The government on Sunday announced an increase in the duty-free allowance for passengers arriving in India, raising the limit from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000. The move, aimed at simplifying travel and reflecting higher overseas travel and consumption, applies to Indian residents and tourists of Indian origin arriving by air or sea.
Under the new Baggage Rules, 2026, passengers can bring goods worth up to ₹75,000 without paying customs duty, provided the items are for personal use and carried in their luggage. The rules also permit duty-free clearance of used personal effects and travel souvenirs required for daily life, including items carried on the person.
The updated regulations come into effect from 2 February at midnight, replacing the previous decade-old framework.
Key points of the new rules:
- Tourists of foreign origin (excluding infants) can bring goods worth up to ₹25,000 duty-free, up from the earlier limit of ₹15,000.
- Indian residents or tourists returning after living abroad for over a year can bring jewellery duty-free: up to 40 grams for female passengers and 20 grams for others. Jewellery includes gold, silver, platinum, or other precious metals, whether studded or plain.
- Crew members on foreign-going flights or vessels can import their personal baggage duty-free upon termination of employment. They may also carry small gift items like chocolates, cheese, or cosmetics up to ₹2,500 for personal or family use.
The government said these changes aim to modernize travel rules, making duty-free allowances more aligned with contemporary travel habits while providing clarity for passengers and crew alike.
