Travelers arriving at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport are often confused about the rules regarding carrying alcohol into Telangana, leading to penalties and frustration.
According to local laws, domestic passengers are not allowed to bring any liquor into the state, while international travelers can bring in only 2 liters. Although Telangana permits individuals to possess up to 6 liters for personal use within the state, this can lead to misunderstandings, especially for those arriving from places with stricter alcohol regulations.
For domestic flights, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) allows up to 5 liters of liquor in checked baggage, but no alcohol in hand luggage. Many travelers mistakenly think they can carry up to the 6-liter limit set by Telangana’s rules, unaware that domestic passengers are prohibited from bringing any alcohol from other states.
A senior excise official clarified, “Not even a single liter can be carried by domestic passengers coming into Hyderabad from other states.”
International passengers face their own confusion regarding duty-free allowances. While they can bring in 2 liters of alcohol duty-free, they must still adhere to Telangana’s regulations once they clear customs. If they exceed the duty-free limit, they must declare the additional alcohol, which can lead to fines or confiscation.
An official explained, “As per Customs rules, an international passenger can bring in only 2 liters or 2 bottles. If they exceed this, it’s considered illegal under local excise laws.” This can result in seized alcohol, fines, or even legal action for serious violations.
