India OCI Card Regulations: Travel to India stress free and plant 1 tree!

Some of the main India OCI Card Regulations are:

They have to surrender their Indian passport, as India does not allow dual citizenship. This means they lose their right to vote in Indian elections, hold public office or government jobs, and buy agricultural land in India.
They need prior approval from the Indian government for certain activities, such as journalism, filming documentaries, missionary work, mountaineering, and research.
They have to renew their OCI card online each time they get a new passport until the age of 20 years, and once after completing 50 years of age. This is to update their photo and personal details on the OCI card.
They may face some difficulties or delays in getting consular services from the Indian missions abroad, as OCI card holders are not considered Indian citizens.
They may not be eligible for some benefits or schemes that are available only for Indian citizens, such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or subsidized education.

Nevertheless, the procedure of renewing an OCI card in India often requires a duration of four to six months for completion. If there is an urgent need to return to India, individuals have the option to apply for an ETourist Visa online. This method of application, available through Visas for Future, offers a streamlined and straightforward process.

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Our visa forms are easy and simple.

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What We’re Offering

We’re selling the India e-Visa. If you don’t have your OCI or yours is no more valid you can get an eVisa instead with your new nationality. We’ll check your application, answer your questions, and submit the visa for you. Our India ETourist Visa processing service will give you your India ETourist Visa in your mailbox within 4 days.

These things apply to UK tourists looking to enter the country:

30 days, 1 year, or 5 years duration.
Single or multiple entry.
The e-Visa costs $68.14 for 30 days double entry, $96.54 for 1 year multiple entries and $144.64 for 5 years multiple entries.
4-day turnaround time.
Form validation included.
We plant a tree for every visa sold.

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How to order

Fill out the application form.

Submit payment.

Answer intake questions.

Receive your India e-Visa in 4 days!

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Join us and plant a tree!

Solving the most urgent environmental problems requires teamwork! That’s motivated us to partner with One Tree Planted, a non-profit organization that aims to make it simple for anyone to help the environment by planting trees.

We plant a tree for every product sold. Our vision is to support communities and the environment by offering services to the public. For every product sold, we’ll plant a tree. We do this with local help to support local economies and communities. This is in opposition to mass tourism, which sucks the soul out of destinations. This is also in opposition to greedy international corporations, whose only concern is shareholder profit.

We do this with the help of One Tree Planted. A portion of every purchase goes to a reforestation or an urban forestry project. We hope that, by succeeding, we can have a future that we hope for, not dread. You can help us by voting with your consumption. Buy a visa from us to plant a tree.

Our tree-planting projects follow these guidelines:

They aim to create green spaces, protect wildlife, store carbon, improve farming, or benefit communities.
They plant at least 10,000 trees.
They use a variety of native plants that fit the local environment.
They engage and empower the local people.
They draw on the knowledge and skills of experts or professionals in reforestation fields.
They leave the trees planted for nature and not for profit.
They track and care for the trees planted to ensure around an 80% survival rate.

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FAQ

Can I apply for other people too

Yes, you can apply for a spouse, child, or friend during your application.

What happens if my flight is delayed?

Just go to the border with your e-visa. There’s no penalty for entering the country with a valid visa.

Do I need a COVID-19 test to enter Turkey?

No.

I have additional questions about my travel itinerary and required documents.

You can contact us here.

Additional Information on India OCI Card Regulations

India OCI Card Regulations

India OCI Card Regulations are the rules and guidelines that govern the eligibility, benefits, and restrictions of Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card holders. OCI card holders are people of Indian origin who have acquired citizenship of another country but still have some rights and privileges in India, such as visa-free entry, lifelong validity, and exemption from registration at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).

Some of the main regulations for OCI card holders are:

They have to surrender their Indian passport, as India does not allow dual citizenship. This means they lose their right to vote in Indian elections, hold public office or government jobs, and buy agricultural land in India.

They need prior approval from the Indian government for certain activities, such as journalism, filming documentaries, missionary work, mountaineering, and research.

They have to renew their OCI card online each time they get a new passport until the age of 20 years, and once after completing 50 years of age. This is to update their photo and personal details on the OCI card.

They may face some difficulties or delays in getting consular services from the Indian missions abroad, as OCI card holders are not considered Indian citizens.

They may not be eligible for some benefits or schemes that are available only for Indian citizens, such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, or subsidized education.

However, OCI card holders also enjoy some advantages over other foreign nationals, such as:

They can travel to India without a visa and stay for any length of time.
They can work and study in India without any restrictions.
They can access domestic airfare tariffs or entry fees for national parks, museums, and monuments in India.
They can apply for various professions like doctors, dentists, nurses, advocates, architects, etc., subject to certain conditions
They can open special bank accounts in India like NRIs and make investments in India

What is India OCI?

The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card is a lifetime visa issued to foreign nationals of Indian origin who are not citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh. OCI cardholders are entitled to several benefits, including visa-free entry and stay in India, the right to live and work in India without restrictions, and the right to purchase non-agricultural property in India.

Eligibility for OCI Card

To be eligible for an OCI card, an applicant must meet the following criteria:

Be a foreign national who is not a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh.
Be of Indian origin, as defined in the Citizenship Act, of 1955. This includes:
- Persons who were citizens of India on 26 January 1950 or at any time thereafter.
- Persons who were eligible to become citizens of India on 26 January 1950.
- Persons who belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15 August 1947 and their children and grandchildren.
Not hold a passport from any country hostile to India.
Have not been convicted of any criminal offense in India or any other country.

Application Process for OCI Card

The application process for an OCI card can be completed online or through an Indian embassy or consulate. The applicant must submit a completed application form, along with supporting documentation such as proof of identity, proof of Indian origin, and passport-size photographs.

Processing Time for OCI Card

The processing time for an OCI card can vary depending on the workload of the Indian embassy or consulate where the application is submitted. However, it is generally recommended to allow at least 6-8 weeks for processing.

Validity of OCI Card

The OCI card is valid for a lifetime. However, the applicant must update their OCI card whenever they change their passport or their name.

Benefits of OCI Card

OCI cardholders are entitled to several benefits, including:

Visa-free entry and stay in India.
The right to live and work in India without restrictions.
The right to purchase non-agricultural property in India.
The right to open bank accounts and obtain driving licenses in India.
The right to travel to and from India without any restrictions.
The right to receive consular assistance from Indian embassies and consulates abroad.

Restrictions on OCI Cardholders

OCI cardholders are prohibited from:

Voting in Indian elections.
Holding any public office in India.
Joining the Indian military or police.

Re-issuance of OCI Card

OCI cardholders must re-issue their OCI card whenever they change their passport or their name. The re-issuance process can be completed online or through an Indian embassy or consulate.

Cancellation of OCI Card

The Indian government can cancel the OCI card of any person who violates the OCI regulations or who is found to be engaged in activities that are detrimental to the national security of India.

Recent Changes to OCI Regulations

In 2021, the Indian government made a number of changes to the OCI regulations. These changes include:

Waiving the mandatory requirement of re-issuing an OCI card each time a new passport is issued to a foreigner up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age.
Allowing OCI cardholders to apply for Indian citizenship after five years of registration as an OCI cardholder and one year of residence in India.
Extending the validity of an OCI card to a lifetime.

Additional points about India OCI Card regulations:

OCI cardholders are required to register with the local police authorities within 30 days of arrival in India if their stay exceeds 180 days.
OCI cardholders are not required to obtain a work permit to work in India.
OCI cardholders are not allowed to participate in political activities in India.
OCI cardholders are not allowed to hold any public office in India.
OCI cardholders are not allowed to join the Indian military or police.

An Option That is Both Affordable and Convenient: The Indian ETourist Visa

There are a few reasons why someone might choose an eTourist visa over an OCI card:

Cost: eTourist visas are much less expensive than OCI cards.
Processing time: eTourist visas are processed much faster than OCI cards. eTourist visas can be processed in as little as 4 days, while OCI cards can take several months to be processed.
Eligibility: eTourist visas are available to a wider range of people than OCI cards. OCI cards are only available to foreign nationals of Indian origin, while eTourist visas are available to citizens of over 160 countries.
Purpose of travel: eTourist visas are specifically for tourism purposes, while OCI cards can be used for a variety of purposes, including tourism, business, and work.

What is India ETourist Visa?

An India eTourist Visa is an electronic visa that allows citizens of certain countries to enter India for tourism purposes. eTourist visas are valid for up to 180 days and can be used for multiple entries.

To apply for an India eTourist Visa, you must:

Be a citizen of a country that is eligible for eTourist visas. A list of eligible countries can be found on the Indian government’s website.
Have a valid passport that is at least six months valid from the date of your intended travel to India.
Have a recent passport-size photograph.
Have a valid email address.
Have a credit or debit card to pay the visa fee.

Who is Eligible for an India

Afghanistan
Albania
Andorra
Angola
Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Belize
Benin
Bolivia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Brunei
Bulgaria
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Cape Verde
Cayman Islands
Chile
Colombia
Comoros
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cuba
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
East Timor
Ecuador
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Estonia
Eswatini
Fiji
Finland
France
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia

Germany
Ghana
Greece
Grenada
Guatemala
Guinea
Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
Hungary
Iceland
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Ivory Coast
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Latvia
Lesotho
Liberia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Mali
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Moldova
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Montserrat
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nauru
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Niue
North Macedonia
Norway

Oman
Palau
Palestine
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
San Marino
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Suriname
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
Togo
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Turks and Caicos Islands
Tuvalu
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Vatican City
Venezuela
Vietnam
Zambia
Zimbabwe

What are the Required Documents?

The required documents for an India e-Tourist Visa are as follows:

Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your intended travel to India.
Recent passport-size photograph: The photograph must be in color and taken against a white background.
Valid email address: You will need to provide a valid email address to receive your eVisa.
Credit or debit card: You will need to pay the visa fee with a credit or debit card.
Proof of Travel Ticket: you must provide the details for your travel like flight number, arrival, and departure.
Proof of Accommodation: you must provide the place where will you stay and must have a contact person in India.

How to Apply for an India ETourist Visa

To apply for an Indian ETourist Visa, you must first create an account on the Visas for Future website. After creating an account, you must complete an online application form and give the following information:

Collect all of the required supporting documents for your e-Visa application. Examples include a valid passport, a recent passport photo, a travel itinerary, and proof of lodging.
- Personal information (name, date of birth, nationality, and so forth)
- Your passport information (passport number, issue date, expiry date, and so on)
- Your trip details (dates of arrival and departure, for example)
Use one of the accepted payment methods, such as a credit card or internet banking, to pay the required Indian visa fees. Various e-visa India fees may apply depending on the kind of visa and length of stay.
Print the electronic visa for India. When traveling to India, you must have a printed copy of your eVisa with you.

The aforementioned information will be validated by immigration officers at the port of entry.

How Much is an Indian ETourist Visa

The cost of an India eTourist visa varies depending on the visa category for which an individual applies.

A 30-day eTourist Visa costs $68.14 USD.
Costs of a One-Year eTourist Visa $96.54 USD
The cost of a 5-year eTourist Visa is $144.64 USD.

Processing Time of Indian ETourist Visa

At Visas for Future, the average processing time for an Indian eTourist Visa is four days. In comparison, the processing period for an Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card is typically four to six weeks for new applications and five to six weeks for re-issuance or updating of OCI cards.

Several reasons contribute to the OCI card’s longer processing time when compared to the e-Tourist Visa.

The application process for an OCI card has become more complicated, with more documentation required.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) of India, a government entity recognized for its heavy workload, handles OCI card applications.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) must conduct a thorough security check on all applicants for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards.
The eTourist Visa application procedure is characterized by greater efficiency and decreased documentation requirements.

E-Visa Validity and Duration From Issue Date

The validity period of Indian eTourist Visas is defined by the date of issue, which is the date when the Bureau of Immigration (BOI) of India accepts the visa. There are three sorts of eTourist Visas available: 30-day, one-year, and five-year.

The 30-day visa is valid for 30 days beginning with the initial entry into India and allows for multiple entries but no more than 30 days per stay.
The 1-year visa is valid for one year from the date of issuance and allows for multiple entrances and stays of up to 90 days per visit.
The 5-year visa is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance and allows for multiple entries and stays of up to 90 days per visit.

What is the India Visa Policy

The India Visa Policy is a set of rules and regulations that govern the entry of foreign nationals into India. The policy is overseen by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs.

India has a visa-on-arrival policy for citizens of certain countries. This means that citizens of these countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at an Indian airport. However, citizens of most countries must obtain a visa before traveling to India.

There are a variety of types of visas available, depending on the purpose of travel. Some of the most common types of visas include:

Tourist visa: For tourists and visitors
Business visa: For business travelers
Medical visa: For medical treatment
Student visa: For students studying in India
Employment visa: For foreign nationals working in India

The India Visa Policy is designed to protect the national security of India and to facilitate the entry and stay of foreign nationals for legitimate purposes.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about the India Visa Policy:

Foreign nationals who enter India without a valid visa or who overstay their visas may be fined, deported, or imprisoned.
Foreign nationals who are staying in India must carry their passport and visa with them at all times.
Foreign nationals must register with the local police authorities within 30 days of arrival in India if their stay exceeds 180 days.

Visa-free entry: Nationals of Bhutan, Nepal, and the Maldives can enter India without a visa and stay indefinitely (except for Maldivians who can stay up to 90 days). They also have the right to live and work in India without requiring any visas or permits.

Visa on arrival: Nationals of Japan, South Korea, and UAE (only for such UAE nationals who had earlier obtained e-Visa or regular/paper visa for India) can obtain a visa on arrival at selected airports in India for a maximum stay of 60 days.

e-Visa: Nationals of 169 countries can apply for an e-Visa online for tourism, business, medical, or conference purposes. The e-Visa is valid for one year from the date of issue and allows multiple entries for a maximum stay of 90 days (except for e-Medical Visa which allows a maximum stay of 60 days). The e-Visa can be obtained by filling out an online application form, uploading a copy of the passport and a recent photo, and paying the fees online.

Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO): These are people of Indian origin who have acquired citizenship of another country, but still have some rights and privileges in India, such as visa-free entry, lifelong validity, and exemption from registration at Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).

Pakistani passport holders and persons of Pakistani origin: These are people who hold a Pakistani passport or have a Pakistani parent or grandparent.

Diplomatic or official passport holders: These are people who hold diplomatic or official passports issued by their respective governments. They may be eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival depending on the bilateral agreements between India and their countries.

What is Passport

A passport is an official travel document issued by a government that certifies the identity and nationality of its holder. It is typically a small booklet that contains the bearer’s name, place of birth, date of birth, the date of issue, date of expiry, passport number, photo and signature.

Passports are important because they provide a number of benefits to travelers, including:

Proof of identity and nationality: A passport is an official document that proves the identity and nationality of its holder.
Access to consular assistance: If a traveler encounters problems while abroad, they can contact their home country’s consulate or embassy for assistance.
Ease of travel: A passport makes it easier to travel to and from foreign countries.

What is a Travel Document

A travel document is an official document that proves a person’s identity and nationality and allows them to travel internationally. The most common type of travel document is a passport, but there are other types of travel documents, such as visas, refugee travel documents, and stateless person travel documents.

Travel documents are important because they:

Allow people to travel freely and to prove their identity and nationality.
Help to protect travelers from fraud and exploitation.
Enable governments to track who is entering and leaving their country.

Other types of travel documents include:

Visas: A visa is a stamp or endorsement in a passport that gives the holder permission to enter and stay in a particular country.
Refugee travel documents: Refugee travel documents are issued to refugees and asylum seekers by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Stateless person travel documents: Stateless person travel documents are issued to people who do not have a nationality.
Seaman’s book: A seaman’s book is a document issued to seafarers that proves their identity and nationality.
Alien registration card: An alien registration card is a document issued to non-citizens living in the United States.
Re-entry permit: A re-entry permit is a document issued to lawful permanent residents of the United States who plan to be outside of the country for more than one year.
Advance parole document: An advance parole document is a document issued to non-citizens who are living in the United States and who need to travel outside of the country for humanitarian reasons or for a compelling public interest. I

Importance of Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is an important investment for any traveler, whether you are traveling domestically or internationally. It can protect you from a variety of unexpected events, such as:

Medical emergencies: Medical costs can be extremely expensive, especially in foreign countries. Travel insurance can help to cover the cost of medical treatment, including hospitalization, surgery, and medication.
Trip cancellation or interruption: If you have to cancel or interrupt your trip for an unexpected reason, such as illness, family emergency, or natural disaster, travel insurance can reimburse you for your prepaid expenses.
Lost or stolen luggage: If your luggage is lost or stolen, travel insurance can help to replace your belongings or reimburse you for the cost of purchasing new items.
Flight delays or cancellations: If your flight is delayed or canceled, travel insurance can help to cover the cost of additional accommodation, meals, and transportation.
Emergency evacuation: If you need to be evacuated from a country due to a medical emergency or political instability, travel insurance can help to cover the cost of evacuation.

Sources

The “Foreigner’s Act” of 1946 governs immigration in India. The 1964 amendment to the statute clarifies the status of expatriates in India, internal migration inside the country, and the procedure of leaving India. The administration of immigration legislation is the responsibility of the Office of Immigration, which is a part of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

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Written by Charlyn Miguel

Charlyn is a science researcher and a content writer at Visas for Future. She is trained to write informatively, engaging her contents about visas for Turkey, India, Colombia, Egypt, and Aruba. She also does and manages client orders for efficient customer service. She had published academic articles and co-authored a book. She handles actual visa orders once every three months to preserve his knowledge and communication with the factual visa processing system.

Managed by Glen Vidania

Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.

Published by Visas for Future

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MLA Style

Miguel, Charlyn. "India OCI Card Regulations: Travel to India stress free and plant 1 tree!." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/india-oci-card-regulations/. Accessed on 5 October 2023.

Chicago Style

Miguel, Charlyn. "India OCI Card Regulations: Travel to India stress free and plant 1 tree!." Visas For Future. October 5, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/india-oci-card-regulations/.