Carrying cash from Japan to India
Two separate rules apply to any cash journey: one where you leave, one where you arrive.
Do you need to declare?
Yes: and on both legs of the journey. Leaving Japan, Japan Customs requires a declaration above JPY 1,000,000. Entering India, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (India) requires a declaration above USD 5,000. The two rules are independent: satisfying one does not satisfy the other.
The two legs
| Leg | Limit | Form | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving Japan | JPY 1,000,000 | Declaration of Carrying of Means of Payment | Japan Customs |
| Entering India | USD 5,000 | Currency Declaration Form (CDF) | Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (India) |
The same declaration is required on departure. It can be filed on paper at the airport or online through NACCS.
Declare foreign currency above US$5,000 held as currency notes, or above US$10,000 counting notes, banknotes and travellers cheques together, on a Currency Declaration Form (CDF) on arrival.
If you do not declare
Japan: Penalties under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act.
India: Seizure and proceedings under the Customs Act and FEMA.
Neither threshold on this route is a cap: you may carry more, but above it the duty is to report the cash, not to keep under the figure. Failing to report is the offence.
Currencies
Japan uses JPY; India uses INR.
Sources: rules as of 22 September 2026. This is general information, not legal advice; always check the official authority before travelling.