Packing for India just got a lot more exciting, and a whole lot lighter on your wallet! As of February 2026, the Indian government has officially retired the decade-old 2016 regulations, ushering in a more traveller-friendly era of higher limits and digital-first clearance. So, whether you are an NRI carrying gold for a wedding, or a tourist with the latest gadgets, the India baggage rules 2026 are a game-changer. From a bumped-up Rs 75000 duty-free allowance to a simplified weight-based gold policy, we have decoded the fine print here for you so that you can breeze through the Green Channel with total confidence.
The ultimate guide to India baggage rules 2026
Travelling to India in 2026 feels like a breath of fresh air for international flyers. With the recent rollout of the revamped baggage rules in 2026, the Indian government has finally swapped outdated restrictions for a modern and travel-centric approach. So, in case you are someone who is planning a trip to the country soon, understanding the shift with the new baggage rules in India is the key to skipping the stress of the Red Channel and making your homecoming as smooth as your flight journey!
1. A new era for duty-free shopping
The most significant update of the India baggage rules, as a part of the 2026 regulations, is the substantial increase in the General Free Allowance (GFA). For the first time in a decade, the Indian government has adjusted the limit to reflect global inflation and changing consumer habits. Indian residents and NRIs returning from international trips can now enjoy a generous Rs 75000 duty-free limit, which is a 50% jump from the previous Rs 50000 cap. Foreign tourists haven't been left behind either, as their allowance has witnessed a boost to Rs 25000. This means that you can now bring home more perfumes, clothes, and high-end gifts without the stress of calculating taxes at the arrivals gate.
2. The simplified one-laptop rule
In a move to support the digital-first lifestyle of modern travellers, the new baggage rules have clarified and protected the electronics allowance. Every passenger over the age of 18 is permitted to bring one laptop, notebook computer, or tablet into India completely duty free! And the best part? This device is treated as a standalone exemption and does not eat into your Rs 75000 general allowance. This is particularly beneficial for professionals and students who frequently carry personal hardware alongside other shopping items or gifts.
3. Revolutionary changes to gold jewellery
Perhaps the most celebrated Indian baggage rule this year is the shift from value-based to weight-based limits for gold jewellery. Previously, as the gold prices surged, travellers found that even a modest piece of jewellery quickly exceeded the old cash value caps. Under the India baggage rules 2026, the government has simplified the process for those who have lived abroad for over a year. Female passengers can now bring up to 40 grams of gold jewellery duty-free, while male passengers are allowed 20 grams. By removing the price per gram calculation, customs clearance for family heirlooms and wedding gold has become significantly more transparent.
4. Seamless relocation with transfer of residence
For those making the big move back to India, the Transfer of Residence (ToR) benefits have been revamped to facilitate a smoother transition. The 2026 framework recognises that setting up a home is expensive, and it provides tiered duty-free limits based on the length of your stay abroad. If you have lived overseas for more than two years, you can now bring in household goods and personal effects worth up to Rs 7.5 lakhs without paying duty. This overhaul is designed to encourage the brain gain of skilled professionals returning to the country by making the logistics of moving their lives across borders much more affordable.
5. The digital Green Channel experience
The days of scrambling for a pen to fill out a paper declaration form on the plane are over. The 2026 India baggage rules place a heavy emphasis on the Atithi App, which now integrates the Electronic Advance Baggage Declaration (e-ABD) system. Travellers are encouraged to declare their items digitally before they even land. Once you arrive, you simply need to present a generated QR code to the customs officer. This digital-first approach hasn't just reduced paperwork, but it has also streamlined the Green Channel experience, with many travellers reporting that they can clear the customs area in under five minutes.
Prohibited items under baggage rules 2026
While the new baggage rules in India this year are more generous, certain items are strictly off limits to ensure national security and public safety. To avoid heavy penalties or confiscation, travellers must steer clear of prohibited goods like satellite phones, e-cigarettes, and counterfeit currency. Furthermore, specific limits apply to restricted items, whereby you are capped at 2 litres of alcohol and 100 cigarettes, while high-value electronics, such as flat-panel TVs and drones, remain fully dutiable regardless of your general allowance. When it comes to gold coins or wildlife products, the rule is simple: declare them or leave them behind to ensure a hassle-free exit.