Travel TIP: Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) Require “U” Visa Sticker for Entry to India:

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Background:

In recent times, we hear about Overseas Citizen on India (OCI) stranded at the port-of-entry to India for lack of documentation. This article is to provide a brief insight into the documentary requirement to enter India as an OCI to avoid confusion and chaos while visiting India. As an OCI, one is entitled to a life-long multiple-entry, multiple-purpose visa to visit India. When one obtains the status as an OCI, s/he will be issued “U” (Universal) visa on the foreign passport along with the OCI registration document.

Documentary Requirement:

While visiting India as an OCI, one needs to make sure that in addition to carrying the OCI registration document, s/he carries the foreign Passport with the “U” visa sticker. Even if the foreign passport has expired, the “U” visa sticker on the passport is still valid and is required for entry along with other documents.

Common Misconception:

Most commonly, if one has obtained a new foreign passport after obtaining the status as OCI and s/he is traveling to India using the new foreign passport, s/he may tend to carry the OCI registration document along with the current foreign passport assuming that one can enter India based on the fact that s/he holds the OCI registration document and a valid foreign passport. However, it is important to know and to remember that s/he should either carry the old passport with the “U” visa sticker or have this “U” visa sticker transferred to the current foreign passport by paying the prescribed fee. Unless the person produces the foreign passport with this “U” visa sticker, s/he will not be allowed to enter India as an OCI.

Conclusion:

It is important for OCI holders living in India or visiting India from abroad to check the latest in regulation and travel requirements ahead of travel. Further, an OCI holder should make sure s/he carries relevant documents ahead of leaving their abode. A brief note on documentary requirement for travel is available under the Privileges section on the Indian Embassy, Washington D.C., which can be found by visiting here.