Frequently Asked Questions
1. I am a US citizen and hold a valid multiple entry tourist visa for India. I am of Indian origin but
I don’t have OCI. I would like to visit India due to family emergency. Is it possible to get a
special permit from the Consulate that would allow me to visit India?
The Government of India has restored all existing visas, which had been suspended
earlier, except electronic visa (e-Visa), Tourist Visa and Medical Visa.
All those who hold e-Visa, Tourist visa and Medical visa are required to apply for a fresh Entry
visa to enter India. For details, please refer to https://www.cgisf.gov.in/page/entry-visa-
services/ and follow the instructions.
2. Can the Consulate provide an exemption certificate to waive off institutional quarantine so
that I can reach my family quickly?
No. Consulate doesn’t issue exemption certificate. Please refer to the latest travel advisory for
all international passengers issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at
https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Guidelinesforinternationalarrivals17022021.pdf
Quarantine will be as per guidelines by concerned State and Central Government authorities in
India. All international passengers arriving in India post 23:59 hrs on 22-Feb-2021, may refer to
the algorithm at https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Algorithmforinternationalarrivals.pdf
3. Should I be taking a COVID test before landing in India?
As per the existing guidelines, all travellers should (i) submit self-declaration form on the online
Air Suvidha portal (www.newdelhiairport.in) before the scheduled travel and (ii) upload a
negative COVID-19 RT-PCR report. This test should have been conducted within 72 hrs prior to
undertaking the journey.
4. I have an OCI card which needs to be re-issued since my age crossed 50 years and I am
carrying a new US passport. Can I travel on my current OCI card to India?
Yes. If you have any emergency travel plan, you can travel with your current OCI card, current
passport and old passport associated with OCI. OCI renewal time has been extended till 30-Jun-
2021. For details, please refer to https://www.cgisf.gov.in/page/oci-overseas-citizenship-of-
india-cards/
5. I am a USA citizen born in India. I have a valid OCI card. Should I apply for entry visa to travel
to India?
No. As per the latest guidelines, all OCI card holders holding US Passport are permitted to enter
India. You may also refer to https://www.cgisf.gov.in/news_detail/?newsid=81
OCI Card holders do not require entry visa to enter India.
6. Can I book my tickets through other commercial foreign carriers such as Emirates/Lufthansa.?
The existing air bubble arrangement only allows Air India and United Airlines to carry
passengers from US to India. We recommend flying by these airlines directly to India.
7. Parents are Indian Citizens holding Indian Passports. Minor children are US citizens and they
hold valid Indian visa. Can we travel now?
The existing visas like e-Visa, Tourist visa and Medical visas are currently suspended. You are
required to apply for an Entry visa for your minor children holding US passport. To apply for
entry visa, please refer to https://www.cgisf.gov.in/page/entry-visa-services/ and follow the
instructions.
8. How do I know the current status of my OCI application?
For any enquiry regarding your OCI application, please write to our service provider, M/S VFS
Global at [email protected]
9. I am an Indian citizen and my Indian passport is expired/about to expire. How should I apply
for passport renewal?
Please follow the instructions regarding passport renewal on the M/S VFS Global website at
https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-passport
