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?
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.
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Duty-free gold limits:
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Male travellers: 20g of gold worth up to ₹50,000
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Female travellers: 40g of gold worth up to ₹100,000
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Children under 15: Up to 40g as gifts or ornaments
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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:
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3% on small excesses
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6% for moderate amounts
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Up to 10% for over 100g
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Form allowed: Jewellery, coins, and bars are permitted, but receipts and certificates must be presented to Indian customs for verification.
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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:
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May bring up to 10 grams of gold without customs duty
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For any quantity above that, duty applies on arrival
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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:
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You must declare gold worth over £10,000
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Investment-grade gold (coins, bullion bars) is VAT-exempt, but still must be declared
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Failure to declare can lead to seizure or penalties
United States: Declare value over $10,000
Travelling to the US with gold?
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:
These are crucial for clearing customs both in Dubai and in your destination country.
Final checklist: Don’t break the rules
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Declare gold at Dubai Customs if value exceeds Dh60,000
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Stay within your destination country’s duty-free limits
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Always carry purchase documents
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Use the Red Channel if gold exceeds permitted allowance
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Know your rights — and your risks — before you fly
Justin is a personal finance author and seasoned business journalist with over a decade of experience. He makes it his mission to break down complex financial topics and make them clear, relatable, and relevant—helping everyday readers navigate today’s economy with confidence.
Before returning to his Middle Eastern roots, where he was born and raised, Justin worked as a Business Correspondent at Reuters, reporting on equities and economic trends across both the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions.
