In brief
India’s 2026 baggage framework replaced older guidance. The correct allowance depends on the passenger, arrival route and goods. Use the red channel for dutiable or restricted goods, or seek customs assistance when unsure; the green channel represents a declaration that nothing dutiable or prohibited is carried.
Start with Ministry of Finance / PIB: Baggage Rules 2026: official announcement (opens in a new tab)
2026 baggage starting points: check your category
| Category / item | Published starting point |
|---|---|
| Resident or tourist of Indian origin | General allowance ₹75,000, subject to the rules and excluded articles. |
| Foreign-origin tourist | General allowance ₹25,000, subject to the rules. |
| Arrival by land border | No general duty-free allowance. |
| Eligible jewellery after more than one year abroad | Female passenger: up to 40 g; other than female: up to 20 g. Jewellery relief is separate from bullion rules. |
| Foreign currency on arrival | Declare notes above USD 5,000 equivalent or aggregate foreign exchange including travellers’ cheques above USD 10,000 equivalent. |
| Other goods, infants and transfer of residence | Check the exact passenger/item provisions; do not apply a headline allowance universally. |
Baggage figures: Ministry of Finance release, 2 February 2026; currency figures: Chennai Customs arrival FAQ. Check the linked rules, passenger definitions, exclusions and current amendments before travelling. Allowances do not authorise prohibited or restricted goods.
Your next steps
0 of 5 steps complete · Next: Classify the traveller and each item
Classify the traveller and each item
Next stepRead CBIC’s current guide for your passenger category and arrival route. Separate used effects, new gifts/electronics, jewellery, bullion, alcohol and restricted goods. Do not pool an allowance unless the rules permit it.
Check gold separately
Jewellery relief is not the same as the rules for coins or bars. Verify overseas-stay conditions, weight, duty and permitted import category. Keep invoices and any earlier export certificate.
Check currency declarations
Chennai Customs states that arrival foreign-currency notes above USD 5,000 equivalent, or total foreign exchange including travellers’ cheques above USD 10,000 equivalent, requires declaration. These are declaration thresholds, not an INR allowance or a permission to export any amount.
Prepare the declaration before arrival
Use the official CBIC/ATITHI route linked below and current airport instructions. Retain the submission, invoices and acknowledgement; use red-channel assistance if uncertain.
Keep a re-import record
Before taking valuable items out of India, ask customs about an export certificate. On return, retain evidence of earlier export rather than relying on a photograph alone.
Suggested preparation sequence. Your authority may require a different order. Progress stays on this device.
What to have ready
0 of 4 preparedKeep documents in your own secure records. Tick what you have; nothing is uploaded.
Questions to take to an adviser
- Which 2026 passenger category and item-specific allowance applies?
- Do I need a declaration even when no duty is due?
- What evidence supports temporary import or re-import?
Who can help
Customs at your arrival/departure airport; consult CBIC’s official guide before travel.
Check an adviser before paying or signingSources & review limits
Published by NRIdisha. Prepared with AI assistance. No individual author or qualified professional reviewer is credited for this guide.
Practical guide published 24 October 2026. Official statements are limited to the scope described on each source card. Steps and document preparation are editorial guidance. Provider-specific requirements and personal eligibility must be confirmed with the relevant authority.
Official sources support the statements they address. They do not certify this guide or your eligibility. Open the source and check current amendments before acting.
National Portal of India (opens in a new tab)
2 February 2026 official release: category-specific general allowances, land-border exception and jewellery weights. The full rules, exclusions and passenger definitions control the outcome.
2026 baggage, declaration, jewellery and transfer-of-residence guidance. Indexed document inspected; exact allowances depend on passenger and item category.
Official baggage rules and ATITHI declaration routes. Use current airport instructions.
Arrival foreign-currency declaration thresholds; distinct from INR and departure restrictions.
Export certificate for valuable articles to support re-import under the 2026 framework.
Keep this page’s title, the exact statement and the official source. Email them to support@nridisha.com. Do not include personal documents.