How UAE Expats Can Use the ATITHI App to Pre-Declare Gold to India

There are thousands of UAE nationals who have started travelling to India on a monthly basis and hence it is more important to understand the latest gold customs regulations in India. Indian Customs encourages passengers to pre-declare gold in excess of duty free limit before landing using a Government Mobile App called “ATITHI” which will ease customs clearance and offer transparency in the process.

The app has been developed for the purpose of shortlisting airport waiting time, simplifying customs clearance, and avoidance of needless fines for travellers. If you are an NRI coming back from UAE with gold jewellery or bullion, then below are all the points to remember before you depart.

What is the ATITHI App?

The ATITHI (Advanced Traveller Information System) is an official government of India customs application which has been started to make electronic declaration for passengers entering India.

Part of a change in the rules of the game has been that individuals no longer have to fill out paperwork on board after landing, but can complete customs declarations online prior to leaving or while traveling. It enables the customs authorities to pre-check documents submitted for clearance at the airport, making it quicker and easier.

Why UAE Expats Need to Use ATITHI App?

If one is coming into India with gold beyond the duty-free limit, the ATITHI app could make the whole process of declaration hassle-free for those traveling with gold outside the duty-free limit.

Installing the app can help minimize delays during the airport, make duty calculation easier, and assure complete compliance with Indian customs regulations. It also reduces the risk of error with the process of checking bags.

Step-by-Step Guide to Pre-Declare Gold

Step 1: Download the ATITHI App

Download the official ATITHI application from the app store on your device or log on to the online portal for a declaration by Indian Customs.

Step 2: Enter Your Travel Details

Enter the details of your passport and flight, your airport of arrival and other travel information requested.

Step 3: Declare Your Gold

When traveling with gold that is over the duty free limit or gold bars, gold coins or bullion, be sure to accurately record both the quantity and weight of the gold you are importing.

Step 4: Submit the Declaration

Pre-show a careful examination of your information prior to electronic submission of declaration. Bring acknowledgment/reference number available for presentation on arrival if requested.

Step 5: Proceed Through the Red Channel

If someone arrives in India, with dutiable gold, then they have to go through the Red Channel where the customs officers will check your declaration and apply any customs duties.

Understanding the New 2026 Gold Rules

The new rules regarding baggage in India have issued the replacement of the old jewellery-based exemption with rules based on weight. NRIs, those who have been residing in foreign countries for at least one year can now also canary gold. Check the table below for the new 2026 Gold Rules.

Gender	Duty Free Gold
Women	40 grams
Man	20 Grams

What Gold Must Always Be Declared?

The duty-free allowance only applies to jewellery that is to be worn in public. The following is a list of items that do not constitute “exemptions” and must always be declared:

• Gold bars
• Gold biscuits
• Gold coins
• Loose gold or precious metal components
• Other bullion products

These items are subject to customs duty no matter what their weight is if they are carried by travellers.

Customs Duty on Excess Gold

Travelers are allowed to take up to 1 kilogram of gold with them while traveling into India (i.e., accompanied luggage) after paying the required customs duty.

Once jewellery is over the duty-free limit such as a female passenger carrying 60 gms in her jewellery, the first 40 gms is duty free and the remaining 20 gms will be subject to customs duty.

Make use of the Red Channel to help ensure a smoother customs process by declaring excess gold in the ATITHI app.

Why Does Digital Declaration Matters?

The move towards digital customs processing is part of India’s ongoing efforts to modernize customs procedures for the benefit of passengers and facilitate easier movement of goods across the borders.

For the UAE citizens who wear jewellery regularly, use them as a wedding gift or invest in gold, the ATITHI app offers enhanced transparency and less stress at the time of their arrival in the UAE. Clear and precise declarations can quickly clear customs and minimize the risk of not being compliant with the customs requirements.

FAQs

What is the ATITHI app?

ATITHI is the official Indian Customs Application for International passengers to declare dutiable items while keeping in touch with customs officers at foreign airports and refrain from writing any paper forms.

How does the ATITHI app benefit users?

Users who have gold with them and have purchased items over and above the duty free limit, are expected to download the ATITHI app before departure and in the case of gold bullion declare the customs before travelling.

Are gold bars and coins allowable duty free?

Jewellery exemption does not cover gold bars, coins, biscuits, bullion or loose gold, they are always to be declared.