Airport Information

Duty free allowance

Tourists are allowed to bring in all personal effects 'which may reasonably be required", without charge. The official customs allowance includes 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 0.95 liters of alcohol, a camera with five rolls of film, a pair of binoculars. Valuable personal effects or professional equipment must be registered on a Tourist Baggage Re-Export Form (TBRE), including jewellery, special camera equipment and lenses, lap-top computers, sound and video recorders. These forms require the serial numbers of such equipment. It saves considerable frustration if you know the numbers in advance and are ready to show the serial numbers on the equipment. In addition to the forms, details of imported equipment may be entered into your passport. Save time by completing the formalities while waiting for your baggage. It is essential to keep these forms for showing to the customs when leaving India, otherwise considerable delays are very likely at the time of departure.

Duty free shopping

Some airports have new and competitive duty free shops though the range of goods is limited.

Currency Regulations

There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency or travellers' cheques a tourist may bring into India. If you are carrying more than US$10,000 or its equivalent in cash or travellers' cheques you need to fill in a currency declaration form. This could change with a relaxation in the currency regulations.

Prohibited Items

The import of dangerous drugs, live plants, gold coins, gold and silver bullion and silver coins not in current use are either banned or subject to strict regulation. It is illegal to import firearms into India without special permission. Enquire at Consular offices abroad for details.

Export Restrictions

Export of gold jewellery purchased in India is allowed up to a value of Rs 2,000 and other jewellery (including settings with precious stones) up to a value of Rs 10,000.

Export of antiquities and art objects over 100 years old is restricted. Ivory, skins of all animals, toosh and pashmina wool, snake skin and articles made from them are banned, unless you get permission for export. Small quantities of peacock feathers are exempt.

DOCUMENTATION & TAX

Arrival

The formalities on arrival in India have been increasingly streamlined during the last five years and the physical facilities at the major international airports is great. Disembarkation cards, with an attached customs declaration, are handed out to passengers during the inward flight. The immigration form should be handed in at the immigration counter on arrival. The customs slip will be returned, for handling over to the customs on leaving the baggage collection hall. Transit passengers, should contact our representatives.

Departure Tax

Rs 600 is payable for all international departures other than those to neighbouring SAARC countries, when the tax is Rs 300 (not reciprocated by Sri Lanka). This must be paid in Rupees in India unless it is included in your international ticket; check when buying.