NRIs travelling to India must adhere to specific regulations governing the amount of foreign and Indian currency they can carry. While there is no restriction on bringing foreign exchange into India, certain limits require a declaration to customs authorities upon arrival.
NRIs can bring up to $5,000 in cash and a total of $10,000, including traveller’s cheques, demand drafts, and other financial instruments without any declaration. If the amount exceeds these limits, it must be disclosed to customs using the Currency Declaration Form at the airport.
For Indian currency, NRIs can carry up to ₹25,000 without any declaration.
Currency Type | Limit | Declaration Requirement |
Foreign Currency Cash | Up to $5,000 | No |
Total Foreign Exchange (Cash + Traveler’s Cheques) | Up to $10,000 | Yes, if exceeding $10,000 |
Indian Currency | Up to ₹25,000 | No |
Failure to declare amounts beyond the permitted thresholds can result in penalties. Depending on the severity of the violation, fines may be imposed under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and the Customs Act, 1962.
NRIs travelling to India must adhere to cash limits to avoid penalties and legal issues. While foreign exchange can be brought without restriction, amounts exceeding $5,000 in cash or $10,000 including traveler’s cheques require declaration, and Indian currency is capped at ₹25,000. Non-compliance may lead to fines under FEMA and the Customs Act, 1962, making it essential for travellers to stay informed and comply with regulations for a smooth entry into India.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.
Published on: Mar 12, 2025, 9:25 PM IST
Akshay Shivalkar
Akshay Shivalkar is a financial content specialist who strategises and creates SEO-optimised content on the stock market, mutual funds, and other investment products. With experience in fintech and asset management, he simplifies complex financial concepts to help investors make informed decisions through his writing.
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