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Updated May 2024
The Ministry of Interior in Kuwait has now implemented the biometric system as part of the security authority’s aim to secure border crossings with the latest security means and technologies and in accordance with the national project to protect the country’s security.
Read on as Wego explores everything you need to know about Kuwait biometrics.
Table of Contents
Kuwait biometric news 2024
On 14 May 2024, The Ministry of Interior announced that the deadline for mandatory fingerprinting has been extended for both Kuwaiti citizens and Kuwaiti residents. Kuwaiti citizens should complete the process by 30 September 2024, while Kuwaiti residents have until 30 December 2024.
Failure to comply will lead to the suspension of all transactions with the Ministry of Interior. Previously, individuals had a three-month window, commencing from 1 March 2024 to 1 June 2024, to complete this procedure.
Who needs to provide biometric data in Kuwait?
All individuals, including citizens, residents, or visitors, arriving in Kuwait through the various ports will be subjected to this system. It is especially mandatory for visitors to undergo biometric fingerprinting as a first step to be allowed entry if they have not done so before traveling.
Please note that the absence of a registered fingerprint does not hinder travel for both citizens and residents. Travellers are permitted to depart the country without having their fingerprints taken, although they are required to undergo the process upon their return.
The biometric system includes scanning the faces, eyes, and fingerprints of people 18 years of age or older who enter the country from Kuwaiti ports.
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Kuwait biometric appointment
Expatriates and citizens can book a biometric appointment in Kuwait from the Meta website by following the steps given below:
- visit and register at the Meta website
- log into the Meta website using your password and Civil ID
- from the dashboard, click on “Appointment Search”
- scroll down to the “Ministry of Interior” option and select “Service Categories”
- under this, select “General Department of Personal Identification” and click on ‘Services’
- find and select “Biometric Enrollment”
- fill in all the required details, including the location and available time and date
- verify and confirm the submission of your appointment.
After confirming your appointment submission, you will receive a confirmation. Make sure to save the QR code by taking a screenshot or a printout to show at the location of your appointment.
Please make sure to carry your Civil ID with you on the date of your appointment.
Kuwait biometric centres
Please note that visitors will get their biometrics taken at the entry ports.
The following are, however, some of the biometric centres developed in Kuwait as of now:
Without appointment
According to some sources, the Ministry of Interior is actively involved in establishing five new biometric fingerprint centres strategically located within prominent commercial complexes, including:
- 360
- Avenues
- the Capital
- Al-Kout
- the Ministries Complex
These centres will enable Kuwaitis and expats to undergo biometric fingerprint registration without the need for prior appointments, following a set regulatory procedure at each respective location.
With appointment
Kuwaiti citizens and Gulf nationals
The following biometric centres cater to Kuwaiti citizens and Gulf nationals:
Finger Print Meshrif (hawally&alasema)
7392+PRW, Mubarak Al-Abdullah, Kuwait. Google Location
Open Monday to Thursday from 8 AM to 1 PM
Fingerprint Services Office Farwaniya
7WFF+MGQ, Ardiya, Kuwait. Google Location
Open Sunday to Thursday from 8 AM to 1:30 PM
Ahmedi Fingerprint Office
33VP+86H, Ahmadi, Kuwait. Google Location
Open Sunday to Thursday from 7 AM to 2 PM
Mubarak al Kabeer fingerprint office
63P7+3R6, Sabah Al Salem, Kuwait. Google Location
Open Sunday to Thursday from 8 AM to 1:30 PM
Expats
The following biometric centres are dedicated to expats in Kuwait:
Jahra Personal Identification & Finger Print Department For Biometric
8PP9+97G, Jahra Governorate Traffic Department, Al Jahra, Kuwait. Google Location
Fingerprint Services Umma Al-Hayman
X565+426, 2 St, Ali Sabah Al Salem, Kuwait. Google Location
