• February 7, 2024

India extends validity of PIO cards to up to December 31 2024

India extends validity of PIO cards to up to December 31 2024

LONDON Feb 7: Indian Immigration authorities have extended the validity of all Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cards, including handwritten ones, along with a valid foreign passport, as acceptable travel documents. The new deadline for the acceptance of PIO cards is December 31, 2024, extended from the previous deadline of December 31, 2023.

“Indian Immigration Check Post(s) will continue to consider all PIO cards valid for exit/entry into India till 31.12.2024. This extension of timeline is subject to the condition that if in the meantime, any deadline is notified by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) thereby making handwritten PIO cards invalid, then PIO cardholders may have to obtain appropriate visa from Indian Missions/Posts,” Consulate General of India said in a statement.

To avoid any potential complications, all PIO cardholders, whether possessing handwritten or machine-readable cards, have been advised to convert their PIO cards to OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards before the extended deadline of December 31, 2024. This measure ensures a smooth transition and compliance with the updated regulations, the statement added.