Revised Guidelines for OCI Cardholders on Issue of a New Foreign Passport

The Government of India launched the Electronic Overseas Citizen of India Card (e-OCI Card) on 30 June 2026 and further simplified the procedure applicable when an OCI Cardholder receives a new foreign passport.

1. Re-issuance of OCI Card

The earlier requirement to obtain a re-issued OCI Card or booklet whenever a new passport was issued, including the requirement for re-issuance after attaining the age of 20 years, has been dispensed with.

An OCI Cardholder is not required to obtain a new physical OCI booklet merely because a new foreign passport has been issued.

2. Mandatory Online Updating of Passport Details

Whenever an OCI Cardholder receives a new foreign passport, the holder must update the new passport particulars online, wherever required, through OCI Miscellaneous Services on the official OCI portal:

https://ociservices.gov.in/

The prescribed documents may include:

• A copy of the new foreign passport;
• A recent photograph of the OCI Cardholder; and
• Any other supporting document required by the portal.

The updated particulars will be reflected in the e-OCI Card after the request has been processed and approved.

3. OCI Cardholders Below 20 Years of Age

OCI Cardholders should update the prescribed passport particulars online each time a new passport is issued, in accordance with the instructions available on the OCI Services Portal.

A new physical OCI booklet is not required solely on account of the issue of a new passport.

4. OCI Cardholders Above 20 Years of Age

Following the introduction of the e-OCI system, re-issuance of the OCI booklet after attaining 20 years of age is no longer required merely because a new passport has been issued.

However, the OCI Cardholder must update the new passport details online whenever required under the prevailing OCI guidelines.

5. OCI Cardholders Above 50 Years of Age

OCI Cardholders should upload or update the prescribed passport particulars and photograph online in accordance with the current instructions displayed under OCI Miscellaneous Services.

A new physical OCI booklet is not required merely because the holder has attained 50 years of age or received a new passport.

6. Foreign-Origin Spouses

An OCI Cardholder registered on the basis of marriage to an Indian citizen or an OCI Cardholder must update the prescribed details each time a new passport is issued.

The applicant may be required to upload:

• A copy of the new foreign passport;
• A recent photograph;
• A declaration confirming that the marriage continues to subsist;
• A copy of the Indian passport of the Indian spouse; or
• In the case of marriage to an OCI Cardholder, a copy of the spouse’s valid foreign passport and OCI Card/e-OCI Card.

Any additional documents specified on the OCI portal must also be uploaded.

7. e-OCI Card

The e-OCI Card is the electronic version of the OCI Card and can be downloaded free of charge from the OCI Services Portal.

Existing OCI Cardholders may:

1. Log in using the email address linked to their OCI record;
2. Update their email address or passport particulars, if required;
3. Select the e-OCI option on the dashboard;
4. Generate the e-OCI Card; and
5. Download and securely save it.

The downloaded e-OCI Card may be presented in digital form at Immigration Check Posts and to airlines whenever required. OCI Cardholders must nevertheless comply with all document requirements prescribed by immigration authorities and airlines at the time of travel.

Important

• Updating passport particulars online does not amount to a fresh OCI application.
• The e-OCI Card facility is available free of charge.
• Any change in name, nationality, passport particulars or other personal details must be made through the prescribed OCI Miscellaneous Services.
• OCI Cardholders should ensure that their current email address is linked to their OCI record.
• Applicants should follow the latest instructions displayed on the official portal, as requirements may be updated from time to time.

Deleted Outdated Provision

The earlier extension allowing eligible OCI Cardholders to complete re-issuance up to 31 December 2021 has expired and should be removed from the website. It has no application under the current e-OCI arrangement.

For complete information, visit the OCI Services Portal, consult the official e-OCI FAQs, or refer to the Government of India announcement of 30 June 2026