Quick answer
declare ≈ Estimated
Declare foreign currency over US$10,000 (or banknotes over US$5,000). Indian rupees are limited to ₹25,000.
₹885,000 ≈ Estimated
Cash & currency rules in India
Declare foreign currency over US$10,000 (or banknotes over US$5,000). Indian rupees are limited to ₹25,000. ≈ Estimated
Duty-free allowance in India
₹75,000: Residents and tourists of Indian origin arriving by air/sea: articles up to ₹75,000 duty-free (cannot be pooled with other passengers). ✅ Official
Baggage duty of about 38.5% (35% + 10% social welfare surcharge) on the excess. ≈ Estimated
Leaving United Arab Emirates
- Declare cash or financial instruments over AED 60,000 when departing the UAE. ✅ Official
Declare or pay online
- ATITHI – advance customs declaration: Declare dutiable goods and currency online before boarding your flight to India. ✅ Official
⚖️ If you don't declare
- Undeclared gold or goods: confiscation under the Customs Act 1962, with a penalty and duty to redeem them.
- Large-value gold smuggling can lead to arrest and prosecution.
- E-cigarettes, drugs and satellite phones: seizure and prosecution.
≈ Estimated
Frequently asked questions
Can I carry Cash & currency from United Arab Emirates to India?
Declare foreign currency over US$10,000 (or banknotes over US$5,000). Indian rupees are limited to ₹25,000.
Do I need to declare Cash & currency when arriving in India?
declare. Declare foreign currency over US$10,000 (or banknotes over US$5,000). Indian rupees are limited to ₹25,000.
How much can I bring duty-free from United Arab Emirates to India?
₹75,000. Residents and tourists of Indian origin arriving by air/sea: articles up to ₹75,000 duty-free (cannot be pooled with other passengers).
Can I pay customs duty online before travelling to India?
Yes. ATITHI – advance customs declaration: Declare dutiable goods and currency online before boarding your flight to India.
Related guides
- Gold jewellery: United Arab Emirates → India
- Mobile phones: United Arab Emirates → India
- Laptops & tablets: United Arab Emirates → India
- Alcohol: United Arab Emirates → India
- United Arab Emirates → India
- All rules for India
Sources
- ✅ Official CBIC – Baggage Rules, 2026 (Notification 14/2026-Customs (N.T.))
- ✅ Official UAE Government portal (u.ae) – Customs clearance
Last checked: 2026-11-09