Carrying cash from United Arab Emirates to India
Two separate rules apply to any cash journey: one where you leave, one where you arrive.
Do you need to declare?
Yes: and on both legs of the journey. Leaving United Arab Emirates, Central Bank of the UAE requires a declaration above AED 60,000. Entering India, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (India) requires a declaration above USD 5,000. The two rules are independent: satisfying one does not satisfy the other.
Travelling as a family or group?
The threshold applies to your combined total, not per person. A family of four each carrying a little under the limit is still over it, and splitting cash between travellers to stay under does not make it legal.
The two legs
| Leg | Limit | Form | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving United Arab Emirates | AED 60,000 | Customs declaration of currency | Central Bank of the UAE |
| Entering India | USD 5,000 | Currency Declaration Form (CDF) | Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (India) |
The same AED 60,000 threshold applies on departure, and to cash sent by post, cargo or courier.
Declare foreign currency above US$5,000 held as currency notes, or above US$10,000 counting notes, banknotes and travellers cheques together, on a Currency Declaration Form (CDF) on arrival.
If you do not declare
United Arab Emirates: Declaration duty under Federal Decree-Law No. (20) of 2018 on Anti-Money Laundering.
India: Seizure and proceedings under the Customs Act and FEMA.
There is no limit on how much you may legally carry in either direction, the duty is to report it, not to keep under it. Failing to report is the offence.
Currencies
United Arab Emirates uses AED; India uses INR.
Sources: rules as of 22 September 2026. This is general information, not legal advice; always check the official authority before travelling.