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Important Information for valid PIO card holders

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High Commission of India

London

Important Information for valid PIO card holders

The Government of India had announced vide Gazette Notification No.26011/01/2014IC.I dated 09 January 2015 that all PIO card holders with valid PIO Cards as on 09 January, 2015 were deemed to be OCI Cardholders. As such, the PIO Card Scheme was withdrawn. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has mandated for machine readable electronic travel documents for travel w.e.f. 1 October, 2018. Therefore, it is necessary upon PIO Card holders to obtain electronic machine readable OCI Cards in lieu of handwritten valid PIO Cards. However, the Indian Immigration Authorities will continue to consider valid PIO Cards for entry/exit into/from India till March 31, 2019, along with foreign passport.

PIO Card holders were advised, from time to time, to convert PIO Card to OCI Card. The last date for application for conversion of valid PIO card to OCI card on gratis basis was till 31 December, 2017. PIO Card holders can apply online for conversion at http://passport.gov.in/oci/ and submit print of application, passport, specified photos, documentation, fees etc at the VFS Centre (www.vfsglobal.com/India/UK ).The charges for conversion of PIO to OCI are £ 66/- plus VFS service charges.