If you are planning to travel from the UAE to India with gold bars or coins, it is essential to understand that these items are not covered by standard duty-free jewelry allowances. While non-resident Indians and tourists are permitted to transport gold, they must officially declare these items to Indian customs officials and pay the necessary import duties. Industry experts, including representatives from Kalyan Jewellers and Kanz Jewels, emphasize that failure to declare these assets upon arrival can lead to complications, as the recent increase in India’s import duty to 15 percent has tightened the regulatory landscape.

The current customs regulations differentiate significantly between personal jewelry and gold bars or coins. Under the latest baggage rules, men who have resided abroad for over a year can bring up to 20 grams of duty-free gold jewelry (capped at Rs 50,000), while women are allowed up to 40 grams (capped at Rs 100,000). Any gold exceeding these thresholds—or any gold bars and coins regardless of weight—will be subject to the revised import taxes. As price discrepancies between the UAE and India continue to widen, many investors are opting for bars and coins due to their lower premiums, but travelers should be prepared to settle the mandatory customs fees to avoid legal issues at the airport.