PRESS RELEASE
Launch of Electronic Overseas Citizen of India (e-OCI) Card

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA),  Government of India ,is pleased to announce the launch of the Electronic Overseas Citizen of India (e-OCI) Card for new applicants as well as existing Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Cardholders.

2. The e-OCI Card was officially launched on 30 June 2026 and introduced enhanced security features along with seamless integration with all Immigration Check Posts (ICPs) and other modules of the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration and Tracking (IVFRT) system.

3. The launch of the e-OCI Card is an important step towards digital transformation and providing greater convenience to OCI Cardholders worldwide.

Key Features of the e-OCI Card

• The e-OCI Card is a secure digital version of the OCI Card and can be downloaded electronically by OCI Cardholders.

• Holders of the e-OCI Card will no longer be required to carry the physical OCI Card booklet for immigration clearance or for availing other associated services.

• The e-OCI Card can be downloaded by logging into the official OCI Services Portal:
  https://ociservices.gov.in and through the official “Indian Visa Su-Swagatam” mobile application.

• The digital e-OCI Card will be recognized as a valid document for immigration and related services.

Validity of Existing Physical OCI Card Booklets

4. The existing physical OCI Card booklets shall continue to remain valid and will continue to be accepted for immigration clearance and other associated services.

5. However, with the introduction of the e-OCI Card system, now only digital OCI Cards (e-OCI Cards) will be issued to all new OCI applicants and existing OCI Cardholders. Accordingly, printing of fresh physical OCI Card booklets will no longer be undertaken.

6. All OCI Cardholders are encouraged to download their e-OCI Card and keep a digital copy readily available for travel and other official purposes.

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July 10, 2026