India’s Union Budget 2026 has clarified long-standing confusion for international passengers by overhauling the rules on what travellers can bring into the country without paying customs duty.
The government has notified the Baggage Rules 2026, replacing a web of older circulars that often led to inconsistent checks at airports and uncertainty for Indian expats and foreign tourists.
Duty-free allowance increased
Under the revised rules, the general duty-free allowance for most international travellers has been increased from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000. This higher limit applies to Indian residents returning from abroad, tourists of Indian origin, and foreigners holding valid visas other than tourist visas.
Foreign tourists arriving on tourist visas continue to have a lower duty-free allowance of ₹25,000, while crew members are entitled to ₹2,500. Passengers entering India via land borders remain ineligible for any general duty-free allowance.
Gold jewellery rules overhauled
One of the most significant changes relates to gold. The government has removed decades-old value-based caps and introduced a weight-based system for gold jewellery.
Eligible returning residents and tourists of Indian origin who have stayed abroad for more than one year can now bring gold jewellery duty-free up to 40 grams for female passengers and up to 20 grams for all other passengers.
However, gold or silver in any form other than ornaments remains excluded from the duty-free list, along with items such as televisions, alcohol and cigarettes.
Personal-use items clarified
An official clarification has addressed concerns frequently raised by travellers about worn jewellery and personal valuables. Items intended strictly for personal use during the journey — including jewellery and other valuables required by travellers — are permitted duty-free, as long as they are not meant for sale or transfer.
This clarification is expected to reduce disputes at airports over personal effects carried or worn by passengers.
One laptop allowed duty-free
The new rules also formally confirm that passengers aged 18 and above may bring one laptop duty-free. By incorporating this concession directly into the Baggage Rules, the government aims to end uncertainty that previously arose from scattered circulars and uneven enforcement.
Aim of the changes
According to the government, the revised baggage framework was finalised after consultations with multiple stakeholders, including ministries, airport operators and passengers. The changes are intended to simplify procedures, improve transparency and enable smoother customs clearance through digital and advance declarations.
For Indian expats and international travellers, the updated rules are expected to reduce confusion and make arrivals into India more predictable and hassle-free.
