India Entry Hub 2026

As of **2 February 2026**, India has officially replaced paper customs forms with a mandatory digital system.

• Electronic Declaration: You must declare dutiable items or high-value goods through the **Air Suvidha** mobile app or consolidated web platform before landing.
• GFA Increase: The General Duty-Free Allowance (GFA) for foreign tourists (like Germans) has increased to **&rupee;25,000** (approx. €280).
• One Laptop Rule: The 2026 rules explicitly allow for the duty-free import of **one laptop computer** per passenger (over 18), regardless of value.
• Pets: For the first time, pets are explicitly included in duty-free baggage under new consolidated concessions.

If you are applying for a Regular (Paper) Visa from Germany for more than 1 year, biometrics are mandatory.

• Personal Appearance: All applicants for visas exceeding 1 year must personally visit the Embassy counter for biometric data capture.
• Exemptions: Applicants below 12 years and above 70 years are exempt from biometrics.
• Jurisdiction: You must apply at the specific Indian Mission (Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, or Hamburg) that covers your German city of residence (Meldebescheinigung required).
• Cash-Only Service: Note that for Regular Visas, the Embassy in Berlin requires the exact fee amount in **Cash** at the appointment.

German citizens are eligible for the e-Visa, which remains the most popular choice for short stays.

• Application: Upload a scanned bio-page of your passport and a digital photo (square, white background, no spectacles).
• Validity: e-Tourist visas are available for 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years. The 30-day e-Tourist visa is non-extendable.
• Processing Time: Typically takes **72 hours** to 4 days. You receive the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) via email.
• Port of Entry: e-Visa is only valid for entry through 30 designated international airports and 5 major seaports in India.

The 2026 Baggage Rules have shifted gold limits from value-based to weight-based.

• Jewellery (Weight-Based): Women are allowed up to **40 grams** of gold jewellery duty-free; all other passengers are capped at **20 grams**. This applies only if you have lived abroad for >1 year.
• Vapes & E-Cigarettes: The import, possession, or use of vapes is strictly **illegal** in India. Penalties include heavy fines and potential imprisonment.
• Satellite Phones: Carrying satellite phones (e.g., Iridium, Thuraya) is strictly prohibited and can lead to immediate arrest.
• Alcohol & Tobacco: Allowance remains at **2 litres of alcohol** and **100 cigarettes** (or 25 cigars).