What Not To Bring to India: Essential Packing Advice for Travellers

Ever landed at an airport and wished you'd packed way less? India, with its wild blend of chaos and beauty, is the kind of place where overpacking or carrying the wrong thing can derail your trip. Forget the dreamy travel pics for a second—the real trick is dodging avoidable hassle at customs and not standing out like a tourist billboard.

Why Some Things Are Better Left at Home

India’s diversity is legendary. One hour you’re dodging sacred cows, the next you’re sipping chai in a breezy mountain café. But rules and unwritten customs shape what you should (and absolutely shouldn’t) lug through those airport gates. Bringing the wrong things isn’t just an inconvenience—it can get you in serious trouble, risk a fine, or even land you at the infamous airport 'secondary inspection' table.

Let’s start with banned items outright. India is strict on items like narcotics, obviously, but also seemingly innocent things like satellite phones or certain walkie talkies. The 2022 update of the Indian Customs regulations spells it out: no drones without prior approval, no ivory, and don’t even think about smuggling in beef products—laws vary by state, but in some places that’s a criminal offence. Fake currency? Jail time. Even replica guns or toy guns can cause confusion at security.

Avoid bringing large quantities of gold or silver, unless you enjoy paperwork and a likely customs fee. Indian customs officers have a keen eye for brand-new electronics; if you’re packing gifts or fresh gadgets, make sure they're unboxed and look used. Or else, they’ll be eyed as imports, possibly taxed, and you’ll be filling forms for hours while everyone else gets on with their holiday.

On the cultural side, many travellers forget that religious books, especially if you’re hauling in more than half a dozen, raise red flags. Customs officers may assume you’re handing them out, which is a problem for foreign missionaries without a valid visa. And think twice before packing risqué or explicit material. Indian law is clear: no pornographic magazines, movies, or content. They’re banned—and yes, they check.

Then there’s the heat and humidity. Heavy jackets, woolly jumpers, and boots are pointless almost everywhere except in the mountains. After your first day, you’ll wish you’d left them at home. Same goes for harsh cosmetics, perfumes, or fancy toiletries—a lot melts, leaks, or gets confiscated. Remember plug adapters too: India's voltage is 230V with Type C, D, and M outlets. Carrying huge power strips or extension cords can look suspicious.

Look at it another way: less is more. India is shopper’s paradise for clothes and souvenirs, so packing the bare minimum isn’t just a travel hack—it opens up your bag for exciting finds.

Items That Are Illegal or Restricted in India

Let’s go granular. Here’s where folks who didn’t do their homework often get stuck.

• Drugs and Narcotics: Zero-tolerance. Carrying recreational drugs, even if legal in your home country, is a straight ticket to jail. Even CBD oil can get you in trouble, as Indian law remains strict about cannabis products.
• Satellite Phones and Some Communication Gadgets: You might think carrying a sat phone (like a Thuraya or Iridium) is just good prep for travel in remote Himalayas, but India bans them without government permission. Same with powerful walkie talkies. They’re seen as security threats.
• Drones: You need a permit issued before travel. Unapproved drones often get seized.
• Beef Products: Several Indian states criminalise beef possession. Bag checks in airports have confirmed this is enforced, especially on routes from countries exporting beef snacks.
• Ivory, Endangered Wildlife Products, and Sandalwood: These are heavily protected under Indian law. This includes necklaces, ivory crafts, or sandalwood creams bought elsewhere. Expect severe penalties, with actual jail time common for violations.

Thinking about large electronics, like new sealed laptops, tablets, or game consoles? These are big red flags to customs officials, especially if you have the original packaging and receipts. India charges import duty on such goods, with a free allowance only for one laptop and one phone per traveller (used, not new in box). Anything extra, customs might tax at rates up to 36%.

Here's a helpful reference for what people have recently had seized at Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru airports:

So, always check your airline and official Indian Government websites before you fly out. The list updates each year, often with little warning. If you’re bringing traditional medicines, powders, or herbs, keep them in original packaging with a prescription or letter from your doctor. These are often examined closely for illegal drugs or rare animal ingredients.

Smart Packing Tips for India—And What’s Just Extra Baggage

Packing for India is about being practical, flexible, and a bit streetwise. You won’t need half the things people claim online. Here’s a straight-talking take on the everyday stuff you should ditch:

• Bulky Luggage: Trains, buses, and even rickshaws have tight seats and hard storage limits. Oversized suitcases slow you down and mark you as a tourist, which can be a pickpocket magnet.
• Flashy Jewellery and Expensive Watches: Leave the bling at home. Even moderate jewellery attracts attention, and if you lose it, forget about insurance claims—they’re almost impossible to process.
• All-White Outfits and Heels: Indian roads and rickshaw rides guarantee dust, mud, sudden monsoons. White clothes stain fast and are hard to clean, and no one actually wears heels outside weddings. Stick to sturdy sand shoes or walking sandals—your feet will thank you.
• Too Many Toiletries: Shops in every city stock familiar brands or close enough. And hotel rooms usually offer basic soap, shampoo, and towels. Liquids over 100ml also get confiscated at security.
• Hard-to-Find Electronics Adapters: Pack one universal adapter. Certain types (like the old UK 3-pin) aren’t used anywhere except high-end hotels, so check online before you buy a stack.

What about medicines? Carry any prescription medicine in the original, labelled package. Carry the prescription too, noting the generic name as Indian customs prefer those over brand names. Avoid bringing medicines with codeine (common in cough syrups), as they're classed as narcotics in India. If caught, your medicine will be seized and you could be asked to pay a fine or face a short detention while your story is checked.

As for food, bringing fruits, seeds, or meat into India is mostly forbidden. Airport sniffer dogs are trained to find these, so that innocent banana or fancy cheese could turn your arrival sour.

Then there’s travel tech. Large drones, GoPros with underwater housings, and high-powered telescopic lenses can look suspicious. If you’re a hobbyist, bring proof you’re not a ‘professional journalist’ or ‘spying,’ or expect questions. For drones over 250g, Indian law requires an import permit plus local police approval. Don’t try your luck.

One detail that trips up backpackers: Indian plug points are widely Type C, D, or M. British 3-pin or American flat blades barely fit. One lightweight universal adapter solves most issues. Don’t bring heavy surge protectors—they’re rarely needed and annoy customs.

Finally, books. Carry a few for yourself but don’t pack dozens. Travellers with stacks of religious or political books often get flagged at customs. This isn’t paranoia—border officials have strict orders after some infamous incidents in 2019 and 2021.

FAQ: What Surprises Travellers the Most at Indian Customs?

A lot of what gets people in trouble isn’t obvious. Here are the questions that pop up most often.

• Q: Can I bring vape pens or e-cigarettes?
  A: No—India banned sale and import of e-cigarettes in 2019. Even personal vapes risk being confiscated at customs, and in some cities, police can fine you on the street.
• Q: Is alcohol allowed in my suitcase?
  A: You can carry up to two litres of alcohol duty-free. Anything above this can be fined, and some states (like Gujarat) are dry—alcohol is strictly banned.
• Q: Can I bring seeds or plants for personal gardening?
  A: Not unless you have clearance from India’s Plant Quarantine authorities. Most are confiscated without discussion.
• Q: Will my pain medication cause issues?
  A: If you carry prescription painkillers (especially opioids), bring your prescription and carry only what you need. India is strict about narcotics, and you don’t want to get stuck with your medicine being seized.
• Q: Do I need a list of my camera equipment?
  A: Yes, it helps. Customs can check your camera and ask if you’re a professional journalist. If you have several lenses, declare them, and it’s smart to carry a list (with serial numbers) in case you’re asked.

People also ask about replacements: if you forget something essential, you'll almost always find a version in India, often cheaper and tailored for local use. Don't sweat minor things like phone chargers or sunblock.

One last thing: India changes fast. State laws aren't always obvious, and enforcement can vary from Mumbai’s slick airport to a tiny Northeast town. So, check FCO travel advice, airline guidance, and, if you’re unsure, ask an Indian friend or expat group what they wish they hadn’t packed.

Travelling lighter, and smarter, makes every crowded bazaar and smoky spice stall easier to wander through. Leave the junk and the drama behind, and you’ll have room in your bag for saris, spices, or the kind of souvenirs that turn a trip into a great story back home.