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India Entry Guide 2026
Last updated: 2026-01-08
Complete guide to Indian customs regulations and entry requirements
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) enforces regulations at all Indian entry points. India has specific rules on currency, gold, electronics, and certain food items. E-visa is available for many nationalities. Declaration is required for dutiable goods.
Entry Process
- 1Apply for e-Visa before travel (if required)
- 2Complete Air Suvidha form (if required for health declaration)
- 3Proceed to immigration and passport control
- 4Collect checked baggage
- 5Pass through customs (Green/Red channel)
Prohibited Items
- Drugs & NarcoticsStrict penalties including long imprisonment
- Weapons & AmmunitionFirearms require special license
- Counterfeit CurrencyFake Indian rupees strictly prohibited
- Satellite PhonesRequire special permission to bring into India
Duty-Free Allowances
- Alcohol2L total
- Tobacco100 cigarettes OR 25 cigars OR 125g tobacco
- GoldMale: 20g (₹50,000) / Female: 40g (₹100,000) after 6 months abroad
- Personal Effects₹50,000 for Indian residents
- Cash (Foreign)Must declare $5,000+ cash or $10,000+ in traveler's checks
Declaration Tips
- • Gold purchases are subject to duty if over free allowance
- • Electronics like laptops should be declared if new
- • Separate baggage (unaccompanied) has different rules
- • NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) have different allowances