सऊदी NRIs के लिए ATITHI निर्यात प्रमाणपत्र (अगस्त 2026)

India’s ATITHI Export Certificate (Form CBD-III) records valuable personal articles that a passenger takes out of India and intends to bring back. It helps establish on return that the listed articles were previously taken out of India and were not newly purchased abroad.

Source: CBIC Guide for International Travellers, February 2026 | ATITHI Portal

Do Saudi-based Indians need it?

It is not required for an ordinary trip from Saudi Arabia to India.

It is relevant when your journey is:

India → Saudi Arabia → India

Consider applying if you leave India with valuable, identifiable personal items such as:

• Gold or other valuable jewellery
• Luxury watches
• Professional cameras and lenses
• Musical instruments
• Specialised professional equipment
• Other high-value articles with serial numbers or identifying marks

The certificate is optional but recommended for valuable personal articles intended for re-importation into India. It is not meant for commercial goods.

How to apply

Step 1: Prepare documents

• Passport copy (first and last page)
• Flight ticket (India → Saudi Arabia)
• Invoice or purchase proof for each article (if available)
• Photographs of each article showing identifying marks

Step 2: Online application

1. Register or sign in at the official ATITHI portal
2. Select Export Certificate
3. Enter passport, contact and flight details
4. Add each article’s description, identifying details, estimated value and photograph
5. Include invoice details when available
6. Save the application

Step 3: Customs verification at Indian airport

Online submission alone does not complete the process. At the Indian departure airport:

• Present the application and physical articles at the Customs Departure Counter
• A Customs officer must verify the articles before issuing the certificate

Validity

The certificate remains valid until:

• The passenger’s first return to India; or
• Six months from issuance

Whichever is earlier. The CBIC traveller guide states that it cannot be extended beyond six months.

Important distinction

An Export Certificate does not provide a duty-free allowance for gold or jewellery newly purchased in Saudi Arabia. Newly acquired goods brought into India remain subject to the applicable baggage and customs rules.

Quick reference

FAQ

Is this required for every trip to India?
No. Only if you left India with valuables and want to prove they weren’t purchased abroad.

Can I apply after leaving India?
No. The application must be completed and verified at the Indian departure airport before you leave India.

What if I lose the certificate?
Keep digital copies. If lost, you may face questioning at Indian Customs on return — invoices and photos help.

Does this cover gold bought in Saudi Arabia?
No. Gold/jewellery newly purchased in Saudi Arabia is subject to Indian baggage rules on arrival.

Related guides

• Indian Customs Declaration for Passengers from Saudi Arabia
• Taking Valuables from Saudi Arabia to India Temporarily
• Documents & Embassy — Complete Guide

Official sources

1. ATITHI 2.0 official portal
2. CBIC Guide for International Travellers, updated February 2026
3. ATITHI International Passenger User Manual

Disclaimer: This article provides general information. Customs rules and procedures may change. Verify current requirements with CBIC or Indian Customs before travelling.