The Ministry of Finance today announced a major step toward improving international passenger facilitation with the launch of a comprehensive International Travel Guide by the Hon’ble Minister of State for Finance, Shri Pankaj Chaudhary on February 26, 2026. Developed by the Directorate General of Taxpayer Services (DGTS) under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), the guide aims to enhance awareness of the recently revised Baggage Rules, 2026, and to ensure a transparent, predictable and hassle-free experience for travellers. According to the background provided in the guide, updated as of February 2026, the new framework reflects contemporary travel patterns and addresses genuine passenger concerns by simplifying procedures, reducing delays and modernising long-standing provisions.
The Travellers’ Guide provides clear and user-friendly information on duty-free entitlements, special allowances, restricted and prohibited items, and Customs processes applicable at all Indian international airports. As elaborated in the document, passengers are entitled to duty-free clearance of used personal effects and may avail additional duty-free allowances—₹75,000 for residents, tourists of Indian origin and foreigners holding valid visas other than tourist visas, and ₹25,000 for tourists of foreign origin; crew members are entitled to an allowance of ₹2,500, while travellers arriving via land borders are not eligible for general allowances. The guide also highlights consolidated concessions such as duty-free import of one new laptop or notepad for passengers aged 18 years and above.
A major reform introduced under the Baggage Rules, 2026 is the weight-based jewellery allowance, replacing outdated value-based limits. Eligible returning passengers who have stayed abroad for over one year may now bring jewellery duty-free up to 40 grams in the case of female passengers and 20 grams for other passengers. The guide further explains streamlined procedures for high-value items, including the issuance of Temporary Baggage Import Certificates for valuables carried temporarily to India and Export Certificates for articles taken out of the country to ensure smooth re-entry. Additional clarity has also been provided on the simplified and expanded Transfer of Residence (TR) benefits, under which passengers relocating to India may avail duty-free concessions ranging from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹7.5 lakh depending on their duration of stay abroad, with a rationalised list of household articles eligible for import.
The guide emphasises the use of ATITHI 2.0, India’s upgraded digital platform for Customs declarations, designed to reduce congestion at arrival halls and promote paperless processing. Passengers carrying dutiable or prohibited goods are required to file the electronic Customs Declaration Form (CBD-I) up to three days prior to arrival through the ATITHI web portal or mobile application. The platform also supports digital submission of currency declarations, export certificates and temporary import requests, ensuring compliance through automation, accurate duty computation and faster clearances. The guide includes visual representations of ATITHI’s features and highlights its role as a unified passenger facilitation system.
The Travellers’ Guide also provides detailed information on the import of pets, noting that passengers meeting eligibility criteria may bring up to two pets (dogs or cats) under the Transfer of Residence facility, subject to obtaining an Advance No Objection Certificate (NOC) and a Final NOC from the Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS). It further outlines categories of prohibited items, including narcotic substances, wildlife products, counterfeit currency, and maps with incorrect Indian boundaries. A comprehensive section on penal provisions advises travellers that non-declaration, mis-declaration or concealment of goods may lead to confiscation, penalties or prosecution under the Customs Act, 1962.
By releasing this Travellers’ Guide, the Ministry underscores its commitment to promoting ease of travel, strengthening compliance and providing transparent, passenger-centric Customs processes. The guide aims to empower international travellers with the information necessary to make informed decisions, avoid inadvertent violations and enjoy a smooth journey through India’s international airports.
The International Travel Guide can be accessed at: https://a2ztaxcorp.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CBIC-International-Travel-Guide.pdf
