happy trip to India.
I have turned 50 and submitted my renewal application for OCI. the application is still waiting to be approved but I am travelling to India this week. Will I have any issues.
Hi Kamalash! We recommend you contact the Indian Embassy/Consulate and check with the airline.
Hi I have 2 boys, one is 12 and one 8.
My 12 year old has had a new passport twice since he had his OCI and my 8 year old once.
I am travelling to India beginning of August, do I need to get re-issuance for them or does the relaxation to Dec 2022?
Happy to submit miscellaneous services but worried will not get this back in time.
Hi Kal! Since the relaxation is extended through December 2022, your kids can travel to and from India with the OCI, the old and new passports. Be advised to check with the airline that they won’t be denied boarding at the airport.
Hi my oci has been acknowledged and is under consideration my flight is tomorrow can I travel? Please let me know asap
Hi Gurveer! Your son can travel with the OCI card, the old and new passports. However, be advised to check the same with the airline.
My wife and I have OCI from Jan 2007. Our Old passports expired in Dec 2016 and Jan 2017 respectively. We both have new passports from Sept 2016 and valid until Jan 2027. We were in late 50s at the time of getting our new passports.
We have travelled on our new passports a few times to India carrying old passports.
Do we need to apply to renew OCI or simply upload the passport and photo?
I am going to be 51…new USA passport but OCI is in my old one…can i still travel ?
i have read the above just need clarity on it…
thnk you
Hi Feroze! As per the current relaxation of the norms, you can travel with the OCI card, the new and old passports until the end of 2022. However, be advised to check with the airline that you will travel on.
Traveler 1:
US passport Issued date : Feb 7 2018
US passport Expiration date : Feb 6 2028
OCI Issued Date : April 24 2019 (attached to above passport issued on Feb7 2018
AGE : Turned 50 years in June 2020
Questions for traveler 1 :
1) Can he travel to India on AUG 7 2022?
2) Does he need to get OCI reissued?
Traveler 2:
New US passport Issued date : Jan 2020
OCI Issued Date : Feb 2017 (attached to Old passport issued on in 2014
AGE : Turned 17 years in March 2022
Questions for traveler 2 :
1) Can she travel to India on AUG 7 2022?
2) Does she need to get OCI reissued?
Hello S Rao! Both travelers can travel to and from India with their OCI cards, new and old passports until December 31, 2022. All the second traveler needs to do is to upload the latest photograph to the OCI portal of Indian government. For more information, please check https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/oci-cardholders-below-20-years-age/
Thank you for your inputs. Appreciate your reply.
You’re welcome! Wish you hassle-free travel! We will be more than happy to book your flight tickets at the best fare available from our partner airlines.
I have been trying to renew my OCI here in The UK. It is my first passport after the age of 50 – and hence the need to have it renewed (One last time, hopefully!) When I upload my photo and signature, I get a prompt saying ‘Cropped selection is fine.’. However, when I click on upload, I get a message saying ‘File format not supported’.
And now, on 20.07.2022, I tried to do the same for my daughter, as she got her new passport at the age of 19, and I get the same messages.
Could someone be kind enough to suggest what I may be doing wrong.
Thanks in advance.
Does anyone know of a working contact number for the Indian High Commission in the UK?
I already worked 4 hours to enter/ upload back and forth one person’s details, and it did not reach anywhere. Every junction there is a surprise! Eg: Why is it necessary to enter the renounced passport details? The original OCI card is received because all those information is uploaded. Now, will see if there is any more surprises when I go back and continue with the application. I believe there is no “simplification” has happened as claimed. We already went through a lot of processing to get the original card, to renounce passport etc..Please can we make it better? Thank you
hello
The rules relaxed to Dec 22, does that include if you are over 50 as well?
Hi Kaur! The rules are relaxed for those above 50 until December 21, 2022.
Not sure if my last comment posted, therefore trying again.
Hi all! I got a new passport (after turning 21) and therefore have submitted an application (OCI Misc) for a reissuance of new OCI card. It is still in process after two months and my flight to India is in a few weeks. In case I don’t receive a new OCI card, can I travel to India with my new passport and old passport with India OCI (U) sticker visa?
Thank you for your help!
Hi Chirag! You can travel with your new and old passports, as the rules are relaxed until December 31, 2022.
Thanks, very helpful! Just to make sure I understand correct, can I travel while the consulate has my old OCI card? I have my new and old passport (old which has the OCI sticker visa), I just don’t have the actual OCI card book that I submitted for renewal.
Hi Chirag! Not sure about that. Kindly be advised to check with the embassy.
I’ve tried calling however there is no phone service available. Any idea how I can speak to someone at the SFO Embassy/Consulate?
I got my OCI card when i was 49 years . and now I am above 50 years and got a New U.S passport
9 months back December 2021 . I uploaded my new passport info and my picture on OCI portal 3 months
back. i have the file number, but i have not received any conformation Email from them so far. I wrote a letter Indian consul at San Fransico, but no reply from them. VFS GOBAL asked me to contact India consulate which i did
i don’t know what to do . Can i travel to india with old passport, new passport and my OCi card
before December 31 ,2022 ? . please advise me what i need to do . Thanks.
Hi Subhadra! You can.
My daughter is travelling to US in October. She has OCI card issued when she was 17. She is now 23. She also need to come back on Jan 8th 2023 back to India. Is it OK to travel. We applied for New OCI but they are saying it may take 70-90 days to issue the new OCI which will not work in her case due to above travel dates. Is there any chance to extend the December 31st 2022 date further? What are the various options for her?
Hi Vijay! The due date was extended twice on account of the pandemic. Hence, chances are slim for the relaxation to be extended beyond December 31, 2022. In case the new OCI card is not issued before her travel to India, there are other options like a 30-day tourist visa and an entry X visa.
My 6 year old has oci on old passport. We are due to travel next week. Can he travel with new passport and oci please? I tried uploading new details on oci misc page but I’m struggling with it
He can travel to and from India until December 31, 2022. Be advised to check this with the airline that you will travel on. It is because some European airlines are not complying with the relaxation of the OCI rules.
My sons got new passports are 16 and 12 years old – 2021 and 2022. We have done the oci update registration today for minors. should they take oci on old passport, new passport and oci card to india next month on middle of december?
Hi Ash! If their new passports are updated with OCI details, they don’t need to carry the old passports. Otherwise, they should take both the old and new passports along with the OCI card while traveling to India this year.
hi i have renewed my british passport this year and am 29. do i need to renew my oci card? i tried to update on the miscellaneous services but it keeps coming up with error. i am travelling january 2023. please help
You need to apply for oci renewal through VFS. I am assuming your previous 🇬🇧 passport was issued when you were under 20.
What happens after 31st December 2022? Will they not allow people in?
Hi Shivani! There is no latest update on this yet.
Hi I only found out about this rule and I’ve already booked my flight for 6th January 2023. I’m so worried. No appointments and no help whatsoever.
Hi Shivani, did you end up facing any difficulties when travelling with your OCI Card/passport? Thanks
My flight is December 22nd, leaving from Canada, and my return is January 10th 2023. Will I be allowed to travel to india with the relaxation policy on OCI?
Hi Jashan! The relaxation is valid only until 31 December 2022. Kindly be advised to check with the Indian Embassy or Consulate in Canada, and the airline.
my daughter turned 20 years of age and she renewed her passport and she has received her new passport but she has not received her old passport yet and she has updated her OCI information on Indian consulate website and she only received reference # ID. It does not state that it has completed yet. Can she travel with her new passport along with her old OCI book. Is there any issues over it or it is ok to travel to India on March, 2023. please guide us
Thanks.
Hi Sehaj! The government of India allows OCI cardholders to enter the country with their new passports. Kindly note it also depends on the airline that your daughter will travel on to India. Some airlines onboard OCI cardholders only if they carry both old and new passports.
Hi Sehaj, by a way of an update, did you face any issues with your daughter travelling to india in relation to her OCI and passport? Thanks.
Hello! I am due to fly out on the 24th March to India which is in a week . I have a new passport and am over the age of 20 but my old passport and OCI card which was created under the age of 20 are both linked together. Am I okay to travel to India carrying both my old and new passport as well as my OCI card? Similarly, I have applied to change my passport particulars online at the Indian consulate website but have only received a reference number. Would it be best to print out my application form as proof I have applied for the re issuance of OCI card? And can I travel holding all my documents – change in passport details Indian consulate application, old passport, new passport and OCI card whilst my OCI card updates my passport number? Would you know any new updates with regards to this?
Thank you!
Hi Sukhman! We’re not the right authority to confirm your travel with the new passport and the OCI-linked old passport. Be advised to check with the Indian Embassy/Consulate and the airline that you plan to travel on.
Hi, can I travel to India with my old passport that my OCI is connected to and my new passport whilst my OCI reissue is being processed. I have made an application to change passport details but have only received a file reference and confirmation email saying that I have uploaded the documents and completed the application. I am over 20 years old and my OCI is linked to my passport under 20 yrs. will this be a problem at the airport if I carry my old passport, new passport and OCI linked to old passport? As well as a printout of my application for change in particulars? Please advise
Hi Simran! We’re not the right authority to confirm your travel with the new passport and the OCI-linked old passport. Be advised to check the Indian Embassy/Consulate and the airline that you plan to travel on.
As per my understanding of the last OCI re-issuance revised guidelines, two conditions need to be met. If Age 20+ or age 50 + and the foreign passport is renewed then update the info on the OCI website within 3 months of the new passport. This is whenever both conditions are met. Age 20+ will have to do this again at 50+. However it would have greatly helped everyone if the revised official info was kept simple and gave clarity to the rules !
Hi, I am 72 years old and few months ago i have renewed my Portugues passport and i am residing in United Kingdom. This 20+ and 50+ is confusing me (probably my age).
My question is, do i need to renew my OCI ? or do i just have submit an application to get my new passport details on my OCI?
Your help is greatly appreciated …
Hi Fernandes! If the passport renewal was the first time after you became 50 years old, you need to get the OCI card renewed. Otherwise, you can upload your new passport details to the OCI portal.
Hi, My kid has an OCI card. His passport was renewed when his age was exactly 19 years and 10 months. Should I apply for a new OCI card? We have to visit India in November. What if I renew his passport again (saying that it was lost)? Any suggestions?