Travelers are often confused about how much gold is allowed from UAE to India during their annual visits. Following the 2026 Union Budget, the Indian government has introduced historic changes that simplify the process for everyone.
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Your New Customs Rules 2026: Good News for Indian Travelers Carrying Gold from the UAE
Dubai | Feb 3, 2026, at 10:40 pm | Updated on 06 Feb 2026 at 06:33 pm
Major policy shift where the Indian government removed the monetary value limit on gold and kept only the weight limit.
Understanding how much gold is allowed from UAE to India is now easier because the frustrating “value cap” has been removed. Under the new Customs Baggage Rules 2026, the Finance Ministry decided that passengers should not be penalized just because the price of gold increases globally. This means travelers only need to worry about the weight of their jewelry, regardless of its current market price in dirhams or rupees.
New Weight Limits: How Much Gold is Allowed from Dubai to India
Specific weight measurements for male and female passengers traveling from Dubai to Indian airports.
If you are wondering how much gold is allowed from Dubai to India, the limits are based on your gender and residency status. As of February 2, 2026, Indian customs officials have implemented the following weight-based rules for passengers who have lived abroad for at least one year:
- Female Passengers: Allowed to carry up to 40 grams of gold jewelry duty-free.
- Male Passengers: Allowed to carry up to 20 grams of gold jewelry duty-free.
- No Value Cap: There is no longer a limit of Rs 100,000 or Rs 50,000; only the grams matter.
- Invoices: It is always safer to carry your Dubai purchase receipts to prove the weight and purity.
Additional Baggage Allowance for NRIs
This section details the increase in the general baggage allowance for other items like electronics and gifts.
Apart from jewelry, the Customs Baggage Rules 2026 have also increased the allowance for other items. The limit for duty-free gifts and electronics has been raised from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000. This is excellent news for those carrying perfumes, watches, or small gadgets from the UAE to their families back home.
Detailed Guide: How Much Gold is Allowed from UAE to India
Requirements for the duty-free allowance and who qualifies for these benefits.
The question of how much gold is allowed from UAE to India depends heavily on your stay duration. To qualify for the duty-free gold allowance for NRIs, you must have resided outside India for more than 12 months. This rule applies to jewelry made of gold, silver, or platinum, ensuring that genuine travelers are not harassed by customs officials at the Indian airports.
- Jewellery Type: The rule applies to ornaments worn on the person, not gold bars or coins.
- Residence Proof: Ensure your passport shows a stay of over one year abroad.
- Red Channel: If you exceed the 40 g/20 g limit, you must declare it at the Red Channel.
- India Gold Import Duty: Anything above the allowed limit will attract the standard India gold import duty rates.
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Summary of Gold Rules from Dubai to India
This list provides a quick summary of the specific conditions for travelers flying specifically from Dubai.
- Dubai Gold: The weight limit for how much gold is allowed from Dubai to India remains strictly 40g for women and 20g for men.
- Coins/Bars: Note that gold coins or biscuits are not part of the duty-free gold allowance for NRIs and must be taxed.
- Old Rules vs New: Previously, high gold prices meant 40g of gold often exceeded the old Rs 100,000 cap, but that is no longer an issue.
- Official Confirmation: Cochin International Airport (CIAL) Customs and other major airports started following these rules on Monday, February 2.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can children carry gold duty-free to India? Yes, children who have resided abroad for over a year are also eligible for the same 40g (female) or 20g (male) allowance.
2. What happens if I carry 50 grams of gold as a female passenger? You will get 40 grams duty-free, but you must pay the India gold import duty on the remaining 10 grams.
3. Do I need to declare my gold if it is within the 40g/20g limit? No, if it is within the weight limit and forms part of your bona fide baggage, you can pass through the Green Channel.
4. Is the value of the gold calculated at Dubai rates or Indian rates? Since the value cap is removed, the market price no longer affects your duty-free allowance as long as you are within the weight limit.
5. Does this rule apply to gold biscuits bought in Dubai? No, the duty-free allowance is only for jewelry. Gold biscuits and coins are always taxable.
Conclusion
Staying updated on how much gold is allowed from UAE to India will save you from unnecessary stress and penalties at the airport. These new regulations are a huge win for the Indian diaspora, making international travel much more convenient and transparent for every NRI.
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