Kuwait: Several COVID-19-related restrictions remain in place as of Oct. 3 /update 49

Event

Several COVID-19-related restrictions remain in effect in Kuwait as of Oct. 3.

Travel Restrictions
Non-Kuwaiti residents are allowed entry into Kuwait provided that they are fully vaccinated with two doses of the Pfizer, AstraZeneca, or Moderna vaccines or one dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. Residents under 18 years of age who have not been vaccinated are permitted to return to the country, provided they pledge to take a vaccine after their arrival.

Other Travel Restrictions include:

• Authorities are not issuing visitor visas upon arrival at the airport; visas are not available electronically in advance. Kuwait's Corona Emergency Ministerial Committee must first approve all entry visas.

• Permitted arrivals must undergo a PCR test within 72 hours of arrival to Kuwait and a second PCR test during a mandatory seven-day home quarantine, which may be ended upon proof of a negative PCR result.

• Travelers must download and register with the "Shlonik" and "Kuwait Mosafer" applications before traveling.

• Kuwaiti citizens, first-degree relatives of Kuwaiti citizens, and domestic employees traveling with them are not permitted to travel from Kuwait unless fully vaccinated.

• Kuwait's land borders are open for individuals who are fully vaccinated. The measure also applies to residents currently abroad.

• Passenger transport by sea has been suspended until further notice; the measure does not apply to cargo shipping.

• Commercial flights to and from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka remain suspended indefinitely. Any individual who may have transited these countries in the previous 14 days will also be denied entry. Cargo operations are not affected.

Domestic Restrictions
Vaccinated people are allowed to enter all places, but unvaccinated people can only enter pharmacies, supermarkets, medical centers, and hospitals. Mandates limiting public gatherings, the use of facemasks, and compliance with social distancing guidelines remain in force. Large gatherings, including weddings and conferences, continue to be prohibited.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Shlonik Mobile Application
Kuwait Mosafer Platform