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Kuwait Biometric Fingerprinting Guide

The Ministry of Interior (MOI) has made biometric fingerprinting compulsory for all citizens and expatriate residents. Failure to enroll halts Civil ID renewals, suspends government transactions, and freezes bank accounts.

Mandatory MOI Regulation · Updated: 2026-09-20

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FREE

Government Fee (0 KD)

Mandatory

For Expats & Citizens 18+

3–5 Mins

Scanning Time

Sahel / Meta

Appointment Portal

How to Book Your Biometric Appointment

  1. Open Sahel App or Meta Portal

    Launch the Sahel app on your smartphone or visit the official Meta portal at meta.gov.kw.

  2. Navigate to Ministry of Interior Appointments

    In Sahel, go to Appointments (مواعيد) → Book Appointment → Select "Ministry of Interior" (وزارة الداخلية).

  3. Select Criminal Evidence Department

    Choose "General Department of Criminal Evidence" (الإدارة العامة للأدلة الجنائية) → "Biometric Enrollment" (البصمة البيومترية).

  4. Pick Nearest Location & Time Slot

    Select your preferred center (e.g., 360 Mall, The Avenues, Al Kout Mall, or your local Governorate Security Directorate). Choose a convenient date and time.

  5. Save the Appointment QR Code

    Take a screenshot of the confirmation barcode. You must present this barcode along with your original passport and Civil ID upon arrival.

Ready to schedule your appointment?

Book in under 2 minutes through the Sahel app or official Meta portal.

Book on Sahel App → Open Meta Portal ↗

Official Biometric Fingerprinting Centers

Appointments are available at major shopping malls and official security directorates across all governorates.

The Avenues Mall

Commercial Mall Center

Rai, Farwaniya

9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

360 Mall

Commercial Mall Center

South Surra, Zahra

9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Al Kout Mall

Commercial Mall Center

Fahaheel, Ahmadi

9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Al Asima Mall (Capital Mall)

Commercial Mall Center

Sharq, Kuwait City

9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Hawalli Security Directorate

Government Center

Mishref

8:00 AM – 1:30 PM & 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Farwaniya Security Directorate

Government Center

Ardiya Industrial

8:00 AM – 1:30 PM & 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Ahmadi Security Directorate

Government Center

Ahmadi

8:00 AM – 1:30 PM & 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Jahra Security Directorate

Government Center

Jahra

8:00 AM – 1:30 PM & 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Mubarak Al-Kabeer Security Directorate

Government Center

Sabah Al-Salem

8:00 AM – 1:30 PM & 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM

What to Bring to Your Appointment

  • Original Passport: Must be physically present and valid.
  • Original Civil ID: Or active digital Civil ID on the Hawiyati app.
  • Appointment Barcode: Digital screenshot on your phone from Sahel or printed Meta receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Biometric fingerprinting is compulsory for all Kuwaiti citizens and expatriate residents aged 18 and older. GCC citizens entering Kuwait are also required to enroll at border ports or designated centers.
Missing the mandatory biometric deadline triggers severe automated penalties: (1) All Ministry of Interior (MOI) transactions are suspended; (2) PACI freezes Civil ID renewal and card printing; (3) Kuwait banks will freeze bank accounts, credit cards, and ATM access; and (4) Departure and re-entry travel restrictions will apply.
Biometric enrollment is completely free of charge (0 KD). No fees are required at government centers or commercial mall locations.
You must bring: (1) Your original Passport; (2) Your original Civil ID (or digital copy in Hawiyati app); and (3) Your appointment confirmation barcode from Sahel or Meta.
The physical scanning process takes only 3 to 5 minutes once you reach the counter. Officers will scan all 10 fingerprints, take a high-resolution facial biometric photograph, and capture an iris scan.
Yes, biometric enrollment counters are installed across all terminals (T1, T4, T5) and land borders. However, queues can be long during peak travel seasons, so booking an advance appointment at a mall in Kuwait is recommended.