Is my PIO card still valid for travel to India in 2026?
No. As of 5 March 2026, India’s Bureau of Immigration stopped accepting Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cards for entry or exit, even when paired with a valid Canadian passport. If you’re planning to fly to India on a PIO card alone, airlines can refuse boarding. You now need either a valid OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card or an Indian visa.
What changed, and when
This wasn’t a single announcement – it happened in two stages over early 2026:
- 1 January 2026: The PIO-to-OCI conversion facility was discontinued. PIO holders can no longer convert their existing card into an OCI card – they must submit a fresh OCI application instead.
- 5 March 2026: The Bureau of Immigration stopped accepting PIO cards as travel documents entirely, for both entry and exit.
- 1 April 2026: The fresh OCI registration fee increased.
PIO card vs OCI card: where things stand now
| Feature | PIO card (2026 status) | OCI card |
|---|---|---|
| Accepted for travel to India | No – discontinued 5 Mar 2026 | Yes – required |
| Conversion from PIO | No longer available | Must apply fresh |
| Visa needed for India | N/A (card invalid) | None – functions as a multiple-entry, lifelong visa |
| Approx. cost from Canada | – | ~CAD 376-410 via BLS (fresh application, govt fee + service charge) |
| Application method | – | Digital-only via ociservices.gov.in |
How to apply for a fresh OCI card from Canada
Since conversion is gone, every Canadian PIO holder now goes through the same process as a first-time applicant:
- File your application digitally through ociservices.gov.in – India’s 2026 rules moved OCI processing to digital-only filing.
- Book a biometrics appointment through BLS International Canada for your jurisdiction (Toronto, Vancouver, or the relevant regional centre).
- Pay the fresh-application fee – budget roughly CAD 376-410 once the BLS service charge is added, paid by debit or bank draft (BLS Toronto does not accept credit cards or cash).
- Submit your old PIO card along with your supporting documents – you’ll need it as part of the application, so don’t misplace it in the meantime.
Processing has historically taken several weeks. If you have travel planned, apply as early as possible rather than assuming it’ll be ready in time. For the full document checklist, see our Visas, Documents & Immigration guide.
What if you already have a flight booked and don’t have OCI yet?
Don’t wait for the OCI card to arrive before deciding your next step. If your travel date is close, ask your agent about an Indian e-visa or entry visa as an interim option – it’s not a substitute for OCI long-term, but it can get you on the flight while your application processes. Once your OCI card is in hand, our OCI card holders’ booking guide covers the document-matching details that trip people up at check-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still fly to India on my PIO card if I also apply for an e-visa?
No – the PIO card itself is no longer an accepted travel document, regardless of what else you apply for. You’d be travelling on the e-visa, not the PIO card.
Do I need to physically submit my old PIO card with my OCI application?
Yes, it’s part of the standard supporting documents for a fresh OCI application from a former PIO holder. Check the current document list on ociservices.gov.in before you submit, since requirements can be updated.
Does this change affect Canadians who already have an OCI card, not a PIO card?
No. This change only affects PIO card holders. If you already hold a valid OCI card, nothing changes for you – it remains a valid, lifelong travel document.
How long does a fresh OCI application take from Canada?
Processing times vary and have historically run several weeks. Apply well ahead of any planned travel rather than waiting until close to your departure date.
Sorting out your PIO-to-OCI transition and need to book a flight to India? Our agents can help you time your booking around your document timeline and find the best fare for your route. Get a free fare quote