Indian Customs Forms: India Customs compliance

Indian Customs Declaration Form / Customs compliance for International Travellers

Table of Contents

• Indian Customs Declaration Form
• Customs Allowance in India
• Indian Immigration Arrival Form
• India Embarkation Card
• FAQs on Indian Customs Forms

Navigating customs and immigration forms is essential for a smooth travel experience in India. International travelers must complete the Indian Customs Declaration Form to declare dutiable goods, while foreign visitors need the Indian Immigration Arrival Form. Indian nationals may need to fill out an embarkation card for specific departures. This guide covers how to fill these forms, customs allowances, and recent updates to ensure compliance with Indian regulations.

Indian Customs Declaration Form

The Indian Customs Declaration Form is mandatory for all travelers entering India. It requires declaring items subject to customs duty, such as electronics, gold, or gifts exceeding the duty-free allowance. Accurate completion prevents delays and ensures compliance with customs laws.

How to Fill the Form:

1. Personal Information: Provide your name, passport number, and flight details.
2. Goods Declaration: List dutiable items, including currency over USD 5,000 (or equivalent) and goods exceeding the duty-free limit.
3. Submit: Hand the form to customs officials at the airport.

Customs Allowance in India

Travelers to India are allowed to bring goods up to a specific value without paying customs duty. As of 2025, the duty-free allowance for international passengers is ₹50,000 for adults and ₹15,000 for children under 10, excluding personal effects like used clothing and toiletries. Currency exceeding USD 5,000 (or equivalent) must be declared, and specific items like gold (up to 100g for men, 200g for women) and alcohol (2 liters) have separate limits. Exceeding these limits incurs a customs duty of 10–38.5%, depending on the item.

Indian Immigration Arrival Form

The Indian Immigration Arrival Form is required for foreign nationals, including OCI cardholders, entering India. Indian passport holders are exempt. This form collects personal details, passport and visa information, and the purpose of the visit (e.g., tourism, business). Accurate completion ensures smooth immigration processing and compliance with security regulations.

India Embarkation Card

What's New? Indian nationals are no longer required to fill out embarkation cards for international flights. However, those departing via rail, seaport, or land immigration checkpoints must still complete the India Embarkation Card. This rule also applies to crew members of vessels or aircraft.

The embarkation card requires basic details like name, passport number, and destination. This change simplifies air travel for Indian nationals while maintaining documentation for other modes of departure.

FAQs on Indian Customs Forms

How to fill Indian customs declaration form?

Enter your personal details, declare dutiable goods and currency over USD 5,000, and submit the form to customs officials at the airport.

How much is allowed in Indian customs?

Adults can bring goods worth up to ₹50,000 duty-free, and children under 10 up to ₹15,000, excluding personal effects. Specific limits apply to gold and alcohol.

What is the customs form for flight?

The Indian Customs Declaration Form is required for all passengers arriving by flight, detailing dutiable goods and currency.

Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs
Guide to Bringing Gifts to India
Bureau of Immigration India

Is Air Suvidha self declaration form required?

Understanding the Air Suvidha Self-Declaration Form in India

Filling out the Air Suvidha form is no longer a prerequisite for travel to India, irrespective of your country of origin.

As of November 2022, the requirement for the Air Suvidha form and pre-arrival RT-PCR testing was lifted for passengers arriving in India from designated non-risk countries. Currently, travelers coming from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and other countries classified as non-risk are exempt from having to undergo a pre-arrival RT-PCR test or fill out a self-declaration form via the Air Suvidha portal.

Air Suvidha Resumes for Travellers Flying from High-risk Countries

What is the Air Suvidha Self-Declaration Form?

Initially introduced in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Air Suvidha portal was a digital health and travel declaration form required by all passengers arriving in India. Its primary purpose was to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission by ensuring travelers were symptom-free and had not been exposed to the virus before entering the country. Passengers needed to fill it out before their arrival, detailing their health status, recent travel history, and quarantine plans, if necessary.

Travelers were required to submit the following personal details:

Name
Age
Nationality
Contact information
Passport number
Additionally, details pertaining to their journey should be provided, including:

Date of arrival in India
Seat number
Flight number
Entry port
Origin port
Contact address in India where they will be staying

Is the Air Suvidha Form Still Required?

 NO

As global situations evolve and countries adapt to the changing landscape of the pandemic, so too do travel requirements. India, like many countries, has been periodically updating its entry protocols in line with the current health advisories and the global pandemic status.

Can I fill self declaration form online?

Sign up for a complimentary account, choose a strong password, and complete the email verification process to begin creating your templates. To upload a document, select 'New Document' and choose how you wish to import the file: directly from your device, via cloud storage, or from a secure URL. Once uploaded, you can proceed to make any necessary modifications to the template.

Keeping Up-to-Date: Tips for Travelers

• Check Official Sources: Always consult the official Air Suvidha portal and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India website for the latest updates on travel advisories and requirements.
• Airline Communication: Stay in touch with your airline before traveling. Airlines are usually the first to be informed about changes in travel documentation and can provide timely advice.
  
• Travel Insurance: With the unpredictability of global health advisories, securing comprehensive travel insurance has never been more important. Ensure your policy covers health-related issues and possible trip disruptions.
• Prepare for Flexibility: The global situation is still fluid, and requirements can change. Be prepared for possible adjustments to your travel plans, including having digital and physical copies of all health-related documents.

Final Thoughts
The journey to India, with its layers of history, spirituality, and natural beauty, is as much about preparation as it is about exploration. While the Air Suvidha Self-Declaration Form was a key part of travel preparations in the pandemic's height, the current need for it hinges on the latest health advisories. By staying informed, flexible, and prepared, you ensure not just compliance with health protocols, but also a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience. India awaits with open arms and a promise of unforgettable adventures. Happy travels, and may your journey be as enriching as the destination itself!