News
Extension of timeline for handwritten travel documents (PIO Cards) beyond 31.12.2024
The Bureau of Immigration (BOI), with the approval of the competent authority, has decided to accept PIO cards as valid travel documents till 31.12.2025 alongwith valid foreign passports. The Indian Immigration Check post(s) will continue to consider all PIO cards valid for exit/entry into India till 31.12.2025.
This extension of timeline is subject to the condition that if in the meantime any deadline is notified by the ICAO thereby making handwritten cards invalid, then PIO cardholders may have to obtain appropriate visa from Indian Missions/Post.
Existing PIO card holders are hereby informed that no further extension will be given and they will have to get their PIO cards converted to OCI cards by 31.12.2025, else they will have to get visa from the Indian Missions/posts abroad for travel to India and service of “New Visa” from FRROs on the e-FRRO online portal if they are already living in India.
All the PIO cardholders with valid PIO cards as on 09.01.2025 are hereby advised to apply for conversion of PIO card to OCI card by 31.12.2025 as per the instant guidelines.
