The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card provides numerous benefits to people of Indian origin. However, understanding the rules surrounding passport validity and OCI cards can be confusing. One common question is: “Can I Travel With Oci On Old Passport?” This article provides a comprehensive overview to clarify this issue and other frequently asked questions about OCI cards.
Traveling with OCI: The Key Question
The main concern for many OCI cardholders is whether they need to carry their old passport, which contains the “U” Visa (OCI Visa), along with their OCI card and new passport.
The short answer is no.
According to a circular from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India (No. 26011/06/2015-OCI dated 29th January, 2015), immigration authorities in India will not insist on the production of the foreign passport containing the ‘U’ Visa Sticker. Immigration clearance is granted based solely on the presentation of a valid OCI card accompanied by a valid passport.
Alt: Sample of an OCI card, showing the cardholder’s photo and details.
This means you can travel to India with just your OCI card and your current, valid passport, even if the OCI visa sticker is in an older passport.
Other Important OCI FAQs
Here are some other frequently asked questions about OCI cards that are important for travelers to understand:
OCI Renewal and New Passports
- Q: Do I need to re-issue my OCI card after acquiring a new passport?
A: OCI Card renewal is only required once after acquiring a new passport after turning 20 years of age.
Eligibility for OCI
- Q: My parents were born in undivided India before partition and held Pakistani citizenship briefly. Am I eligible for an OCI card?
A: No. If you, your parents, or grandparents have ever been citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh, you are not eligible for an OCI card.
PIO Card Conversion
- Q: I hold a valid PIO Card. Do I need to convert it to an OCI Card?
A: Yes, the date for submission of applications for registration as OCI cardholder in lieu of PIO card online has been extended till 31st December 2021.
Renunciation Certificate
- Q: Is a Renunciation Certificate compulsory before I apply for an OCI Card?
A: Yes, a Renunciation Certificate is compulsory. You can apply through the VFS website, and it takes 2-3 working days to issue (excluding VFS mailing time).
Spouse and Children Eligibility
- Q: My spouse is a foreign national of non-Indian origin. I hold an OCI Card. Is my spouse entitled to an OCI Card? What about my children?
A: Yes, the spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or an OCI cardholder, whose marriage has been registered and subsisted for at least two years, can apply for an OCI card. Minor children with at least one parent who is a citizen of India are also eligible.
Alt: Illustration depicting a family applying for OCI cards, representing eligibility for spouses and children.
Foreign Military Personnel
- Q: Are foreign military personnel of Indian origin eligible for OCI cards?
A: No, foreign military personnel (serving or retired) are not eligible.
Benefits of OCI Card
- Q: What are the benefits available to an OCI Card holder?
A: OCI cardholders receive:- A multiple-entry, multi-purpose life-long visa for visiting India.
- Exemption from registration with local police authorities for any length of stay.
- Parity with Non-resident Indians (NRIs) in economic, financial, and educational fields (except for acquiring agricultural or plantation properties).
- The OCI card can be used as identity proof for PAN card and driving license applications and for opening a bank account if residing in India.
Limitations of OCI Card
- Q: What are the benefits to which an OCI card holder is NOT entitled to?
A: OCI cardholders are not entitled:- To vote.
- To be a member of a Legislative Assembly, Legislative Council, or Parliament of India.
- To hold Indian constitutional posts (President, Vice President, Judge of the Supreme Court or High Court, etc.).
- To normally hold employment in the Government.
- To undertake missionary work, mountaineering, and journalism without prior permission.
- To visit Protected Area Permit (PAP)/Restricted Area Permit (RAP) zones without permission.
Renouncing OCI Status
- Q: Can an OCI Card holder renounce his OCI status?
A: Yes, by declaring their intention in Form XXII to the relevant Indian Mission/Post.
Minimum Passport Validity
- Q: I have a valid OCI Card and a valid foreign passport. Is there any minimum validity specified for my foreign passport?
A: You will be allowed entry into India if you have a valid OCI Card and a valid foreign passport.
OCI Miscellaneous Services
- Q: Who can avail the OCI Miscellaneous services?
A: Only registered OCI cardholders can avail these services. - Q: Under what circumstances can the OCI Miscellaneous services be availed?
A: For re-issuance/issuance of duplicate OCI Registration Certificate and Visa in cases of:- New passport issuance
- Change of personal particulars (nationality, etc.)
- Loss/damage of OCI documents
- Incorrect personal details on the application
Alt: A screenshot of the OCI application form, highlighting the sections for personal details.
Lost OCI Card
- Q: What should be done for issuance of duplicate OCI Card in case of loss of OCI Card?
A: File a police complaint and apply online for reissue of OCI under the lost category through VFS. Submit a physical copy of the application with required documents (including the Police Report) to the VFS center.
Conclusion
Traveling with an OCI card can be straightforward once you understand the rules. Remember, you generally do not need to carry your old passport with the ‘U’ visa sticker if you have a valid OCI card and a current valid passport. Keep your documents safe and stay informed about any updates to the OCI guidelines for a smooth travel experience. By understanding these FAQs, OCI cardholders can travel with confidence and clarity.
