All U.S. citizens need a valid passport as well as a valid Indian visa or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card to enter and exit India for any purpose. India may deny entry to travelers without valid documents or the correct type of visa. Indian visa rules and instructions change often.
(d) Indian Passport (original and self attested copy) These must also be uploaded as a single pdf file on the OCI application website. In case Indian passport is not available, please provide copy of Nativity Certificate / Domicile certificate issued by competent authority in India as your proof of Indian Origin.
However, the ministry clarified that the Indian government is only implementing rules that were notified in March 2021 and no new changes have been made. In March 2021, the Ministry of Home Affairs had amended the rules which required OCI card holders to seek permission or a permit to visit protected areas in India.
The OCI is not entitled to vote, be a member of Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council or Parliament, cannot hold constitutional posts such as President, Vice President, Judge of Supreme Court or High Court etc. and he/she cannot normally hold employment in the Government.
Aadhaar Card enrollment is presently available to residents in India. OCI Cardholders who stay in India for a long time (over 182 days in twelve months immediately preceding the date of application for enrolment) and have an Indian address can also enroll for Aadhaar Card in India.
Now, OCI cardholder is required to get the OCI card re-issued only once when a new passport is issued after completing 20 years of age. However, OCI cardholder is required to upload Online a copy of the new passport and a latest photo each time a new passport is issued up to 20 years of age.
The documents are proof of eligibility like previous Indian passport and Birth Certificate, valid foreign and presently held passport and local residence proof. If the applicant is applying on the basis of parent's Indian citizenship then proof of relationship should be submitted.
Please enclose copies of all pages of your last Indian passport having personal particulars such as name, photo, date of birth, parents' names etc. If there are any endorsements on any page, enclose copy of those pages as well. These must also be uploaded as a single pdf file on the OCI application website.