HomeCirculars › RBI/2009-10/446

RBI Raises Forex Cash Limit for Travel to Select Countries

Live · in forceNo withdrawal recorded as of 20 Jun 2026. Reviewed by Vikram Jain; always verify against the official RBI source below.
Issued by RBI: 04 May 2010  ·  Decoded by BankPulse: 20 Jun 2026, 15:38 IST
⏱ ~1 min read
📄 Official RBI source ↗
Quick answerRBI increased the foreign currency notes/coins limit from USD 2,000 to USD 3,000 for travellers to countries other than Iraq, Libya, Iran, Russia, and CIS republics, effective immediately.

What changed

The ceiling for selling foreign currency notes and coins to travellers proceeding to countries other than Iraq, Libya, Iran, Russia, and CIS republics was raised from USD 2,000 to USD 3,000. This applies to Authorised Dealers and Full Fledged Money Changers without prior RBI permission.

What it means for you

Banks and money changers can now sell up to USD 3,000 in cash per traveller for most destinations, up from USD 2,000, easing cash availability for outbound travellers. Limits for Iraq/Libya (USD 5,000) and Iran/Russia/CIS (full amount) remain unchanged.

What you must do

Who it affects

Authorised Dealers in foreign exchange, Full Fledged Money Changers, Travellers to countries other than Iraq, Libya, Iran, Russia, and CIS republics

What is the new limit for foreign currency notes and coins for travel to most countries?

The limit has been increased from USD 2,000 to USD 3,000 per traveller, effective immediately.

Are there any countries with different limits?

Yes, for Iraq and Libya the limit remains USD 5,000, and for Iran, Russia, and CIS republics, full foreign exchange can be released in cash.

Track this rule
⏳ How this rule evolved — History Map →Full RBI rulebook crosswalk →
AI-drafted · 3-model AI consensus fact-check · under the editorial review of Vikram Jain · decoded & published by BankPulse · 20 Jun 2026, 15:38 IST
Official RBI source: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=5648&Mode=0 — Plain-English summary by BankPulse (bankpulse.ai), reviewed by Vikram Jain. Independent platform, not affiliated with the Reserve Bank of India; never reproduces RBI text verbatim.