India's new baggage policy brings relief for UAE-based NRIs carrying gold

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New Delhi: Indian expats in the UAE flying to India can now bring more expensive gold jewellery without worrying about the cost, owing to India's new Baggage Rules, 2026. The revised guidelines eliminate the previous monetary maximum on duty-free jewellery, instead relying solely on weight-based constraints for qualified visitors.

Under the new restrictions, eligible female passengers can bring up to 40 grams of jewellery duty-free, while male passengers can bring up to 20 grams, as long as they match the statutory residency requirements. The concession applies to genuine baggage and is no longer based on its market worth.

The move is expected to help thousands of NRIs, notably those travelling from the UAE, where gold is popular due to low pricing. The administration says the reforms are intended to simplify customs procedures and make foreign travel more convenient.