Immigration & Visa

Whether you moved abroad ten years ago or ten months ago, three documents shape most of your trips home — the OCI card, an Indian visa, and your passport. Here’s how each one works.

OCI Card — Overseas Citizen of India

OCI కార్డు — విదేశీ భారత పౌరుడు

The OCI card is a lifelong multiple-entry visa for people of Indian origin who now hold a foreign passport. It lets you live, work and study in India without a separate visa each time.

Who is eligible?

A former Indian citizen (you gave up your Indian passport)
A child, grandchild or great-grandchild of an Indian citizen
Spouse of an Indian citizen or OCI cardholder (married ≥ 2 years)
Citizens of Pakistan and Bangladesh are not eligible

Applying & renewing

Apply online on the official portal, then submit biometrics and documents through your local VFS Global centre. Renewal is required whenever you get a new passport (mandatory once, up to age 20, and once after age 50).

Indian Visas

భారత వీసాలు

Not everyone qualifies for OCI, and sometimes a short visa is simpler. The three you’ll meet most often:

ఈ-వీసా

e-Visa

Fully online, 30 days to 5 years depending on category (tourist, business, medical).

ఎంట్రీ వీసా (X)

Entry Visa (X)

For spouses/children of Indian citizens/OCIs who are ineligible for OCI. Long duration.

పర్యాటక / వ్యాపార

Tourist / Business

Traditional sticker visa via the embassy/VFS, for longer or multiple-entry needs.

Passport Renewal Abroad

విదేశాలలో పాస్‌పోర్ట్ రెన్యూవల్

Indian citizens abroad renew their passport through the local embassy or consulate, usually via VFS Global or BLS. Book an appointment, submit the physical passport plus supporting documents, and collect (or receive by mail) the new passport in 4–8 weeks.

Fill the form on passportindia.gov.in
Book an appointment with your local VFS / embassy
Submit passport, photos and address proof
Update your OCI card once the new passport arrives