MUMBAI : The updated guidelines, which came into effect on February 2, 2026, increase the general free allowance for air and sea passengers while introducing clearer limits and stricter checks for land arrivals.
Under the revised rules, passengers arriving in India by air or sea are permitted duty-free clearance of used personal effects required for daily necessities, provided the items are not meant for sale. For goods other than personal effects, the general free allowance has been raised from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000 for Indian residents, tourists of Indian origin, and foreign nationals holding a valid visa.
The authorities clarified that this enhanced allowance applies only to adults aged 18 years and above, and the goods must be carried either on the person or in bona fide accompanied baggage. Infants are not eligible for the monetary allowance.
For foreign tourists arriving by air or sea, the duty-free allowance has also been revised upward, from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000, offering greater flexibility for short-term visitors.
A major addition to the 2026 guidelines is the formal permission to bring one new laptop duty-free, regardless of its value. This benefit is available to passengers aged 18 years or above, excluding crew members, as long as the laptop is carried in bona fide baggage.
However, the rules remain stricter for land arrivals. Passengers entering India by land are allowed only used personal effects required for daily life, with no monetary allowance for other goods. As with air and sea arrivals, items must be carried on the person or in accompanied baggage.
Customs authorities have also reiterated that duty-free allowances cannot be pooled between passengers, even among family members. Officials said the updated framework strengthens risk-based checks to prevent misuse while ensuring that genuine travellers are not inconvenienced during routine screening.
The 2026 revision marks the first major update to India’s baggage rules since 2016, aligning allowances with current travel patterns while tightening oversight where needed.
India's updated duty-free guidelines, effective February 2, 2026, raise the allowance for air and sea passengers to ₹75,000 and permit one duty-free laptop. The changes aim to align with modern travel needs while maintaining strict checks, especially for land arrivals, ensuring genuine travelers benefit without misuse.