On a recent trip back to India after years abroad, I stood at the airport wondering whether the electronics and gifts in my suitcase would trigger customs duty. Like many travelers, I had heard rumors about new rules but wasn’t sure what had changed. The good news is that India has officially increased the duty-free allowance for international travelers, making shopping abroad a little easier and less stressful when returning home.
In the Union Budget 2026, India increased the duty-free allowance to ₹75,000 for Indian residents, NRIs, OCI cardholders, and foreigners holding valid non-tourist visas.
India has updated its baggage rules for international travelers in 2026, increasing the duty-free allowance for goods brought into the country. The new limit gives travelers more flexibility when returning from overseas trips, especially those carrying gifts, electronics, and personal purchases. Indian Govt Press Release
- What Is the New Duty-Free Limit in India for 2026
- Whom Do India’s New Baggage Rules 2026 Apply To?
- India Customs Duty-Free Rules for International Travelers (2026 Update)
- New Baggage Rules India 2026: Duty-Free Limit Increased
- India Airport Duty-Free Allowance: Latest Changes & Limits
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the New Duty-Free Limit in India for 2026
Under the updated Baggage Rules effective February 2026, the duty-free allowance for most international travelers arriving in India by air or sea has been increased to ₹ 75,000 per person. This marks a significant jump from the previous ₹ 50,000 limit that had remained unchanged for nearly a decade.
This allowance applies to the total value of goods brought into India, including electronics, gifts, and shopping purchases. Personal used items such as clothing, phones, and laptops already in use are generally exempt from duty.
Whom Do India’s New Baggage Rules 2026 Apply To?
The updated Baggage Rules 2026, including the new ₹75,000 duty-free limit and stricter customs guidelines, apply to all passengers arriving in India via international flights and sea routes.
- Indian residents
- Tourists of Indian origin, NRIs, and OCI cardholders
- Foreigners with a valid visa (other than tourist visa)
- Tourists of foreign origin
- Crew members
India Customs Duty-Free Rules for International Travelers (2026 Update)
The new customs rules aim to simplify travel and encourage tourism and overseas shopping. Key highlights include:
- Indian residents and tourists of Indian origin can bring goods worth up to Rs 75,000 duty-free
- Foreign tourists visiting India have a lower duty-free allowance
- Allowance applies per passenger, not per family
- Applicable only when arriving by air or sea
- Separate limits apply to alcohol and tobacco
If the total value of goods exceeds the allowed limit, customs duty will apply on the excess amount as per Indian customs regulations.
New Baggage Rules India 2026: Duty-Free Limit Increased
The 2026 update is the first major revision to India’s baggage rules in almost ten years. The government introduced the new limit to reflect inflation, rising travel costs, and increased international travel.
Other important changes include:
- Revised guidelines for jewelry allowances based on weight
- Simplified declaration procedures at airports
- Clearer rules for electronics such as laptops and tablets
- Improved transparency in customs assessments
Travelers are encouraged to keep purchase receipts and declare high-value items if unsure about duty applicability.
India Airport Duty-Free Allowance: Latest Changes & Limits
The increased allowance makes duty-free shopping more attractive for international travelers. Whether buying luxury items, gadgets, or gifts, passengers now have more room within the duty-free threshold.
Key points to remember:
- ₹75,000 allowance per traveler arriving by air or sea
- No pooling of allowance between passengers
- Used personal items usually exempt
- Declare items if unsure to avoid penalties
For frequent travelers and overseas Indians, the new limit offers greater convenience and fewer surprises at customs counters.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the new duty-free allowance start in India?
The new INR 75,000 duty-free allowance came into effect in February 2026 under updated baggage rules for international travelers.
What was the previous duty-free limit in India?
Before 2026, the duty-free allowance for most travelers was ₹50,000, a limit that had been in place since 2016.
Does the ₹ 75,000 limit apply to each person?
Yes, the duty-free allowance applies per individual traveler and cannot be combined with another passenger’s allowance.
Does the allowance apply when arriving by land?
The standard ₹ 75,000 duty-free allowance generally applies only to passengers arriving by air or sea. Land border rules may differ.
Do I need to declare items under ₹ 75,000?
If your total goods are within the duty-free limit and for personal use, declaration is usually not required. However, declaring high-value items can help avoid confusion.
