India Freedom Portal 2026

French citizens continue to benefit from the streamlined e-Visa system in 2026.

• Application: You MUST use the official government portal: *indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html*.
• Timing: Apply at least **4 to 7 days** before travel. Most approvals are received via email within 72 hours.
• Passport: Must be valid for at least **6 months** from arrival and have **2 blank pages**.
• Biometric Fast-Track: e-Visa holders can now clearing automated e-gates in under 30 seconds at 13 major airports once pre-enrolled.

As of **2 February 2026**, India has significantly increased duty-free allowances for international arrivals.

• Foreign Tourist Limit: Your general duty-free allowance has been raised to **₹25,000** (approx. €275).
• Digital Customs: Paper forms are abolished. You must submit an electronic customs declaration integrated into the **Air Suvidha** platform before landing.
• One Laptop Rule: Travelers aged 18+ can bring **one laptop computer** duty-free, regardless of its value.
• Pet Concession: The 2026 rules now formally incorporate the duty-free import of pets, subject to veterinary procedures.

Customs enforcement has shifted to weight-based limits for jewellery in 2026.

• Jewellery (Weight-Based): For those resident abroad for >1 year, females can bring **40 grams** of gold jewellery duty-free; all others are capped at **20 grams**.
• Alcohol & Tobacco: Allowance remains at **2 litres of alcohol** and **100 cigarettes** (or 25 cigars).
• Satellite Phones: Carrying satellite phones (Iridium, Thuraya) is strictly prohibited and can lead to immediate arrest.
• Vapes: Importing e-cigarettes or vapes is strictly illegal in India.

For employment, journalists, or stays exceeding 6 months, a regular paper visa is mandatory.

• Submission: Applications in France are processed via the **Consulate General in Marseille** or the **Embassy in Paris** (outsourced to VFS Global).
• Processing Time: Standard processing takes minimum **35 working days**; avoid making travel plans before issuance.
• Journalists: Even for tourism, individuals working in media must apply for a **Journalist Visa** and submit a no-professional-assignment declaration.