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!
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