Moving to Kuwait - Movers.com

Moving to Kuwait

Moving to Kuwait or for that matter any country can become difficult-unless you make yourself aware of the customs regulation details in that country. After all, you do not want your belongings to be stranded in some port in the country. In some countries especially, customs regulations can be very stringent-and you may suddenly find yourself in a puddle. So, do your homework!

The customs regulations information listed on our website have been collected from several sources including information made-available-by embassies and government websites.

Customs Regulations applicable while shipping to Kuwait

Moving to a new country is exciting, but it requires much more research and planning than moving locally!

The customs process is complex and confusing--be sure to have all the facts before you make the journey. Start by finding out the required documents, shipping regulations and goods restrictions for importing your belongings into Kuwait for your move!

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY

When relocating to Kuwait, there are various necessary documents required to effectively clear customs and establish permanent residency. When planning your overseas move, remember to enlist customs brokering services from your international moving company to aid you in the preparation of your paperwork.

When moving to Kuwait, you will need the following documents:
  • Passport
  • Visa
  • Residence permit
  • Temporary Import License
  • No Objection Certificate (from the Ministry of Interior)
  • Letter from employer (on company letterhead addressed to Customs Authority stating customer's purpose of stay, signed by company and stamped)
  • Bill of Lading/Air Waybill
  • Inventory list (with brand name, make and model of all items)
  • Inventory in Arabic (with gross weight and number of boxes)
  • Invoices and certificate of origin (with manufacturer's name and address for all new items and computers)
  • Authorization letter in Arabic (to clear shipments, obtained from the consigned upon arrival in Kuwait )
  • Copy of Civil ID (Kuwait ID card)
  • Power of Attorney (in Arabic on A4 paper, giving authority for Destination Agent to arrange customs clearance, and signed by client)

SHIPPING REGULATIONS

When moving to Kuwait permanently, the regulations for the import of both personal effects (clothing, jewelry, toiletries) and household effects (furniture, rugs, linens, bedding, dishes, other furnishings) are:
  • Customer's presence is required for customs clearance
  • All shipments are subject to inspection
  • Personal effects are duty free if arriving by air
  • Household goods new or used are subject to duty of 5 percent CIF value
  • Documents for ocean shipments must be mailed to Destination Agent at least one week prior to arrival
  • Documents for air shipments must arrive 48 hours in advance

PROHIBITED ITEMS

In Kuwait, the following articles are prohibited for importation under any circumstances:
  • Pork and pork products
  • Alcohol
  • Beer and wine-making kits
  • Illegal drugs or associated paraphernalia
  • Gambling devices, games of chance, and playing cards
  • Firearms, ammunition and explosives
  • Weaponry including decorative swords and daggers
  • Ivory products
  • Religious articles affiliated with religions besides Islam
  • Materials or products of Israeli origin
  • Political and/or religious materials that may be considered offensive to the Kuwait government or Islamic faith
  • Pornographic material and magazines with swimsuits or under garments depicted
  • Radio transmitter/communication equipment (walkie-talkie’s, short wave, VHF, marine, police band equipment, CBs, binoculars, telescopes)

RESTRICTED ITEMS

Some articles are limited to maximum quantities or require special authorization/payments of duties and taxes to clear customs. These items include, but are not limited to:
  • Medication and food (subject to approval and inspection by the Ministry of Health)
  • New household goods, furniture and computers (requires Certificate of Origin, invoices notarized by the Arab Chamber of Commerce and Kuwait Embassy)
  • Personal computers (require permission from Ministry of Communications, invoice and origin of manufacture)
  • Wireless phones (require a permit and approval by the Ministry of Telecommunications)
  • Electronics and appliances
  • Tobacco (500 cigarettes or 2 pounds of loose tobacco permitted duty free)
  • Books and other literature, audio/video cassettes, records, and CDs (held by customs for approval by the Ministry of Information)
  • Pesticides and insecticides, paints and chemicals

MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS

If you are planning to ship your automobile to Kuwait, you'll require the services of experienced and reliable international vehicle shippers with knowledge of automobile shipping laws and customs regulations.

The requirements for importing your vehicle into Kuwait are:
  • Individuals cannot import a vehicle under their name--vehicles must be imported by their employer
  • Vehicles are subject to a duty of 5 percent of the value assessed by Kuwait Customs
  • Vehicles must be under five years old
  • Customer's presence is required for customs clearance
You will need the following documents:
  • Temporary import permit (issued by Kuwait Ministry of Commerce)
  • Residence permit
  • Certificate of title and registration
  • Commercial/purchase invoice

PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS

Your pet is an important part of the family, so you want to ensure that he or she will clear customs. To successfully cross Kuwait borders with your furry friend, the requirements are:
  • Pets may be brought as hold baggage or cargo with prior approval from General Directorate for Agricultural and Sea Wealth
  • All pets are subject to quarantine
  • Pets are subject to a 4 percent tax based on value stated on bill of lading
  • Certificate of vaccination (including rabies, dated 30 days to 11 months prior to arrival) is required
  • Health certificate (dated no more than five days prior to arrival) required
  • Bill of Lading (stating value of pet) required
  • Declaration (with physical description, name, age, sex color and markings) required

INTERNATIONAL MOVES

International moving is a complicated task, requiring research, preparation, and the services of professional, trustworthy international movers. Before choosing a company for hire, remember to always ask these important questions to be sure they are thoroughly qualified, experienced, and well-versed in the customs process of Kuwait. Conducting a thorough background check on any potential movers will also prevent you from making a common international moving mistake.

Ready to find reliable, licensed international moving companies in your area? Get started today, here at Movers.com by simply filling out our fast and easy free quote form. You will receive estimates from up to seven qualified overseas movers in your area!

HELPFUL LINKS


Kuwait

NOTE - Customs regulations of Kuwait are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to Kuwait (this destination )and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, Movers.com cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate before you make your move to Kuwait.

Major Citie(s) in Kuwait

  • kuwait city

Movers.com's moving services offerings

Local Movers

Local Movers

Moving under 100 miles within your state? Find a local mover today

Long Distance Movers

Long Distance Movers

Moving out of state or over 100 miles away? Get free moving quotes

Auto Transport

Auto Transport

Ship your car with confidence using the best auto movers

International Movers

International Movers

Choose an international mover and relocate overseas with ease

Corporate Relocation

Corporate Relocation

There'll be no desk left behind with corporate moving companies

Moving Labor

Moving Labor

Simplify your life by hiring helpers to move your valued items

Self Service Moves

Self Service Moves

Pack by yourself and just hire a moving truck to save money!

Self Storage

Self Storage

Keep your valuables under lock and key with affordable self storage

Small Moves

Small Moves

Moving to a studio or dorm room? Find a small move specialist

Special Movers

Special Movers

Let special movers handle your pianos, pets, artwork, & more

truck Rental

Truck Rentals

Rental trucks are inexpensive options for do-it-yourself moves

Moving Boxes

Moving Boxes

Get packing materials and boxes for an affordable rate

Secure and trusted

AMSA Logo BBB Logo

Connect with us

Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram LinkedIn Pinterest

© 2023 Movers.com