सऊदी अरब से आने वाले यात्रियों के लिए भारतीय सीमा शुल्क घोषणा (अगस्त 2026)

Passengers arriving in India must choose the correct Customs channel after immigration and baggage collection.

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

• Green Channel: For passengers not carrying dutiable or prohibited goods
• Red Channel: For passengers carrying goods that require declaration

When in doubt, use the Red Channel or approach the Customs Help Desk.

What must be declared?

A passenger should declare:

• Goods exceeding the available duty-free allowance
• Gold or jewellery requiring declaration
• Gold or silver in non-ornament form
• Commercial-quantity goods
• Restricted or prohibited articles
• Pets
• Currency above the prescribed declaration thresholds

Non-declaration or incorrect declaration may lead to detention, confiscation, fines, penalties or prosecution.

Currency declaration thresholds

A declaration is required when a passenger carries:

The first threshold covers aggregate foreign exchange (cash + traveller’s cheques + cards), while the second specifically concerns foreign currency notes only.

General duty-free allowance

Under the CBIC international traveller guide (updated February 2026), a resident or tourist of Indian origin arriving by air/sea has:

Jewellery allowance (duty-free)

An eligible returning resident or tourist of Indian origin who stayed abroad for more than one year may bring jewellery duty-free up to:

Conditions:

• Only gold/silver ornaments (jewellery) — not bars, coins, or bullion
• Eligibility: stayed abroad >1 year
• Gold/silver in non-ornament form is not covered by this allowance

Gold purchased in Saudi Arabia

Gold/jewellery newly purchased in Saudi Arabia is subject to standard customs duty on arrival in India — it does not qualify for the jewellery allowance above unless it meets the “personal ornaments used abroad” criteria.

How to declare

Option 1: ATITHI Portal (recommended — before arrival)

1. Visit atithi.cbic.gov.in up to 3 days before arrival
2. File baggage declaration with details of dutiable goods
3. Receive reference number
4. Present at Customs Help Desk on arrival

Option 2: On arrival

1. Fill declaration form at airport
2. Approach Customs Help Desk or Red Channel
3. Present items and documents

Quick reference

FAQ

What if I don’t declare and get caught?
Detention, confiscation, fines up to 5× duty, or prosecution.

Can I use the Green Channel if I’m unsure?
No. If uncertain, use Red Channel or Customs Help Desk.

Does the jewellery allowance apply to gold bars/coins?
No. Only ornaments (jewellery worn as personal adornment).

What about silver?
Silver jewellery follows the same weight limits. Silver bars/coins are dutiable.

Can I pay duty online?
Yes, through ATITHI portal or at airport Customs.

Related guides

• ATITHI Export Certificate for Saudi NRIs
• Taking Valuables from Saudi Arabia to India Temporarily
• Documents & Embassy — Complete Guide

Official sources

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

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not customs or legal advice. Allowances and procedures may change. Check the latest CBIC rules before travelling.