Recently, the Indian government made necessary changes to the duty-free limit for gold and jewelry under the Baggage Rules 2026, which will come into effect from February 2, 2026.

Dubai is known as a gold shopping hub because gold is cheaper and purer there than in India. Gold prices in India include GST, import duty, and other taxes, while in Dubai, there is zero GST on gold. This is why many Indians return to India after purchasing gold from Dubai. However, it is essential to follow Indian Customs regulations when bringing gold back. Violations of these regulations can result in confiscation and heavy fines. Recently, the Indian government made necessary changes to the duty-free limit for gold and jewelry under the Baggage Rules 2026, which will come into effect from February 2, 2026. So, let's find out how much gold Indians can import from Dubai. What and how much changes have the government made to customs regulations?

How much gold can Indians now bring from Dubai?

Male travelers can now bring up to 20 grams of gold from Dubai to India without customs duty. This gold can be in the form of gold bars, coins, or jewelry. For gold exceeding 20 grams, a 3 percent customs duty is levied on 20 to 50 grams, a 6 percent customs duty on 50 to 100 grams, and a 10 percent customs duty on more than 100 grams. Female travelers can now bring up to 40 grams of gold for personal use without customs duty.

For gold exceeding 40 grams, a 3 percent customs duty is levied on 40 to 100 grams, a 6 percent customs duty on 100 to 200 grams, and a 10 percent customs duty on more than 200 grams. Furthermore, the rules are different for children. The duty-free limit for children under 15 years of age is 40 grams. This also includes gold gifts given to children. Adults accompanying children must present ID and the purchase bill. The same duty rates apply to gold brought in excess of the limit as for women.

What and how much did the government change in customs regulations?

1. International travelers can now bring duty-free goods up to 75,000 rupees when returning to India, up from the previous limit of 50,000 rupees. This change came into effect on February 2, 2026. This allows travelers to bring larger items (such as clothing, electronics, etc.) without paying taxes.

2. Foreign tourists holding a Tourist Visa can now bring duty-free goods up to 25,000 rupees, up from the previous 15,000 rupees.

3. Male travelers are now allowed to bring duty-free goods up to 20 grams. Female travelers are allowed to bring duty-free gold up to 40 grams. This rule has been based on weight limits, removing the value limit.

4. In addition, if someone is returning to India after a long stay abroad, separate exemptions and fee rules have been established for personal belongings.

5. The baggage declaration system at airports has been digitalized and simplified.

6. Passengers can now submit their baggage information in advance through an app/online platform. This will speed up and facilitate the inspection process. Passengers over 18 years of age are also allowed to bring in a new laptop/notebook duty-free.