How much gold can tourists legally carry from UAE to India, Pakistan, US, UK?
Dubai tourists must follow gold rules set by both UAE and their home country — here’s how
Dubai: If you’re buying gold in Dubai before heading home, it’s important to understand the rules — not just in the UAE, but also in your destination country. While gold is more affordable in Dubai, travellers must declare their purchases and follow import restrictions to avoid fines or confiscation.
Rules when leaving the UAE?
According to the UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP), passengers must declare gold if the value exceeds Dh60,000 (roughly 150 grams at current prices).
Beyond the general rule, gold-carrying limits vary depending on the country you're returning to. Just as important is proper documentation — including invoices and purity certificates. Failing to declare your gold or show proof of purchase can lead to delays or even confiscation.
What’s allowed in your home country?
India: Allowance on stay duration, passenger profile
Indians buying gold in Dubai get a pricing advantage — but they must follow strict limits when carrying it home.
Duty-free gold limits:
Male travellers: 20g of gold worth up to ₹50,000
Female travellers: 40g of gold worth up to ₹100,000
Children under 15: Up to 40g as gifts or ornaments
As per the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Indian travellers can bring up to 1kg of gold in their baggage after staying abroad for more than six months, but only after paying applicable customs duty.
Gold carried beyond these free limits will attract duty:
3% on small excesses
6% for moderate amounts
Up to 10% for over 100g
Form allowed: Jewellery, coins, and bars are permitted, but receipts and certificates must be presented to Indian customs for verification.
Declare excess gold: Use the Red Channel upon arrival in India to declare dutiable items. Non-declaration can lead to confiscation, fines, or legal action under the Customs Act, 1962.
Pakistan: Customs duty applies above 10g
Travellers heading to Pakistan:
May bring up to 10 grams of gold without customs duty
For any quantity above that, duty applies on arrival
Carry original receipts and documentation for smooth customs clearance
United Kingdom: Declare over £10,000 in value
The UK has no upper weight limit but:
You must declare gold worth over £10,000
Investment-grade gold (coins, bullion bars) is VAT-exempt, but still must be declared
Failure to declare can lead to seizure or penalties
United States: Declare value over $10,000
Travelling to the US with gold?
No limit on how much you can carry, but:
You must declare if total gold value exceeds $10,000
Fill out FinCEN Form 105 for customs
No import duty applies to bullion or coins, but gold jewellery may attract scrutiny or duty if not for personal use
VAT refunds or duty exemptions?
Tourists may be eligible for a 5% VAT refund on gold purchases in Dubai, but this does not apply to UAE residents. Also, gold shipped under insured CIF contracts may be exempt from import tax under specific rules.
Documentation matters
Whether you're travelling with gold bars, coins or jewellery, always carry:
Purchase invoices
Purity certificates
Proof of identity and relationship (for minors)
These are crucial for clearing customs both in Dubai and in your destination country.
Final checklist: Don’t break the rules
Declare gold at Dubai Customs if value exceeds Dh60,000
Stay within your destination country’s duty-free limits
Always carry purchase documents
Use the Red Channel if gold exceeds permitted allowance
Know your rights — and your risks — before you fly
Sign up for the Daily Briefing
Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox
