By Majd Othman

KUWAIT: A source from the interior ministry confirmed to Kuwait Times that the ministry is working on a plan to provide a service for citizens to renew and receive their passports immediately at the airport through passport machines. He said this service will be available only for those who weren’t aware their passports have expired or those whose passport pages are filled with stamps. This service will only be for holders of boarding passes present at the airport before the flight, to ensure their travel is not disrupted.

The source said the ministry will soon provide passport renewal services through passport machines installed at malls, airport and various locations around the country, explaining that 12 passport machines have been allocated through national identity centers in the governorates and the General Directorate of Nationality and Travel Documents in Dajeej.

The source said citizens can apply to renew their passports through the interior ministry website, a process that takes only a few minutes, and will be able to collect their renewed passports through these machines all over the country. He said the main purpose of this service is to reduce traffic at national identity centers in governorates, especially during the summer period. It also aims to ease matters for citizens, so they do not have to come to the centers twice to receive their passports. This service will be available for those who are 21 years and older. The source pointed out that after launching the electronic passport machines, the option to renew passports at the centers will continue to be available for citizens.