Editor’s Note
This article outlines key changes to India’s baggage rules for international passengers, effective 2026. It details revised duty-free allowances and customs procedures for items like gold and electronics. Travelers are advised to consult official sources for the latest regulations before their journey.
Bringing in a series of important changes for international passengers arriving in India, the government has notified the new Baggage Rules, 2026.
These revised provisions, which aim to simplify customs procedures and make travel more passenger-friendly, came into effect from February 2, 2026. Overall, the new baggage rules are expected to reduce confusion at airports, cut down disputes at customs counters and provide greater convenience to travellers.
The government has fixed different duty-free allowance limits based on different categories of passengers. Residents, tourists of Indian origin, and foreigners holding a valid non-tourist visa are allowed to bring in goods worth up to Rs 75,000 duty-free (earlier the limit was Rs 50,000). Tourists of foreign origin can carry goods worth Rs 25,000 without paying any duty. For crew members, the duty-free allowance limit is capped at Rs 2,500.
Under the revised rules, eligible returning residents and tourists of Indian origin, who have stayed abroad for more than one year, can now bring duty-free jewellery based solely on weight. Now, female passengers are allowed to carry up to 40 grams of jewellery, while passengers other than females can carry up to 20 grams, without paying any customs duty.
Earlier, a passenger residing abroad for more than one year was permitted duty-free clearance of jewellery in bona fide baggage subject to both weight and value caps, 20 grams and up to Rs 50,000 for a gentleman passenger, and 40 grams and up to Rs 1,00,000 for a lady passenger. The revised rules enhance duty-free allowances in line with present-day travel realities by removing the value cap.