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Kuwait Replaces Border Fingerprinting with Mandatory Pre-Travel Biometric Registration

November 6, 2025 5:18 am

Kuwait Replaces Border Fingerprinting with Mandatory Pre-Travel Biometric Registration

Kuwait is transforming its approach to biometric fingerprinting for international travelers. The government has decided to eliminate fingerprinting at airports and borders. Instead, travelers must register at designated centers before their journeys. This change aims to minimize airport congestion, expedite clearance, and improve the overall travel experience for both citizens and residents.

A Shift in Biometric Management

The Ministry of Interior’s new policy emphasizes pre-travel biometric registration at specific centers. This decision comes in response to significant delays and long lines at Kuwait International Airport. Many travelers who had not registered for biometrics contributed to these issues. By relocating the fingerprinting process to dedicated centers, Kuwait seeks to enhance the efficiency of international departures and simplify border control.

Who Needs to Register?

Under the new regulations, all Kuwaiti citizens must complete their fingerprinting at one of the following locations:

Personal Identification Centres under the General Department of Criminal Evidence.
National Identity Centres available in each governorate.

Expatriates, however, can only register at the Personal Identification Centres within their respective governorates. It is crucial to note that failing to register in advance could result in delays or even denial of departure.

Registration Locations

Here’s where both citizens and expatriates can complete their registration:

General Department of Criminal Evidence (for citizens and expatriates)

Governorate	Location
Capital & Hawalli	Hawalli Security Directorate
Mubarak Al-Kabeer	Mubarak Al-Kabeer Security Directorate
Ahmadi	Ahmadi Governorate Security Directorate
Farwaniya	Farwaniya Governorate Security Directorate
Jahra	Jahra Governorate Security Directorate
Umm Al-Hayman Area	Ali Sabah Al-Salem Companies
Jahra Companies	Old Jahra Traffic Building

National Identity Centres (for Kuwaiti citizens only)

Governorate	Location
Capital	Al-Shamiya Area
Hawalli	Mubarak Al-Abdullah Area
Ahmadi	Jaber Al-Ali Area
Farwaniya	Ishbiliya Area
Mubarak Al-Kabeer	Al-Masayel Area

Verifying Your Registration

The Ministry of Interior encourages all travelers aged 18 and over to check their biometric registration status before arriving at the airport. You can easily verify your status using the Sahel App:

Log in and select Services.
Tap Ministry of Interior → Security Services.
Choose Verifying the necessity of performing a biometric enrollment.
Enter your civil ID number and press Next.
Your registration status will appear instantly.

Importance of Registration

All residents of Kuwait aged 18 and older must complete biometric enrollment. If you have already registered, there is no need to do it again. This policy change provides a practical solution to the growing challenges at airports. By handling biometric checks before travelers arrive, Kuwait aims to create a more orderly departure environment.

In conclusion, timely biometric registration is now essential for smooth travel in Kuwait. Don’t leave this important step until the last minute. Prepare in advance to ensure a hassle-free journey.