Indian Customs Declaration for Passengers from Saudi Arabia

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 the aggregate of foreign exchange you physically carry (currency notes, bank notes, traveller’s cheques, etc.), while the second specifically concerns foreign currency notes only. Declare on the Currency Declaration Form at arrival.

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 bought in Saudi Arabia is covered by the jewellery allowance above only within the weight limits, only if you have lived abroad for more than one year, and only as bona fide personal baggage (not for sale). Jewellery beyond the limit, or carried after a shorter stay abroad, is dutiable and must be declared. Gold bars and coins are never duty-free. Baggage duty is currently charged at 35% basic customs duty (plus 1% AIDC on gold/silver), per CBIC.

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?
Goods can be detained or confiscated, and you can face penalties and, in serious cases, prosecution under the Customs Act, 1962.

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?
Duty is assessed and paid at airport Customs. Filing your declaration on ATITHI in advance speeds this up; check the ATITHI app/portal for whether online payment is offered for your airport.

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.