Kuwait’s General Administration of Customs has arrested a traveler arriving at Terminal 5 of Kuwait International Airport for carrying undeclared cash exceeding legal limits. The passenger, who arrived from an Arab country, was found in possession of $10,000, 1,467 Kuwaiti dinars, and approximately 500,000 Syrian pounds without declaring the amounts as required by customs regulations. Authorities confirmed that the money was seized and the individual was detained pending further legal action.
Customs officials stated that a formal seizure report was prepared and both the traveler and the confiscated funds were referred to the competent legal authority to complete procedures in accordance with Kuwaiti law. The arrest underscores the country’s strict enforcement of cash declaration rules, which are designed to combat money laundering, terrorism financing, and illicit financial transfers.
Kuwaiti law requires passengers entering or exiting the country to declare cash or monetary instruments exceeding KWD 3,000 (or equivalent in foreign currency). Failure to declare can lead to confiscation of funds, fines, and potential criminal prosecution. The incident highlights the vigilance of customs teams in monitoring financial compliance at border points, even amid high passenger volumes.
The General Administration of Customs reiterated its commitment to implementing regulations firmly and consistently to safeguard the country’s financial security. Travelers are urged to familiarize themselves with declaration requirements and comply fully to avoid legal consequences and ensure smooth passage through Kuwaiti ports of entry.
