As the festive season approaches, many UK-based families are preparing to travel to India for the Christmas holidays. The High Commission of India and travel advisors are urging passengers – especially Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders) – to check both their passport validity and OCI details well in advance to avoid any travel disruptions.
Check Your Passport Expiry Date
Most countries, including India and the UK, require that your passport has at least six months’ validity remaining from your date of travel. Airlines may refuse boarding if your passport is close to expiry, even if it is technically still valid.
It is generally advised to renew your passport around nine months before it expires, although you can renew it at any time regardless of the expiry date.
To renew a British passport, visit the official UK government website:
👉 https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport/renew
Important Reminder for OCI Cardholders
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines dated 16 July 2021:
“An OCI Cardholder may upload a copy of the new passport containing the photo of the passport holder and also a latest photo on the online system under OCI Miscellaneous Services each time a new passport is issued up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age. These documents may be uploaded by the OCI Cardholder within three months of receipt of the new passport. This service will be provided on gratis basis.”
This wording has caused some confusion among travellers, as it does not explicitly clarify what happens to those who obtained their OCI after the age of 50.
Beware: OCI Holders Over 50
Although the MHA guideline states that only one update is needed after turning 50, several travellers who obtained their OCI after the age of 50 have reported being stopped or questioned at Indian immigration for not carrying the passport originally used when their OCI was issued, or for not updating their OCI record — even though this is not actually required under the official guidelines.
To avoid inconvenience, it is strongly advised that OCI holders who obtained their card after 50 upload their latest passport and photograph under the OCI Miscellaneous Services section, even if technically not required. Carrying the passport whose number appears on the OCI card can also help prevent misunderstandings at check-in or immigration.
If questioned, travellers can politely refer officials to Item 3 of the Government of India’s OCI Miscellaneous Services Guidelines:
https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2022-09/OCIMISCELLANEOUSSERVICES_Guidelines_16072021%5B1%5D.pdf
With these simple checks — ensuring six months’ passport validity and up-to-date OCI details – travellers can look forward to a smooth, stress-free journey to India this Christmas.
If anyone needs assistance or clarification, please feel free to contact us at info@keralalink.co.uk
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