If you’re flying to India from abroad, there are strict customs regulations regarding how much gold and cash you can bring. Violating these limits can lead to penalties, confiscation, or even legal action. Here’s what you need to know before you pack.
Gold Allowance for International Passengers
- Men who have lived abroad for at least one year can bring up to 20g of gold, valued at Rs 50,000, duty-free.
- Women who have lived abroad for at least one year can bring up to 40g of gold, valued at Rs 1,00,000, duty-free.
- If you’ve stayed abroad for six months or more, you may be eligible for additional exemptions under certain conditions.
- Any gold exceeding these limits must be declared at customs and is subject to duty charges.
Cash Limits for International Passengers
- Foreign currency: You can bring in any amount of foreign exchange. However, if carrying:
- Over $5,000 in currency notes, or
- Over $10,000 in total foreign exchange (including traveler’s cheques and currency notes),
You must declare it to customs upon arrival.
- Indian currency: Importing Indian Rupees is prohibited. However, Indian residents returning from abroad can carry up to Rs 25,000 in cash.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to declare excess gold or cash can lead to confiscation, heavy fines, and prosecution under Indian customs law. To avoid trouble, always declare valuables honestly at the Red Channel upon arrival or use the ATITHI mobile app for pre-declaration
.
Knowing these rules can save you from unnecessary hassles at the airport and ensure a smooth entry into India.
