Kuwaitis urged to replace passports ahead of travel ban

Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has warned citizens holding older passports that they face being unable to travel if they do not seek replacements in the coming days.

The warning comes at the start of what is typically the busiest travel period for Gulf nationals as they escape from the summer heat to destinations in Europe and elsewhere.

From July 1, all older documents will no longer be valid following a ministerial decision to replace them with e-passports.

The ministry began issuing the new passports, which include a smart chip with the holder’s fingerprints and signature, in February 2017.

“Those who hold invalid and old travel documents have to head to the Kuwaiti embassies abroad to issue documents so as to return home,” according to a statement.

Older passports will not be accepted for travel beyond the deadline.

Under Prime Minister and interior minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah’s instructions priority for replacement documents will be given to patients seeking medical treatment.

Six centres across Kuwait have been authorised to issue e-passports and will receive applicants from 8:00am to 1:30pm and 4:00pm to 8:00pm.