Customs warns travelers to declare cash 3,000 dinars and above or face legal action
The General Administration of Customs said travelers entering or leaving Kuwait are asked to declare cash and negotiable financial instruments in their possession if the value is 3,000 dinars and above or its equivalent in other currencies,
The warning comes as part of Kuwait’s efforts to prevent the movement of undeclared funds and strengthen controls against financial crimes and money laundering. Customs authorities stressed that the declaration requirement applies to money and negotiable financial instruments carried by travelers for their own account.
Travelers must provide customs with the required details, including the value of the funds, in accordance with Law No. 106 of 2013 and Minister of Finance Decision No. 37 of 2013. Failure to comply with the declaration requirements can expose travelers to legal accountability.
Customs department said it is important for passengers carrying significant amounts of cash or financial instruments to complete the required procedures before crossing Kuwait’s borders. Travelers can submit the declaration electronically through the official General Administration of Customs website under Electronic Services, Electronic Declaration of Funds.
The service is also available through the Sahel application under General Administration of Customs services and the Financial Declaration option. The declaration can also be completed while traveling through the Financial Investigations Office at Kuwait’s customs ports.
Customs authorities urged travelers to comply with the prescribed limits and procedures, stressing that proper disclosure helps facilitate movement through border points while strengthening Kuwait’s financial and customs controls.
The administration’s warning serves as a reminder that carrying large amounts of undeclared money across Kuwait’s borders can trigger scrutiny and potential legal consequences.
