OCI Cardholders Can Travel While Passport Update is Pending
The Indian Embassy in Muscat has provided much-needed clarity for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders regarding travel eligibility. In a public notice issued on October 11, 2026, the Embassy addressed growing concerns among applicants about whether they can travel while their passport update applications are being processed.
No Travel Restrictions During Processing
Addressing the anxiety of many Indian-origin residents in Oman, the Embassy clarified that there are no restrictions on travel to or from India during the interim period. This window exists between the issuance of a new passport and the final online acknowledgement that the update documents have been processed.
This means that even if an applicant has recently renewed their passport and has submitted the request to update their OCI records, they are still permitted to travel without waiting for the digital acknowledgement to be completed.
Mandatory Update Requirements
While the Embassy has eased travel concerns, it reiterated that updating OCI records is a mandatory requirement. OCI cardholders are required to update their details every time a new passport is issued to ensure their documentation remains valid and synchronized.
To maintain accurate records, the Embassy advises holders to use the official portal at ociservices.gov.in to submit their updates. Although travel is allowed during the processing stage, the Embassy reminds all cardholders to submit their updates promptly to avoid any potential issues during future travel or documentation checks.