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🛑 Major Shift in Travel Policy: Biometrics Now a Pre-Departure Necessity

In a significant move aimed at dramatically enhancing the efficiency of international travel, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior (MOI) has announced the suspension of biometric fingerprinting procedures at all airports, land borders, and seaports.

This major procedural change mandates that all citizens and residents must now complete the biometric registration process at approved, designated centers before their scheduled departure. The strategic goal is straightforward: to cut airport queues, speed up border clearance, and create a much smoother travel experience for both locals and expatriates.

🎯 The Rationale: Why Kuwait Made the Change

The decision to shift the biometric process away from borders follows months of reported severe congestion, particularly at Kuwait International Airport. Travelers who had not previously enrolled their biometrics were causing bottlenecks, resulting in long waiting times and flight delays.

By relocating fingerprinting to pre-travel registration centers, Kuwait intends to:

• Ease Departures: Make the international exit process significantly less burdensome.
• Reduce Waiting: Critically reduce the long queue times at border control points.
• Simplify Control: Streamline overall border control operations by ensuring all biometric data is verified and registered in advance.

📝 Who Must Register and Where to Enroll

Pre-travel biometric registration is mandatory for all Kuwaiti residents aged 18 and older. Those who have already completed the process are not required to repeat it. The enrollment options differ based on residency status:

For Kuwaiti Citizens

Kuwaiti citizens have two options for completing their biometric fingerprinting:

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

For Expatriates (Expats)

Expatriates must complete the procedure exclusively at:

• Personal Identification Centres of the General Department of Criminal Evidence in their respective governorates.

Important Note: The Ministry of Interior has strongly cautioned that individuals who fail to register in advance risk being delayed or even denied departure at the border.

📍 Biometric Centre Locations and Timings

Below are the locations for enrollment, categorized by the type of center:

I. General Department of Criminal Evidence (For Citizens and Expatriates)

II. National Identity Centres (For Kuwaiti Citizens Only)

📱 How to Check Your Registration Status (Sahel App)

The Ministry of Interior is urging all travelers aged 18 and over to verify their biometric enrollment status before heading to the airport. The status can be confirmed easily through the Sahel App—Kuwait’s official unified government application:

1. Log in to the Sahel App and select Services.
2. Tap Ministry of Interior $\rightarrow$ Security Services.
3. Choose the option titled Verifying the necessity of performing a biometric enrollment (or a similar status inquiry service).
4. Enter your Civil ID number and press Next.
5. The app will instantly display your registration status (often showing a green tick for completion).

🔑 Conclusion: Plan Ahead for a Smooth Exit

This policy change represents a necessary and practical solution to logistical challenges within Kuwait’s immigration system. By transferring biometric checks to pre-departure centers, Kuwait is aiming to replace airport chaos with predictable efficiency.

For frequent flyers, expatriates, and all residents, completing this mandatory step well in advance of any scheduled travel is paramount to ensuring a smooth exit and avoiding a stressful last-minute rush or denied departure