Immigration and Customs

Immigration Process

When you enter Kuwait you will have to go through the Immigration process. For the vast majority of passengers, the immigration process only takes a few minutes, though lines to take your turn can get long if many international flights arrive around the same time.
Upon arrival go through the immigration and passport control area of the airport.

  • Upon arrival and entrance into the immigration and passport control area, passengers are split into two lines. There is generally a line for GCC nationals (people with a passport from any of the GCC countries), and non-immigrant visitors. Be sure to enter the correct line to avoid confusion and wasting your time and the time of the officials.

  • When going through immigration in Kuwait, in which you are not a host-country national or , you will likely go through the non-immigrant visitor line.

  • Do NOT use your cell phone (put it on silent mode) or cameras in the immigration area. Cell phone calls are not allowed in this area and could be subject to confiscation. It is a good practice to avoid using any electronics in the immigration and inspection area.

  • Stay relaxed. As long as you are honest and pay attention to instructions, there will be nothing to worry about.

<Visa Hall>

<Immigration Area>

Questions

Officials will likely ask you questions (as deemed necessary by the process or official).

  • What is the nature of your visit? How long are you staying? Where will you be staying?

  • Kuwait requires fingerprints and/or photos of every individual entering the country.

  • An official will stamp your passport once you are approved and granted admission.

  • Officials can specify your period of authorized stay in case of non-immigrant visitors (this will depend on visa rules/tourist stay policies).

Second-Level Inspection

Some passengers might be selected for a second level of inspection. Second-level inspections could be conducted in the same queue (line) or in a separate room to aid in a conversation and to keep the queues moving for other passengers. The timeframe of these inspections can vary greatly.
Passengers that are part of second-level inspections could be granted regular admission into the country once the inspection is complete. However, if incorrect or inadequate documentation is provided, passengers can be denied approval to enter the country. Passengers are sent back to their original location on the next available flight. Reasons for 2nd level inspection could include random checks and questions or issues with documentation.

Customs Process

After clearing immigration and collecting your baggage, you will need to proceed through the customs area before being allowed to exit the airport. Customs is the authority in the State of Kuwait is responsible for controlling the flow of goods, including animals, transports, foods, personal effects, and hazardous items, into and out of a country.

  • Kuwait has its own laws and regulations regarding the import and export of goods into and out of a country. It is the responsibility of the respective customs agency to enforce these policies.

  • For the vast majority of passengers clearing the customs process only takes a few minutes.

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