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Kuwait Will Soon Require Everyone in the Country to Undergo a DNA Test — Even Tourists

Emily McNutt
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Emily McNutt is The Points Guy's Global News Editor and is based in London.
April 19, 2016
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2 min read
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Kuwait Will Soon Require Everyone in the Country to Undergo a DNA Test — Even Tourists
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If traveling to Kuwait has been on your radar, now's the time to go — before the country implements its mandatory DNA testing for everyone in the country, including tourists. Starting sometime this year, Kuwait will be the first (and hopefully only) country to implement a law that will require everyone to submit a DNA sample in an effort to increase security.

The country has stated that the DNA testing won't be used for genealogical analysis and it won't impact personal freedoms or privacy. If you're traveling to Kuwait, you can expect the following at the Kuwait International Airport (KWI) upon your arrival, according to the Kuwait Times:

From Visitors: Collections will be done at a special center at Kuwait International Airport, where in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Department, airlines and embassies, visitors will be advised on their rights and duties towards the DNA law.
Last year,
Last year, TPG flew Kuwait Airways and had a less-than-luxurious experience.

Wondering how authorities are going to collect your DNA at the airport? The Kuwait Times reports that the government will collect a saliva sample or a few drops of blood placed on special cards. From there, your blood or saliva will travel to a lab where it will be tested "according to international scientific and technical methods using special DNA examination equipment." As for how citizens' DNA will be collected, mobile centers will travel to individuals' offices to collect samples, or people can stop by citizen services centers to submit their DNA while "doing various transactions."

Last year before the route ended, TPG flew on Kuwait Airways from New York to London. And while he didn't fly to the country itself, he still had a less-than-pleasant experience while on board the severely outdated aircraft. It appears with the new law that those simply flying on Kuwait Airways (and on to another destination) won't be required to provide a DNA sample — only those actually entering the country.

Will this new law impact your willingness to travel to Kuwait?

H/T: View From The Wing