Eleven OCI rule changes take effect in 2026, including a digital e-card stored on your phone, mandatory biometric consent, and a requirement to carry both your OCI card and passport when traveling. Breaking these rules risks airport delays, extra fees, or cancellation of your OCI status.
There have been 11 major OCI rule changes in 2026, and if you don't know them, you could face airport issues, extra fees, and even your OCI cancellation. Here are some of the biggest updates summarized quickly. OCI is now going fully digital, and India has launched a new e-OCI card, meaning you can carry your OCI digitally on your phone now. Biometric consent is now required for OCI applications, and all the services must be completed through the official OCI portal Only the government has also revised the OCI fees, scrapped the old PIO scheme, and made it mandatory for you to carry both your OCI and your passport while traveling. Another important update for all OCI holders is that now you need to fill out the e-arrival card before flying back to India. And yes, the OCI cancellation rules have been made strict and now in place. But the good news is India has also launched fast-track immigration for OCI card. Holders, making airport clearance for you all much faster. So comment OCI rules and we will send you the complete updated 2026 OCI change list before you make your next trip to India.
How to Apply for OCI Card from Australia 2026 | Full Step-by-Step Process (Portal + VFS)
