How much gold can an NRI bring to India in 2026?

India's new Baggage Rules, 2026 replaced the 2016 rules and changed how the duty-free gold allowance works. Here is what travellers and NRIs need to know.

Duty-free gold jewellery

If you are an Indian resident or a person of Indian origin who has lived abroad for more than one year, you can bring gold jewellery in your baggage without paying duty up to:

Women: 40 grams. Men and other passengers: 20 grams.

The limit is now based on weight only; the old rupee value cap no longer applies.

General duty-free allowance

Other goods (not gold jewellery) are duty-free up to ₹75,000 per passenger arriving by air or sea (₹25,000 for foreign tourists).

Carrying more gold

You can bring more, but you must declare it at the Red Channel and pay customs duty on the extra. Gold coins and bars are not part of the jewellery allowance. Keep purchase bills, and do not try to hide gold: penalties and confiscation can follow.

Before you buy abroad, compare with today's India gold rate in USD.

Rules change. Confirm with the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) or your airline before travel. Source: Business Standard report on the Baggage Rules 2026.