Navigating India’s baggage rules and customs regulations is essential for a smooth arrival at international airports like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru. These rules cover duty-free allowances for electronics, gold, alcohol, and personal items. Travelers typically have 15–30 kg of checked baggage and 7 kg of carry-on, depending on the airline. Customs require declaring items exceeding duty-free limits, such as foreign currency over USD 5,000 or goods valued above ?50,000. Prohibited items include narcotics, counterfeit goods, and certain wildlife products. Understanding these guidelines ensures a hassle-free entry into India.
Free Baggage Allowance
Q: What is the free baggage allowance for international passengers flying into India?
A: Checked baggage allowance varies by airline and class, typically 15–30 kg. Carry-on is limited to 7 kg (55x35x25 cm). Economy class usually has 23–25 kg, business class up to 32 kg. Always verify with your airline.
Air India Baggage Policy
Electronics
Q: Can I bring electronics into India?
A: One laptop per traveler is duty-free. Other electronics (phones, cameras, tablets) have a combined value limit: ?45,000 for residents, ?50,000 for tourists. Exceeding these limits incurs customs duty (35–40%).
Customs Declaration Form
Medicines
Q: Are there restrictions on bringing medicines into India?
A: Personal-use medicines are allowed with a valid prescription or medical certificate, typically up to a 3-month supply. Narcotic or psychotropic drugs require prior approval from Indian authorities.
Narcotics Control Bureau Guidelines
Gold and Jewellery Allowances 2026
Q: Can I carry gold or jewellery when traveling to India?
A: India now applies weight-based limits for jewellery brought by residents and tourists of Indian origin:
- Female passengers: up to 40 g duty-free
- Other passengers: up to 20 g duty-free
Exceeding these limits requires declaration at the Customs Red Channel and applicable duties. Silver jewellery is still restricted to 100 g. Always carry purchase receipts for verification.
Related: Indian Customs Department
Alcohol and Tobacco
Q: What are the regulations for carrying alcohol and tobacco into India?
A: Travelers 21+ may bring 2 liters of alcohol duty-free. Tobacco allowances: 100 cigarettes, 25 cigars, or 125g loose tobacco. Exceeding requires declaration at the Red Channel.
Pets
Q: Is it possible to bring pets into India?
A: Yes, with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from AQCS. Health certificates, rabies vaccination, and microchipping are mandatory.
Declaring Items Over Duty-Free Allowance
Q: How can I declare items over the duty-free allowance?
A: Declare at Customs Red Channel, fill out a declaration form detailing the items and value. Duties range 10–40% depending on item type.
Prohibited Items
Q: What items are prohibited from being brought into India?
A: Narcotics, pornography, counterfeit currency, infringing IP goods, endangered species, and certain agricultural products.
Lost or Delayed Baggage
Q: What should I do if my baggage is delayed or lost?
A: Report to the airline’s baggage desk, provide claim tags, and complete a PIR. Airlines provide tracking and compensation.
Foreign Currency
Q: How can I carry foreign currency into or out of India?
A: No limit, but declare amounts over USD 5,000 (cash) or USD 10,000 (cash + traveler's cheques).
Food Items
Q: Can I bring food items into India?
A: Packaged foods for personal use are allowed but must be declared. Dairy, meat, seeds, and fresh produce are restricted.
Carrying Currency When Leaving India
Q: What is the process for carrying large amounts of currency when leaving India?
A: Residents can carry up to ?25,000. Foreign currency must not exceed declared limits on entry.
Drones
Q: Are drones allowed to be brought into India?
A: Yes, with DGCA compliance. Drones must be declared, may require UIN or permission.
Artwork and Antiques
Q: How can I bring artwork or antiques into India?
A: Artworks/antiques over 100 years require documentation of age and value. Declare to customs.
Commercial Items
Q: What should I do if I'm bringing items for commercial purposes?
A: Declare items at Customs Red Channel with valid import license and invoices. Duties vary by product type.
Understanding these FAQs ensures compliance with India's baggage rules and customs, making your travel experience seamless and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions – India Baggage & Customs Rules
1. What is the free baggage allowance for international passengers flying into India?
The free baggage allowance varies by airline and travel class, typically 15–30 kg for checked baggage. Carry-on luggage is usually limited to 7 kg with dimensions up to 55 x 35 x 25 cm. Always confirm with your airline.
2. Can I bring electronics into India?
Passengers can bring electronics for personal use. One laptop per person is duty-free. Other electronics (smartphones, cameras, tablets) are subject to value limits: Rs 45,000 for Indian residents, Rs 50,000 for tourists. Exceeding these limits may incur customs duty of 35–40%.
3. Are there restrictions on bringing medicines into India?
Medicines for personal use are allowed with a valid prescription or medical certificate. Reasonable quantity is typically a 3-month supply. Narcotic or psychotropic drugs require prior approval and additional documentation.
4. How much gold or jewellery can I carry to India duty-free?
India now applies weight-based limits for jewellery for residents and tourists of Indian origin:
- Female passengers: up to 40 g duty-free
- Other passengers: up to 20 g duty-free
Exceeding these limits must be declared at the Customs Red Channel, and duties will apply. Silver jewellery is allowed up to 100 g. Always carry receipts.
5. What are the regulations for carrying alcohol and tobacco into India?
Passengers aged 21+ can bring up to 2 liters of alcoholic beverages duty-free. Tobacco allowances include 100 cigarettes, 25 cigars, or 125 g of loose tobacco. Excess quantities must be declared, and customs duty applies.
6. Is it possible to bring pets into India?
Pets can be imported with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Animal Quarantine and Certification Service (AQCS). Valid health and vaccination certificates, including rabies vaccination, are required. Microchipping may also be necessary.
7. How can I declare items over the duty-free allowance?
Declare excess items at the Customs Red Channel upon arrival. Complete a Customs Declaration Form with item details and value. Duties range from 10–40%, depending on the item.
8. What items are prohibited from being brought into India?
Prohibited items include narcotics, pornographic materials, counterfeit currency, products violating intellectual property rights, endangered species, certain agricultural products, and wildlife items.
9. What should I do if my baggage is delayed or lost?
Report immediately to the airline’s baggage claim desk, provide baggage tags, and complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Airlines typically offer tracking and compensation per international conventions.
10. How can I carry foreign currency into or out of India?
No limit on foreign currency, but cash over USD 5,000 or travelers’ cheques over USD 10,000 must be declared on a Currency Declaration Form (CDF). Undeclared amounts may be confiscated with penalties.
11. Can I bring food items into India?
Packaged and processed food for personal use is allowed but must be declared. Dairy, meat, seeds, and fresh produce are restricted due to health rules.
12. What is the process for carrying large amounts of currency when leaving India?
Residents can carry up to INR 25,000. Foreign currency should not exceed the declared amount. Undeclared currency may lead to fines or confiscation.
13. Are drones allowed to be brought into India?
Drones require DGCA compliance. Declare at customs and obtain a Unique Identification Number (UIN) or permission for personal use.
14. How can I bring artwork or antiques into India?
Artworks and antiques over 100 years old require proof of age and value. Declare at customs to avoid delays or confiscation.
15. What should I do if I'm bringing items for commercial purposes?
Commercial items need a valid import license and must be declared at the Customs Red Channel. Provide invoices with item descriptions and values for duty calculation.
