First international trip from Kerala: the complete checklist (2026)

For a first international trip from Kerala, you need a valid passport, a visa (or visa-free entry) for your destination, a return ticket, foreign currency within RBI limits, and travel insurance. Know the 2% TCS on tour packages and the ₹75,000 customs allowance before you shop, and reach the airport about three hours before departure. The rules below are from official Indian government and airline sources, checked on 22 September 2026.

1. Passport

• Apply online on the official Passport Seva website, pay the fee, then book an appointment. Attend with your original documents within 90 days.
• Fees from 1 July 2026: adult 36-page passport ₹2,500 (Tatkaal ₹5,000 in total); 60-page ₹3,500 (Tatkaal ₹6,000); minors ₹1,750.
• Applicants aged 8 and under, and over 60, get 10% off a fresh passport.
• In the Kozhikode region, Passport Seva Kendras are at West Hill (Kozhikode), Malappuram, Vadakara, Kannur and Payyanur. E-passports have been issued since April 2025.
• Most countries want your passport valid for at least six months after you travel. Check the expiry date before booking.

2. Visa

Check what your destination requires — visa-free, visa on arrival, e-visa or a full visa. Rules change often; for example, Thailand cut its visa exemption for Indians from 60 to 30 days on 15 September 2026. See our UAE visit visa guide and visa notes for eight popular destinations.

3. ECR passports and the emigration check

If your passport is marked ECR (Emigration Check Required), you need emigration clearance only when you go abroad for a job in an ECR country — all six Gulf states are on the list. For a holiday or family visit, ECR passport holders travel with their passport, visa and return ticket like anyone else.

4. Foreign currency: how much you can carry

• You can carry up to USD 3,000 in foreign currency notes per trip; take the rest on a forex card or travellers’ cheques.
• You can take Indian rupees up to ₹25,000 out of India and back.
• Under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme, a resident can spend up to USD 250,000 abroad per financial year. PAN is mandatory.
• Coming back, declare foreign currency notes above USD 5,000, or a total above USD 10,000 including cards and cheques.
• You may keep up to USD 2,000 in foreign currency after you return; exchange the rest within 180 days.

5. TCS on tour packages

From 1 April 2026, tax collected at source (TCS) on overseas tour packages is a flat 2%, from the first rupee (earlier it was 5% up to ₹10 lakh and 20% above). The TCS is charged on your invoice and is not an extra cost if you file an income tax return — it can be claimed against your tax.

6. Travel insurance

Buy travel insurance that covers medical treatment abroad, trip cancellation and lost baggage. Some countries make it compulsory: Georgia, for example, requires health and accident insurance for the whole stay since 1 January 2026. We arrange travel insurance with your booking.

7. At the airport

• Air India Express opens check-in counters three hours before international flights and closes them 60 minutes before departure (75 minutes at Delhi); boarding gates close 25 minutes before. It advises arriving three hours early.
• IndiGo closes check-in counters 75 minutes before international departures and boarding gates 25 minutes before.
• Keep your passport, boarding pass, visa and return ticket in your hand luggage. Liquids in cabin bags must follow the airline’s limits.

8. Coming home: customs allowance

• From 2 February 2026, each traveller (except infants) can bring goods worth up to ₹75,000 duty-free when arriving by air or sea. Allowances cannot be pooled between family members.
• Travellers aged 18 and above can bring one new laptop.
• Jewellery is allowed duty-free only after a year abroad: 40 g for women, 20 g for others.
• Not covered by the allowance: more than 2 litres of liquor, more than 100 cigarettes, gold other than ornaments, and televisions.

Your first-trip checklist

Want someone to handle it? Albah Holidays in Kozhikode books flights, visas, insurance and complete tour packages.

Frequently asked questions

How much foreign currency can I carry from India in cash?

Up to USD 3,000 in foreign currency notes per trip. Anything more should be on a forex card or travellers’ cheques, within the USD 250,000 yearly limit.

What is the TCS on foreign tour packages in 2026?

From 1 April 2026, TCS on overseas tour packages is a flat 2% from the first rupee. You can claim it when you file your income tax return.

What is the duty-free allowance when returning to India?

From 2 February 2026, ₹75,000 per traveller (except infants) arriving by air or sea. Allowances cannot be combined across family members.

Does an ECR passport need emigration clearance for a Dubai holiday?

No. Emigration clearance is needed only for employment in ECR countries. Tourists travel with their passport, visa and return ticket.

How early should I reach the airport for an international flight?

About three hours before departure. Airlines close international check-in 60–75 minutes before the flight.

Tax, currency and customs rules change with each Budget. This checklist reflects official sources checked on 22 September 2026.

Sources

• Passport Seva — How to apply
• Passport fees notification G.S.R. 516 (20 Jun 2026)
• Regional Passport Office Kozhikode — RTI information (27 Jul 2026)
• Ministry of External Affairs — Emigration for employment
• Reserve Bank of India — FAQs on foreign exchange for travel (28 Nov 2025)
• Reserve Bank of India — Import and export of currency (FEMA)
• Reserve Bank of India — Liberalised Remittance Scheme FAQs
• Finance Act 2026 (Gazette) — TCS changes
• Union Budget 2026 — Memorandum explaining provisions
• Union Budget 2026 — Customs notification on baggage
• Air India Express — Check-in FAQs
• IndiGo — Airport check-in requirements
• Georgia — Mandatory travel insurance from 1 Jan 2026