The government has introduced major changes for passengers travelling to India. Under the new rules, travellers can now bring goods of higher value without paying customs duty.
This change will benefit travellers and NRIs who return to India with gold jewellery, gifts, and personal items after shopping abroad.
The Baggage Rules 2026 came into effect on 2 February 2026. These rules will reduce worries about customs duty on small gifts, jewellery, and personal belongings for passengers returning from abroad.
Duty-Free Limit Increased to ₹75,000
Under the new rules, Indian citizens, foreign residents of Indian origin, and foreign nationals with valid visas (except tourist visa holders) can now bring goods worth up to ₹75,000 without paying customs duty. Earlier, this limit was ₹50,000.
This exemption applies to travellers arriving in India by air or sea.
Separate Limit for Foreign Tourists
The government has introduced separate rules for foreign tourists. Foreign tourists arriving in India by air or sea can bring goods worth up to ₹25,000 duty-free.
However, the goods must be carried by the tourists themselves or included in their accompanying baggage.
Rules for Bringing Gold Jewellery
The new rules clearly explain the regulations related to gold jewellery. According to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes
and Customs, if an Indian citizen or a person of Indian origin has lived abroad for more than one year, they can bring a limited amount of gold jewellery duty-free when returning to India.
Female passengers: Up to 40 grams of jewellery
Male passengers: Up to 20 grams of jewellery
The jewellery must be for personal use and will not be treated as goods meant for sale.
Relief on Laptops
The new rules also provide relief to tech users. Any passenger aged 18 years or above, except crew members, can bring one new laptop or notepad duty-free.
The laptop must be for personal use.
Important Rule: Limits Cannot Be Combined
The government has clarified that duty-free limits cannot be shared or combined. This means one passenger cannot use another passenger’s exemption limit.
Currency Rules Remain the Same
There is no change in the rules for bringing currency into or out of India. The Foreign Exchange Management Regulations, 2015 will continue to apply.
