Key highlights for UAE travellers
Duty-free allowance hiked to ₹75,000
Under the new Baggage Rules, 2026, international travellers arriving in India (except via land) can now bring goods worth up to ₹75,000 duty-free, up from ₹50,000.
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Residents & Indian-origin tourists: ₹75,000 (previously ₹50,000)
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Foreign tourists: ₹25,000 (previously ₹15,000)
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Foreigners with valid visas (non-tourist): ₹75,000
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Crew members: ₹2,500
Note: Passengers arriving via land borders are not eligible for these allowances.
Duty-free gold jewellery: A win for NRIs
Returning residents and Indian-origin tourists can now carry jewellery duty-free in bona fide baggage:
These items must be carried in bona fide baggage.
This replaces old value-based limits with weight-based allowances for gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals. The removal of outdated caps ends years of confusion and stress at Indian airports, making it a major win for NRIs in the UAE and worldwide.
Other allowances
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Laptops: One per passenger above 18 years, duty-free
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Pets: Permitted duty-free under prescribed rules
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Temporary imports/re-imports: Certificates available for smooth clearance
Streamlined airport procedures
The rules were developed after consultations with ministries, airport operators, and passenger feedback. Passengers travelling to and from India can now enjoy:
Travellers can now:
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Declare baggage electronically before arrival
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Access Transfer of Residence (ToR) benefits
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Carry one laptop duty-free
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Import pets duty-free
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Use temporary import/re-import provisions
Simplified Transfer of Residence (ToR) benefits
Returning residents can claim duty-free allowances based on time abroad:
A single, consolidated list of duty-free items with an overall value cap reduces ambiguity and simplifies compliance.
Passenger convenience is a priority
The government emphasises traveller-friendly procedures through:
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Higher duty-free limits
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Reduced detention of goods
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Simplified, digitalised processes
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Uniform implementation across airports
These updates aim to make travelling faster, easier, and more transparent, while reinforcing India’s position as a globally connected, tourism-friendly destination.
