High Commission of India
Kuala Lumpur

PRESS RELEASE

Extension of timeline for handwritten PIO cards beyond 31.12.2021

It is to inform that the deadline for accepting handwritten PIO card as a valid travel document (along with a valid foreign passport) has been extended until 31.12.2022. The Government of India will continue to accept PIO cards as valid travel documents along with a valid foreign passport and PIO cards will remain valid for entry/exit into India till 31.12.2022.

2. This extension of timeline is subject to the condition that if in the interim any deadline is notified by ICAO, thereby making handwritten PIO cards invalid, then PIO card holders shall have to obtain appropriate visa from the High Commission prior to departure to India.

3. In this regard, all PIO card holders are once again requested to apply for conversion of PIO cards to OCI cards as per the extant guidelines at the earliest.

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01 January 2022
Kuala Lumpur