Cigarettes and Tobacco Restrictions
Limited
Duty-free allowance: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco when entering India. Vapes remain banned entirely.
Quick answer
Tobacco allowances are per passenger. Mixing categories (100 cigarettes + 25 cigars) is not allowedâyou must stay within one bracket or declare the excess.
Once inside India, lighting up is illegal on aircraft and inside terminal buildings. Carry cigarettes sealed in their cartons to show theyâre for personal use.
Electronic nicotine devices remain prohibited whether or not they contain liquid. Officers seize even empty vape shells.
Packing guide
- âLeave cigarettes in sealed duty-free sleeves with the receipt attached.
- âUse hard cases for loose cigars to prevent crushing during baggage screening.
- âKeep pipe or rolling tobacco inside labeled tins; unlabeled pouches attract scrutiny.
At customs
- âDeclare any quantity beyond the allowance. Duty (approx. 100% + cess) is cheaper than confiscation.
- âSeparate matches or lighters from tobaccoâthey have their own limits.
- âFor domestic flights, keep cigarettes accessible for security inspection; matches/lighters usually stay on your person per policy.
Tobacco allowance options
| Product | Duty-free quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cigarettes | 200 sticks | Approx. one carton |
| Cigars | 50 sticks | Store in humidor cases |
| Pipe/chewing tobacco | 250g | Must be factory sealed |
Do this
- â Carry a separate zip pouch for used/empty packs to avoid littering aircraft cabins.
- â Check destination country rules; some nations ban chewing tobacco entirely.
- â Label cartons with passenger names when travelling as a group so each person holds their own allowance.
Avoid this
- â ď¸ Donât buy vapes at foreign duty-free shops for Indian travelâthey will be seized.
- â ď¸ Avoid stashing loose cigarettes in coat pockets; officers may assume you are reselling.
- â ď¸ Do not attempt to smoke inside airport restroomsâCCTV coverage is extensive and fines are steep.
FAQ
Q. Do nicotine pouches count as tobacco?
Yes, they fall under smokeless tobacco and share the 250g allowance.
Q. Can I carry hookah flavors?
Flavored tobacco counts toward the 250g limit. Herbal (tobacco-free) mixes usually pass but declare them if carrying multiple kilos.
Q. What about lighters?
One small safety lighter is typically allowed on your person, but torch/jet lighters are banned. Refer to the matches & lighters rule for details.
Tips before you fly
- âď¸ Use odor-proof pouches if you do not want your carry-on to smell like tobacco.
- âď¸ Moisturise hands after long flights; dry skin increases the urge to over-handle cigarettes before reaching designated areas.
- âď¸ Mark cartons with arrival date as a reminder of when to restock within legal limits.
Related YourTravelGuide guides
Official references
India DGCA guidelines â simplified
Verified on: 6 Dec 2025
Disclaimer: Aviation and security rules change frequently. Always confirm with your airline, airport help desk, or CISF officers before you travel.