Tourists, residents, and citizens must electronically declare excess cash through Kuwait’s official digital platform
By Staff Reporter | Kuwait City | February 27, 2026
KUWAIT CITY — The Government of Kuwait has introduced a mandatory electronic cash declaration requirement for all travelers carrying more than KD 3,000 when entering or leaving the country. The declaration must be completed through the official Sahel App, marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing digital transformation of public services.
The regulation applies to tourists, residents, and Kuwaiti citizens across all entry and exit points, including airports, seaports, and land border crossings.
What the New Rule Requires
Under the updated directive:
- Any traveler carrying over KD 3,000 (or equivalent foreign currency) must submit a digital declaration.
- The declaration must be filed through the Sahel App before travel or at the port of entry/exit.
- Upon submission, a digital receipt is generated for verification by customs officials.
- The rule applies to physical cash only and does not affect bank transfers or electronic transactions.
Authorities state that the move replaces manual paper-based forms with a streamlined digital process designed to enhance efficiency and transparency.
Strengthening Financial Oversight and Border Efficiency
The new measure is aligned with international standards aimed at preventing illicit cash flows, money laundering, and financial crimes. By implementing a digital reporting system, customs authorities gain real-time access to declared information, allowing faster verification and smoother passenger processing.
Officials emphasized that the regulation does not prohibit carrying large sums of money, but requires travelers to declare amounts exceeding the specified threshold in compliance with financial regulations.
The KD 3,000 limit has been positioned as a balance between routine travel needs and financial monitoring requirements.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to declare cash exceeding the threshold may result in:
- Monetary fines
- Temporary confiscation of undeclared funds
- Additional legal or administrative action, depending on the circumstances
Travelers are encouraged to complete the declaration in advance through the Sahel App to avoid delays or penalties at border checkpoints.
Part of Kuwait’s Digital Transformation Strategy
The integration of the cash declaration service into the Sahel App reflects Kuwait’s broader push toward digitizing government services and modernizing administrative procedures. The initiative aims to reduce congestion at customs points, enhance transparency, and improve regulatory compliance.
With international travel volumes steadily rising, authorities expect the electronic declaration system to improve operational efficiency while reinforcing financial accountability.
