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India announces new baggage rules for international passengers
The updated baggage rules are expected to enhance convenience for travellers and support India’s positioning as a globally connected, tourism‑friendly destination.
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Rwittika Chakraborty
- Tue, 03, Feb 2026
- 03:30 EST
- 14
Representative image / Pexels
The Government of India has formally notified the Baggage Rules, 2026, along with the New Customs Baggage (Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2026, and an accompanying master circular, marking a significant overhaul of the customs baggage regime for international travellers arriving in India.
Under the revised framework, which came into effect from Feb. 2, the general duty‑free allowance for passengers arriving by air or sea has been substantially increased to $829.59 (₹75,000) for residents, tourists of Indian origin, and foreigners holding valid non‑tourist visas.
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For tourists of foreign origin, the duty‑free limit has been set at $276.5 (₹25,000), while crew members will continue to enjoy a concession of $27.65 (₹2,500).
Government notifies Baggage Rules, 2026; New Customs Baggage (Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2026 and also issues a Master Circular
— Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) February 2, 2026
New Rules will simplify procedures, enhance transparency, enable electronic and advance declarations and ensure smooth clearance… pic.twitter.com/eLEq8LeRsf
The Baggage Rules, 2026, are implemented in place of the decade‑old 2016 baggage regulations and aim to simplify customs procedures, enhance transparency, and streamline clearance processes for international passengers, drawing on consultations with aviation stakeholders and passenger feedback.
Passengers can now electronically declare their baggage in advance, easing time spent at customs, and some categories of personal items, such as laptops and even pets, are permitted duty‑free, subject to conditions.
The rules also introduce more facilitative arrangements for temporary imports, re‑imports, and transfer of residence, with higher duty‑free caps based on the duration of a passenger’s stay abroad.
The new weight‑based concession for jewellery duty‑free imports enables eligible returning residents and tourists of Indian origin to bring jewellery up to 40 grams for female passengers and 20 grams for other passengers without customs duty, replacing outdated value‑based limits.
These changes reflect evolving travel patterns, rising international mobility, and contemporary economic conditions, while balancing passenger facilitation with customs control and uniform implementation across overseas entry points, according to the official notice.
The updated baggage rules are expected to enhance convenience for travellers and support India’s positioning as a globally connected, tourism‑friendly destination.
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