Traveling on PIO card in Nov/Jan

[smsb]

I need to travel to India. My son has PIO card. While I will submit OCI application before leaving, there is not enough time to get OCI card. As per the new rules we can travel on PIO card till 30 Dec 2021. The card is valid till 2029.

So I think my journey from US to India is not a problem. But I want to come back from India in January. Would it be a problem since the PIO card will not be allowed then? Or is PIO card required only for entry and not exit from India?

Please help with your experience.

[arkaa]

You cannot apply for OCI before travelling as you will have to submit the original PIO card with the application.

While you are right that PIO card validity is extended till Dec 31, it also means that staying in India after Dec 31st is not valid and might be considered illegal.

Best to email your local consulate about it. That way, when they reply, you will have proof that they said it was ok to travel. If they say not ok, then you can apply for the E-Visa.