Kuwait Halts Biometric Fingerprinting at Borders to Cut Travel Delays
- Publish date: Tuesday، 04 November 2025 Reading time: 1 min read
No more fingerprinting at airports or land borders — here’s what travelers in Kuwait need to know about the new rule.
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Good news for frequent travelers — Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has temporarily suspended biometric fingerprinting at all border crossings, including air, land, and sea.
The move comes after reports of heavy congestion, especially at Kuwait International Airport, where long queues built up as travelers scrambled to complete their biometric scans before departure.
New Rules for Citizens and Expats
Instead of doing the process at the borders, Kuwaiti citizens must now complete their biometric fingerprinting ahead of time at any Personal Identification Center or National Identity Center under the General Department of Criminal Evidence.
Expatriates, on the other hand, can only complete theirs at Personal Identification Centers located in all governorates.
Why the Change?
According to the ministry, the decision aims to reduce crowding and travel delays — basically making everyone’s airport experience a little smoother. The ministry added that it’s part of an ongoing effort to streamline travel procedures and improve overall efficiency.
What You Should Do
If you haven’t done your biometrics yet, now’s the time. The ministry is encouraging citizens and residents to register early, well before any planned trip, to avoid last-minute problems or travel disruptions.