Kuwait Makes Biometric Registration Mandatory Before Travel in 2025

 

A view of Kuwait city

Kuwait Introduces Mandatory Pre-Travel Biometric Registration for Visitors

Kuwait has announced a new mandatory biometric registration system for all travelers entering the country. The new rules apply to both residents and visitors, including tourists, business travelers, and expats returning to Kuwait. This update is part of Kuwait’s plan to strengthen border control, improve identity verification, and streamline entry procedures at airports and land border checkpoints.

The biometric process includes fingerprinting, iris scanning, and facial recognition. All travelers will be required to complete this procedure before entering Kuwait, either overseas at designated centers or upon arrival.

What Does the Biometric Registration Include?

The new biometric system captures and verifies the following:

• Fingerprints

• Iris scan

• Facial recognition data

Once recorded, the data will be stored in Kuwait’s national identity security database and used during future travel, residency renewals, and security checks.

Who Needs to Complete It?

The biometric registration requirement applies to:

• New visitors entering Kuwait for tourism or business

• Expats returning after travel

• Residents applying for new residence permits or renewals

• Individuals at land, sea, and air borders

Only travelers who already have valid biometrics on record with Kuwait authorities will be exempt.

Where to Complete the Biometric Registration

Travelers can complete the biometric procedure in two ways:

1. Before Traveling

Kuwait is partnering with international biometric service centers to allow travelers to complete the process in their home country. This helps avoid long queues at Kuwait airports.

2. Upon Arrival in Kuwait

Travelers who have not completed biometrics beforehand must:

• Visit the biometric collection stations at:

  • Kuwait International Airport

  • Land border checkpoints

  • Designated government biometric centers

Registration must be completed before clearing immigration during entry.

Why Kuwait Introduced This Rule

Kuwait has updated its border control procedures to:

• Enhance national security

• Prevent identity fraud

• Ensure accurate traveler verification

• Speed up passport control and immigration checks

The move aligns Kuwait with global biometric border management practices used in Europe, the UAE, Singapore, and other countries.

How This Affects Travelers

Travelers are advised to:

• Check biometric appointment availability before their trip

• Arrive earlier at airports if planning to register on arrival

• Keep their passport details consistent with the biometric record

This new procedure may initially increase processing times, particularly for walk-in arrivals.