Indian in Saudi Arabia· 2 min read
Indian Customs Declaration for Passengers from Saudi Arabia
Passengers arriving in India must choose the correct Customs channel after immigration and baggage collection.
- Green Channel: For passengers not carrying dutiable or prohibited goods.
- Red Channel: For passengers carrying goods that require declaration.
What should be declared?
A passenger should declare applicable items including:
- 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:
- Total foreign exchange exceeding USD 10,000 or equivalent; or
- Foreign currency notes exceeding USD 5,000 or equivalent.
The first threshold covers aggregate foreign exchange, while the second specifically concerns foreign currency notes.
General duty-free allowance
Under the CBIC international traveller guide updated in February 2026, a resident or tourist of Indian origin arriving by a mode other than a land border has a general duty-free allowance of ₹75,000, excluding articles that are not eligible for that allowance.
Used personal effects required for daily needs are allowed separately, subject to the baggage rules.
Jewellery allowance
An eligible returning resident or tourist of Indian origin who stayed abroad for more than one year may bring jewellery duty-free up to:
- 40 grams for a female passenger
- 20 grams for a passenger other than female
The 2026 guide describes this jewellery allowance by weight. Eligibility conditions apply. Gold and silver in forms other than ornaments are not covered by the normal general duty-free allowance.
Using ATITHI
Passengers carrying goods above the duty-free allowance may file a baggage declaration through the official ATITHI portal up to three days before arrival. A passenger may also declare after landing but before entering the Green Channel.
When uncertain about whether an item must be declared, approach the Customs Help Desk or use the Red Channel.
Sources
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.
