Whether you’re a frequent traveler or only set out for a yearly trip, there’s one problem that almost all travelers face: baggage rules to keep in mind! Especially if you’re traveling internationally. The Central Government has officially rolled out new Baggage Rules 2026, replacing the decade-old 2016 framework and rolling out a friendlier, transparent customs regime. Let’s take a look at the new Baggage Rules 2026 and how it will transform travel.
New Baggage Rules 2026: Duty-Free Allowances, General Free Allowance, Jewelry Rules, And More
A Brief Overview Of New Baggage Rules 2026
The Central Government of India has officially rolled out new baggage rules in 2026 to bring a more traveler-friendly and transparent customs regime.
The new rules were notified by the Ministry of Finance under the Customs Act, 1962 and came into force on February 2, 2026. The new rule aims to simplify customs clearance, reduce congestion at airports, and streamline baggage regulations with increasing travel volumes and passenger expectations.
International travel has seen a dramatic rise in recent years as an increasing group of Indians are developing the financial means to travel out of the country. With passenger volumes increasing every year, travelers are carrying more items, including gifts and personal items, than ever before. Taking cognizance of this rising shift, the government has decided to rework the existing baggage rules, making them more practical than before.
Not just revised baggage rules, the Central Government has also issued the Customs Baggage (Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2026, and a consolidated Master Circular. The latter will replace 35 older circulars.
Who Are The New Baggage Rules 2026 Applicable To?
The new rules apply to all passengers arriving in or departing from India, including residents, tourists, non-resident Indians, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, foreigners with valid visas, crew members, and diplomatic personnel.
The Circular No. 04/2026 – Customs states that a new class of passenger – foreigner with a valid visa other than a tourist visa has been created. This new passenger class has been created to “provide specific treatment to such foreigners who are residing in India on a long term basis”.
Additionally, these instructions cover both “accompanied and unaccompanied baggage handled at airports, seaports, land customs stations, and other notified customs stations”.
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Electronic And Advance Baggage Declaration
Passengers who are not required to declare anything on which duty payment is involved or not required to make a declaration regarding currency or pet can use the Green Channel for exit. The Green Channel is essentially a pathway for arriving passengers who have nothing to declare (such as duty-free allowances and non-restricted items).
All passengers arriving in India who are carrying dutiable or prohibited goods must declare their accompanied baggage electronically in the Customs Declaration Form, prior to entering the Green Channel. They can file their declaration on arrival or up to three days in advance of arrival through a designated automated system.
Enhanced General Duty-Free Allowance
The new baggage rules have introduced enhanced duty-free allowances to suit modern travel requirements. It has revised limits for different passenger criterias as stated below:
| Class of passengers | Duty free allowance |
| Resident | INR 75,000 |
| Tourist of Indian origin | INR 75,000 |
| Foreigner with a valid visa, other than a tourist visa | INR 75,000 |
| Tourist of foreign origin | INR 25,000 |
| Crew members | INR 2,500 |
Note: Passengers entering India through land borders will not have any general duty-free allowance.
Simplified Transfer Of Residence Benefits
As per the circular, duty-free allowance will be determined based on the duration of stay abroad and / or in India, subject to the fulfilment of the conditions and limits specified below:
| Stay duration abroad | Residents / tourists of Indian origin |
| 3 to 12 months | INR 1,50,000 |
| 1 to 2 years | INR 3,00,000 |
| More than 2 years | INR 7,50,000 |
| Stay duration in India | Foreigner with a valid visa, other than a tourist visa |
| 6 to 12 months | INR 1,50,000 |
| 1 to 2 years | INR 3,00,000 |
| More than 2 years | INR 7,50,000 |
| Stay duration abroad | |
| More than 2 years | INR 7,50,000 |
Revised Jewelry Allowance
The authorities have dispensed outdated value-based caps and announced a special duty-free allowance for eligible residents and tourists of Indian origin residing abroad for more than a year. The allowances are as follows:
- Used personal jewelry and valuables required for daily necessities of life, carried on the person or in their bona fide baggage, shall be allowed duty free clearance under the Baggage Rules 2026, subject to risk-based verification.
- Jewelry and valuables that are not required for daily personal use, brought by a person in bona fide baggage, shall not be allowed duty free. However, upon payment of applicable duty, passengers may be allowed to carry it with them.
Eligible Indian residents and tourists of Indian origin who have stayed abroad for more than a year can bring up to 40 grams (female passengers) and up to 20 grams (other passengers) of duty-free jewelry and valuables.
Note that gold and silver in any other form than jewelry ornaments remain prohibited.
Less Hectic Process Of Re-Importing Personal Items
Indian residents, persons of Indian origin, and foreigners who hold valid non-tourist visas can now re-import personal items duty free. This is provided they declare those items at the time of departure.
You can bring back items like cameras, electronics, musical instruments, or professional equipment can be brought back to India without paying hefty customs duty, subject to verification upon arrival. This move will prove to be a major relief for travelers who frequently carry high-value personal items.
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Temporary Import Of Items By Tourists Visiting India
If you’re a tourist visiting India, you can temporarily bring items like laptops, cameras, or other essential personal goods without paying duty. This is subject to items being declared on arrival and re-exported at the time of departure. However, in select cases, customs authorities may apply risk-based verification to ensure compliance.
Clearer Timelines For Unaccompanied Baggage
Unaccompanied baggage – baggage that arrives separately from the passenger – can now be cleared if it reaches India within one month of arrival, or within an approved extended period.
In special circumstances such as natural disasters, illness, or other unforeseen events, customs authorities may allow clearance up to one year. This move will provide a much-needed flexibility to international movers, as well as those faced with unforeseen circumstances.
Currency Rules, Pet Imports, And Crew Members’ Baggage Allowance
The Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Currency) Regulations, 2015 will keep governing foreign currency import and export. This is to ensure consistency with existing norms.
Importing of pets, under the new Baggage Rules 2026, has been formally incorporated into the baggage rules. It will be regulated as per relevant official guidelines issued by the central authorities.
Additionally, crew members can bring personal-use items worth up to INR 2,500 duty-free, allowing them to carry essential belongings without extra cost. Baggage Rules 2026 are also applicable to crew members of foreign-going ships or aircraft when they finish their job and bring in their baggage during final pay-off.
Summing Up
The new Baggage Rules 2026 promise to bring in more transparency and streamline the flow of baggage at international transport hubs. From advanced baggage declaration and simplified transfer of residence benefits to revised jewelry allowance, the new Baggage Rules 2026 will be beneficial to a broad category of tourists, both Indian and foreigners.
