If you are planning to buy gold from Dubai, make sure to understand some important details beforehand. Often, travelers lack proper knowledge about customs duty regulations and end up facing issues at the airport.
Who doesn’t love gold? In India, its demand surges during occasions like weddings, Diwali, and Dhanteras. Apart from the base price of gold, taxes (such as income tax on gold) are imposed in India, which increases its cost. This is why many travelers prefer buying gold from Dubai, where no tax is levied on gold purchases.
You may have heard news about people being caught smuggling gold from Dubai at airports. Often, travelers are unaware of customs duty rules and get stuck at the airport. If you’re planning to buy gold from Dubai, here are some key things to know.
Duty-Free Gold Limit for Men
When traveling from Dubai to India, male passengers can bring up to 20 grams of gold (valued up to ₹50,000) without paying customs duty. Within this limit, they can bring gold coins or bars, and no customs duty will be charged. However, if the gold exceeds 20 grams or ₹50,000 in value, customs duty must be paid on the excess amount.
Customs Duty for Men Bringing Gold from Dubai to India
If a male traveler brings 20 to 50 grams of gold from Dubai to India, the customs duty rate is 3%. For 50 to 100 grams, the duty rate is 6%. If more than 100 grams of gold is brought, a 10% customs duty applies.
Duty-Free Gold Limit for Women
For female passengers traveling from Dubai, the duty-free gold limit is 40 grams, with a maximum value of ₹1,00,000. Women can bring gold in the form of coins, bars, or jewelry. If they exceed this limit, they must pay customs duty on the excess amount.
Customs Duty for Women Bringing Gold from Dubai to India
If a female traveler brings 40 to 100 grams of gold from Dubai to India, a 3% customs duty applies. For 100 to 200 grams, the duty rate is 6%. If the gold exceeds 200 grams, a 10% customs duty is charged.
Duty-Free Gold Limit for Children
For children under 15 years of age, the duty-free gold limit is 40 grams. However, they must provide proof of their relationship with the accompanying adult.
Customs Duty for Children Bringing Gold from Dubai to India
If a child brings more than 40 grams of gold, customs duty must be paid on the excess. For 40 to 100 grams, the duty rate is 3%. For 100 to 200 grams, it is 6%. If the gold exceeds 200 grams, a 10% customs duty applies.
Customs Duty on Gold Coins from Dubai to India
If the total weight of gold coins brought from Dubai is less than 100 grams per traveler, a 10% customs duty is charged. For coins weighing between 20 and 100 grams, a 10% duty applies on their total value. If the total weight of gold coins is less than 20 grams, no customs duty is charged.
Customs Duty on Gold for Indian Passport Holders
According to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Indian passport holders and persons of Indian origin are subject to a 12.5% concessional duty rate plus a 1.25% social welfare surcharge if they have stayed abroad for more than six months.
Documents Required for Bringing Gold from Dubai to India
Travelers bringing gold from Dubai to India must carry certain documents to present to customs officials, such as the purchase receipt, purity certificate, and details about the gold’s quality. If carrying gold bars, they should have details like weight and serial number inscribed. Providing false information about the gold can lead to fines, and in some cases, the gold may be confiscated.
How to Declare Excess Gold Brought from Dubai to India
If an Indian traveler brings more gold than the duty-free limit from Dubai, they must declare it at the airport. Travelers exceeding the duty-free limit should use the red channel at the airport to prove their identity.
Be aware that if someone brings items from abroad that require customs duty and passes through the green channel but gets caught, they may face fines, confiscation of goods, and even legal action.
Update as of July 31, 2025: The customs duty rates and duty-free limits mentioned above are based on the latest available information from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs. Always verify with official sources or consult customs officials at the airport for the most current regulations before traveling.
