India’s Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card now costs USD 275 for a fresh application, up from the previous fee structure, effective 1 April 2026. At the same time, Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders can no longer use their cards to enter or exit India. The Bureau of Immigration stopped accepting PIO cards from January 2026 and formally discontinued them in a March 2026 circular.
These changes affect millions of people of Indian origin living abroad, particularly in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and beyond. If you hold an OCI or PIO card, here is what you need to know and what steps to take.
New OCI Fee Structure from April 2026
The Bureau of Immigration’s revised fee schedule, effective 1 April 2026, applies to all OCI services worldwide. The key changes are outlined below.
Fresh OCI Application
A new OCI card costs USD 275 when applying from outside India. If you are applying from within India, the fee is ₹15,000, payable via demand draft to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Other OCI Service Fees
| Service | Fee (USD) | Fee (INR, Within India) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh OCI application | USD 275 | ₹15,000 |
| PIO to OCI conversion | USD 100 | Equivalent in INR |
| Duplicate OCI card (lost or damaged) | USD 100 | Equivalent in INR |
| Miscellaneous services (reissuance after new passport, name change, etc.) | USD 25 | Equivalent in INR |
An additional ICWF (Indian Community Welfare Fund) fee of USD 3 is charged on top of the service fee. If you pay by debit card, expect a 1.01% surcharge on the total amount. Exchange rates may affect the final amount in local currency, so check with your nearest Indian mission or consulate before applying.
PIO Cards No Longer Accepted for India Entry
From 1 January 2026, PIO cards are no longer valid for entering or leaving India. The Bureau of Immigration had set 31 December 2025 as the final deadline for PIO card validity, after multiple extensions over the years.
In a policy brief circulated on 5 March 2026, the Bureau formally discontinued the PIO card as a travel document. Border officials will refuse entry or exit on a PIO card, even if you present a matching foreign passport alongside it.
Airlines are also enforcing this change. Carriers may deny boarding to passengers who attempt to travel to India using a PIO card as their entry authorization. If you still hold a PIO card and plan to travel to Delhi, Mumbai, or any other Indian city, you must convert to an OCI card or obtain an entry visa before your trip.
Why Were PIO Cards Discontinued?
The PIO card scheme predates the OCI programme, which launched in 2005. An estimated 240,000 PIO cards remain in circulation, many issued decades ago. The Indian government has cited security concerns: the legacy PIO booklet format is prone to tampering and is not compatible with the biometric e-gates now installed at major Indian airports.
How to Convert Your PIO Card to OCI
If you still hold a PIO card, converting to OCI is now urgent. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Apply online at the official OCI Services portal. Register, log in, and select “OCI Registration in lieu of PIO Card” from the dropdown menu.
- Fill in the application form (Form Part A and Part B). All fields are mandatory.
- Upload supporting documents: a copy of your current foreign passport, two recent photographs, and a scanned copy of your original PIO card.
- Submit physically at your nearest Indian mission or consulate after completing the online form.
- Pay the conversion fee: USD 100 (or local equivalent) plus the ICWF surcharge.
Processing time is approximately 45 days from the date the consulate acknowledges your application, according to the Consulate General of India, San Francisco. However, incomplete or improperly prepared documents can delay this significantly. Start the process well before any planned travel to India.
New OCI Compliance Rules You Should Know
Beyond the fee changes, the revised OCI framework introduces stricter compliance requirements for existing OCI cardholders.
Passport Update Within Three Months
Every time you get a new passport, you must update your OCI record within three months. This involves uploading a copy of your new passport and a recent photograph (taken within the last 30 days) on the OCI Miscellaneous Services portal.
The good news: this update is entirely online and free of charge. You do not need to submit physical documents or visit an Indian mission for this step.
Mandatory Reissuance at Age 20 and Age 50
OCI cards must be reissued once after you turn 20 and obtain a new passport, and again once after you turn 50 and obtain a new passport. This ensures that your OCI record stays aligned with your current identification documents. The reissuance fee is USD 25 for each reissuance. If the OCI card was issued for the first time after the age of 50, no further reissuance is required.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Failure to update your OCI record after getting a new passport can create problems at Indian immigration. If the passport number on your OCI card does not match your current travel document, border officials may flag it. Keeping your records updated avoids unnecessary delays at airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and other entry points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still travel to India with my PIO card?
No. PIO cards are no longer accepted for entry or exit at Indian borders, as of January 2026. You need to either convert your PIO card to an OCI card or apply for an entry visa before travelling.
How much does it cost to convert a PIO card to an OCI card?
The conversion fee is USD 100 (or the local currency equivalent) plus a USD 3 ICWF surcharge. If paying by debit card, an additional 1.01% processing fee applies.
I just got a new passport. Do I need to update my OCI card?
Yes. You must upload your new passport details and a recent photograph on the OCI Miscellaneous Services portal within three months of receiving your new passport. This update is free and entirely online.
Where can I apply for an OCI card?
All OCI applications are submitted online through ociservices.gov.in. After completing the online form, you must physically submit your documents at the nearest Indian embassy, consulate, or authorised VFS Global centre.
Will the OCI fee of USD 275 be the same in every country?
The base fee is USD 275, but you pay in local currency at the prevailing exchange rate. The exact amount may vary slightly by country. Check with your nearest Indian mission for the current local currency equivalent.
Sources
- High Commission of India, Kuala Lumpur – OCI Fee Schedule
- Ministry of Home Affairs – Overseas Citizen of India
- OCI Services Portal (Government of India)
- Consulate General of India, San Francisco – PIO to OCI Conversion
- Ministry of External Affairs – Indian Missions Abroad
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
