Conversion of PIO Cards to OCI Cards

The Government of India discontinued the Person of Indian Origin (PIO) Card Scheme with effect from 9 January 2015 and merged it with the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card Scheme.

PIO Cards Are No Longer Valid for Travel

The final extension permitting PIO Cards to be used as travel documents expired on 31 December 2025.

Accordingly, with effect from 1 January 2026:

• PIO Cards are no longer valid travel documents for entry into or exit from India;
• A PIO Card cannot be used for travel even when presented with a valid foreign passport; and
• A PIO Cardholder who has not obtained an OCI Card must obtain an appropriate Indian visa before travelling to India.

The earlier references to acceptance of PIO Cards until 31 December 2023, 31 December 2024 or 31 December 2025 should therefore be treated as expired.

Conversion of PIO Card into OCI Card

All persons who held valid PIO Cards as on 9 January 2015 and have not yet converted them into OCI Cards are advised to apply for an OCI Card in lieu of the PIO Card at the earliest.

Applications must be submitted online through the official OCI Services Portal:

https://ociservices.gov.in/

While completing the online application, applicants should select the service category:

“OCI Registration (In Lieu of Valid PIO Card)”

Applicants residing in Cyprus should select the High Commission of India, Nicosia as the concerned Indian Mission.

Documents Generally Required

Applicants may be required to upload or present:

• A copy of the valid foreign passport;
• A copy of the existing PIO Card;
• A recent photograph and signature conforming to the specifications prescribed on the OCI portal;
• Supporting documents relating to Indian origin, if requested;
• Proof of present address; and
• Any additional document prescribed by the OCI portal or requested by the High Commission.

Original documents may be required for verification.

Important Travel Advisory

Submission of an application for conversion from PIO to OCI does not itself authorise travel to India.

Until the OCI application has been approved and the OCI/e-OCI Card has been issued, the applicant must obtain an appropriate Indian visa for travel to India.

Applicants should not make non-refundable travel arrangements merely on the basis of having submitted an OCI application.

Fees and Processing

The prescribed fee for issuance of an OCI Card in lieu of a PIO Card must be paid in accordance with the current fee schedule and payment instructions of the High Commission of India, Nicosia.

Processing time may vary depending on document verification and other prescribed clearances.

Status Enquiry

Applicants may check the status of their application through the Online Status Enquiry facility available at:

https://ociservices.gov.in/

Applicants should retain their online registration number/file reference number for tracking and correspondence.

Important Notice

• PIO Cards ceased to be valid travel documents after 31 December 2025.
• From 1 January 2026, an unconverted PIO Cardholder must hold a valid Indian visa to travel to India.
• PIO Cardholders should apply for conversion to OCI without further delay.
• Applications should be made only through the official Government of India portal.
• Requirements and fees may be revised; applicants should check the latest instructions before applying.

This update is supported by the Ministry of External Affairs’ parliamentary reply dated 24 July 2026, confirming that PIO Cards were discontinued with effect from 31 December 2025.