Kuwait Now Mandates Travellers To Declare Cash, Gold And Valuables Over KWD3,000 At Airports

As revealed recently in a report by the Times of India, it was mentioned how it is now important for travellers who are leaving or entering Kuwait must now declare items like gold, valuables, and cash over KWD3,000 at the airport. Yes, it was mentioned how it is important to do so at the Kuwait International Airport, and it has been enforced by the General Administration of Customs. This is being done to fight smuggling and illegal financial activity.

Items Over KWD3000 To Be Declared At Airport

As revealed in the report, it is now mandatory to declare valuables, cash, gold, or any luxury good over KWD3,000 at the Kuwait International Airport, whether you are leaving or entering the country. This amounts to approximately $9,820 with updated policy in place, everyone, including Kuwaitis, expats, and visitors, must show their proof of purchase of ownership. And declared items can now be seized on the spot.

What Items Must Be Declared?

The next question that arises is, what about the amount of cash to be carried? Yes, by the law, travellers must declare the amount equal to or more than the arrival and departure. Cash, checks, or instruments or foreign currency must also be declared. The declaration must be made before people pass through customs.

Gold and other luxury items must also be declared, and they include the following:

• Gold bars and bullion
• Gold coin and collectibles
• Ornamental jewellery
• Luxury watches
• High-end electronics
• Designer handbags and other branded items

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Important Documentation To Keep Handy

All of these items must be packed in the hand luggage, and travellers must provide a receipt and invoices if asked.

Talking about the required documentation, there must be original proof of purchase and customs declaration form and any document that proves there is lawful ownership or use. The customs may question if you don’t have these documents on hand.

Non-compliance is a serious offence, and declared items may be seized immediately. People can also be detained and questioned. If non-compliance is observed, legal action may be taken in cases where a person might be suspected of being involved in smuggling or for non-declaration.

So, if you are planning to travel to or from the country, make sure to keep this update in mind.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Frans van Heerden