India Extends PIO Cards Validity Until 2024

In a significant announcement, the Indian government has extended the validity of Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cards for international travellers. This move comes as a relief to many PIO cardholders who were facing the prospect of these cards becoming invalid sooner than expected.

What Is PIO Card

PIO (Person of Indian Origin) Cards were issued by the Indian government to foreign nationals of Indian origin, providing them with certain benefits such as visa-free travel to India, investment opportunities, and residency rights.

Extended Validity of PIO Cards

The new directive states that Indian Immigration will accept all PIO cards, accompanied by a valid foreign passport, as a legitimate travel document until December 31, 2024.

This extension grants travellers an additional year to utilize their PIO cards for entry and exit into India, compared to the previous deadline of December 31, 2023.

Important Condition

However, it’s essential to note that this extension is subject to a critical condition. If, during this extended period, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) notifies any deadline that renders handwritten PIO cards invalid, travellers with PIO cards may have to obtain an appropriate visa from Indian Missions/Posts.

Conversion to OCI Card

For all PIO cardholders who had valid PIO cards as of January 9, 2015, the Indian government strongly recommends converting these cards to OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards as soon as possible.

This conversion is advisable to ensure a smoother travel experience and avoid any potential issues that may arise due to changes in travel document regulations.

Continued Validity at Immigration Check Posts

Travellers using PIO cards need not worry about facing difficulties at Indian Immigration Check Posts. The government has confirmed that all PIO cards will continue to be considered valid for entry and exit into India until December 31, 2024.

This assurance ensures that travellers can confidently use their PIO cards for their journeys during this extended validity period.

Plan Ahead

As the extended validity date approaches, travellers are encouraged to stay informed about any updates from the ICAO or the Indian government regarding travel document regulations. Being proactive and keeping up-to-date with the latest information will help ensure a hassle-free travel experience.

Here’s a quick summary

• PIO card validity extended: Until December 31, 2024 (previously December 31, 2023)
• Valid for: Entry and exit from India
• Required documents: Valid PIO card and foreign passport
• Applies to: All PIO cards, including handwritten ones
• Condition: Subject to ICAO regulations
• Recommendation: Convert to OCI card for additional benefits

This extension provides valuable time for PIO cardholders to plan their travel to India or convert their cards. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the incredible land of your heritage!