Travelling soon? Know updated airline Baggage Rules, 2026

The government has notified the updated Baggage Rules, 2026, replacing the Baggage Rules, 2016, to streamline airport procedures for passengers flying in and out of India. The new rules came into force on February 2. The duty-free allowance for Indian nationals returning from abroad has been raised from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000. These are some of the questions likely to be raised by passengers. 

Who are these rules applicable to?
All passengers entering India from abroad (including NRIs, tourists of Indian origin, foreigners, foreigners with a valid visa and children). 
Who is a tourist?
A person who is not normally a resident in India and who enters India for a stay of not more than six months within 12 months, for legitimate non–immigrant purposes. 

Who is defined as a resident as per these rules?
Under these rules, a resident is a person who ordinarily resides in India and holds a valid passport issued under the Passports Act, 1967. 
What are personal belongings?
Articles meant for personal use of the passenger, which are worn, used or reasonably required by the passenger during the journey or stay, and not intended for sale or transfer. 

What personal belongings are used? Are these articles duty-free?
Under the updated baggage regime, personal belongings include items or souvenirs necessary for the passenger’s travel and of daily use. These items are duty-free for all the passengers, including children. It includes clothing, accessories and toiletries.
What are the duty-free allowances for air or sea travellers?
Tourists of Indian origin or foreigners with a valid visa, other than a tourist visa, have been allowed a duty–free allowance of up to Rs 75,000. 

What is the duty-free allowance for a tourist of foreign origin?
Tourists of foreign origin who enter India via air or ship have a duty–free allowance of up to Rs 25,000. 
Can a passenger merge their duty–free allowance with his/her family members?
No
Can laptops be imported duty–free?
According to the updated Baggage Rules, passengers who are above 18 years (except crew members) can bring a new laptop, including a notepad, duty–free in their bona fide baggage.

Is it possible to bring more than one phone, other than the ones that are already in use?
Although mobile phones are not specifically mentioned in the updated rules, if the phone's value exceeds the duty–free limit of Rs 75,000, customs duty applies to the amount above the limit. For instance, a passenger bringing a brand-new iPhone that exceeds the duty–free limit will have to pay the applicable duty. 

What are the special allowances for jewellery?
Residents or tourists of Indian origin returning after a stay abroad for more than a year may bring jewellery on the following weight basis.
Female – up to 40 grams
Other than female – up to 20 grams
These allowances are in addition to the general duty–free limits.

Are there any prohibited items?
Firearms, cartridges exceeding 50, cigarettes over 100 sticks, cigars over 25 or tobacco over 125 grams, alcoholic liquor or wine over two litres, gold or silver in any form other than ornaments and television sets. Passengers bringing these items must pay duty or undergo other legal procedures. 
Can the passenger seek help at the airport?
Passengers can contact the customs help desk in the arrival hall with any questions about the updated rules or prohibited items, or file a complaint. 
Phone – 9947777800
(The writer is a customs deputy commissioner at the Cochin International Airport.)