In a late-night notification on 1 February, the Ministry of Finance replaced the decade-old Baggage Rules with an all-new 2026 framework that significantly raises duty-free entitlements for people entering India. From 02:00 a.m. on 2 February, residents and tourists of Indian origin who arrive by air or sea may bring in goods worth up to ₹75,000 (about US $900) without paying customs duty—a 50 per cent jump from the earlier ₹50,000 ceiling. For foreign tourists, the duty-free cap has been lifted from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000. Jewellery limits have also been rationalised: women travellers who have stayed abroad for more than a year may now carry 40 grams duty-free, while men may carry 20 grams.
Government officials said the move aligns allowances with inflation and a stronger rupee, while supporting the post-pandemic rebound in inbound travel. According to Airports Authority of India data, India handled over 28 million international passengers in 2025, a 31 per cent rise year-on-year. With record numbers of Indians buying consumer electronics abroad and tourists flocking to events such as the new Ayodhya corridor, pressure had been mounting for more realistic limits.
Meanwhile, travellers should remember that clearing customs is only one part of the arrival process—having the correct visa is equally critical. VisaHQ’s India portal (https://www.visahq.com/india/) makes securing tourist, business or e-visas straightforward by providing step-by-step online applications, real-time status tracking and expert support, so passengers can focus on enjoying their higher duty-free allowances instead of paperwork worries.
![India hikes duty-free baggage allowance to ₹75,000 under new Baggage Rules 2026]()
The new rules should cut queue times at the “green channel” because fewer passengers will need to fill customs declarations. Airlines and duty-free retailers welcomed the step, noting it could encourage travellers to shop legitimately rather than under-declare goods. Multinationals that send technicians on short assignments to India will find reimbursements simpler, as high-value professional equipment can now be imported within the higher threshold.
Indian expatriates returning temporarily will benefit the most. A Bengaluru-based IT engineer working in Singapore pointed out that an entry-level laptop and smartphone alone can exceed ₹50,000. “The higher allowance means I no longer have to carry separate receipts and worry about fines,” she said.
Corporate mobility managers should update pre-departure briefings at once. Travellers reaching India after midnight on 2 February should retain purchase invoices to demonstrate that their goods fall within the new limit. Those transiting by land continue to follow the older, lower limits until the Central Board of Indirect Taxes notifies changes for land borders.
Government officials said the move aligns allowances with inflation and a stronger rupee, while supporting the post-pandemic rebound in inbound travel. According to Airports Authority of India data, India handled over 28 million international passengers in 2025, a 31 per cent rise year-on-year. With record numbers of Indians buying consumer electronics abroad and tourists flocking to events such as the new Ayodhya corridor, pressure had been mounting for more realistic limits.
Meanwhile, travellers should remember that clearing customs is only one part of the arrival process—having the correct visa is equally critical. VisaHQ’s India portal (https://www.visahq.com/india/) makes securing tourist, business or e-visas straightforward by providing step-by-step online applications, real-time status tracking and expert support, so passengers can focus on enjoying their higher duty-free allowances instead of paperwork worries.
The new rules should cut queue times at the “green channel” because fewer passengers will need to fill customs declarations. Airlines and duty-free retailers welcomed the step, noting it could encourage travellers to shop legitimately rather than under-declare goods. Multinationals that send technicians on short assignments to India will find reimbursements simpler, as high-value professional equipment can now be imported within the higher threshold.
Indian expatriates returning temporarily will benefit the most. A Bengaluru-based IT engineer working in Singapore pointed out that an entry-level laptop and smartphone alone can exceed ₹50,000. “The higher allowance means I no longer have to carry separate receipts and worry about fines,” she said.
Corporate mobility managers should update pre-departure briefings at once. Travellers reaching India after midnight on 2 February should retain purchase invoices to demonstrate that their goods fall within the new limit. Those transiting by land continue to follow the older, lower limits until the Central Board of Indirect Taxes notifies changes for land borders.
