Kuwait City: In a move aimed at tightening border controls and ensuring compliance with international travel regulations, the Kuwait General Administration of Customs (GAC) has reiterated that all passengers arriving in or departing from Kuwait must submit a mandatory customs declaration if they are carrying large sums of money or high-value items. The advisory, issued through Kuwait’s Centre for Government Communications, is part of a broader effort to prevent money laundering, smuggling, and other illegal financial activities at airports.
According to the latest directive, individuals travelling with cash or foreign currency equivalent to or exceeding 3,000 Kuwaiti Dinars (approximately USD 9,800) must declare it to customs officials through an official declaration form. This requirement applies to both incoming and outgoing travelers. Authorities have warned that failure to do so may result in confiscation of the undeclared assets and legal action under Kuwait's strict anti-money laundering regulations.
The advisory also highlights that travelers must declare gold ornaments, bars, coins, and other precious metals, especially if they are not of personal use or exceed the normal limits of wearable jewelry. Items such as expensive watches, luxury electronics, and high-value accessories must be carried in hand luggage and must be accompanied by invoices or purchase receipts. Upon entering Kuwait, passengers are expected to present these receipts to prove lawful acquisition and avoid suspicion of illegal transport or commercial smuggling.
To streamline the process and reduce the risk of airport delays, passengers are encouraged to submit the outgoing customs declaration form before boarding and the incoming form upon arrival. Customs officials stationed at Kuwait International Airport have been instructed to closely inspect passengers suspected of carrying undeclared valuables or money. In addition, surveillance and digital tracking systems have been enhanced to monitor financial movements across borders more efficiently.
The General Administration of Customs emphasized the importance of checking the official customs website for up-to-date information, guidelines, and downloadable forms. The declaration process is designed to be straightforward and transparent, ensuring that legitimate travelers can pass through customs with ease, while irregularities are flagged for further inspection.
The message to travelers is clear: if you're carrying significant money or valuables, declare them before you fly. Transparency at customs not only prevents trouble at the border but also helps Kuwait maintain a secure and efficient travel environment.