Non-machine readable Persons of Indian Origin cards not acceptable for travel from Oct 1

Dubai: The Indian Consulate in Dubai has alerted holders of Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) cards that such cards will not be permitted for travel purpose from October 1 if they are not machine readable.

The advisory was issued in view of the ICAO guidelines that make only machine readable travel documents acceptable internationally.

“All PIO card-holders are advised to take note of this to avoid any inconvenience at airports,” the mission said in a statement on Thursday.

Government of India had earlier advised conversion of all PIO cards to Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards by December 31, 2017.