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New Baggage Rules 2026: The central government has taken a major decision in the interest of passengers arriving in India from abroad. The Indian government has increased the duty-free baggage limit for passengers to Rs. 75,000. Previously, this limit was Rs. 50,000. This new baggage rule came into effect on February 2, 2026 (today) and applies to both Indian citizens and foreign tourists.

What is the new rule? (New Baggage Rule 2026)
According to the new rules, Indian citizens and tourists of Indian origin arriving in India by air or sea can bring goods worth up to Rs. 75,000 without paying any customs duty. The only condition is that the goods must be for personal use and carried in the passenger's own baggage. The notice also clarifies that any passenger arriving in India, even an infant, can bring used personal belongings and souvenirs for daily use. No customs duty will be levied on such items.

Relief for foreign tourists as well
Along with Indian citizens, foreign tourists visiting India have also been given relief. Such foreign tourists can now bring goods worth up to Rs. 25,000 into India without paying any customs duty. Previously, under the Baggage Rules 2016, this limit was only Rs. 15,000. The new rules will benefit foreign tourists compared to the previous regulations.

How much jewelry can be brought now?
If an Indian citizen or a tourist of Indian origin returns to India after staying abroad for more than a year, they will be exempt from customs duty on jewelry. In this case, female passengers can bring up to 40 grams of jewelry without tax. Other passengers can bring up to 20 grams of jewelry duty-free. The jewelry must be part of the passenger's bona fide baggage, i.e., personal belongings. According to this rule, this jewelry can be made of gold, silver, platinum, or any other precious metal. 

Rules also apply to crew members.
These rules will also apply to crew members traveling abroad. When such employees return to India for the last time after their job ends, they will be exempt from customs duty on their baggage. In addition, crew members can also bring chocolates, cosmetics, and other gift items for their family's use. However, the total value of the goods should not exceed Rs. 2,500.

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