Kuwait: Updated COVID-19-related international entry and domestic restrictions in effect as of Feb. 22 /update 55

Event

As of Feb. 22, Kuwaiti authorities maintain updated international entry and domestic COVID-19-related restrictions. Since Feb. 20, pre-departure and post-arrival PCR testing, in addition to home quarantine guidelines, have been removed for arriving travelers who have received three shots of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by Kuwaiti authorities.

Travelers who have only received two shots of a COVID-19 vaccine will be exempt from undergoing a pre-departure PCR test but will be required to quarantine for seven days upon arriving in Kuwait. The seven-day period can end at any given time if a negative PCR test result is presented.

A ban on foreign travel for unvaccinated travelers (i.e., those who have not received two shots of a government-approved vaccine; or those who received two doses more than nine months ago) has been lifted. However, they will need to submit a negative PCR test certificate conducted within 72 hours before departure, quarantine for seven days, and undergo an additional PCR test at the end of their quarantine period.

Concerning domestic restrictions, authorities have canceled social distancing mandates. Persons considered unvaccinated by authorities can also now enter shopping malls, cinemas, theatres, and banquet halls if they present a negative PCR test. Authorities have also lifted a ban on in-person events, such as conferences, training courses, weddings, and funerals.

Domestic Measures
Domestic restrictions related to COVID-19 the pandemic have been eased. Bans on persons attending in-person events and the enforcement of social distancing mandates have been lifted. Persons considered unvaccinated can now enter malls and cinemas, provided they present a negative PCR test. Wearing a protective mask is no longer mandatory while outside but remains compulsory in indoor public spaces, such as malls or restaurants.

International Travel Restrictions
Authorities are issuing all types of visas to fully inoculated persons with an approved vaccine.

Foreigners must be fully vaccinated with vaccines that are authorized in Kuwait; those who have received other vaccines must take a third booster dose of a Kuwaiti government-approved vaccine after their arrival.

Other travel measures include:

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

• A ban on travel from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe was lifted Feb. 18.

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.

Resources

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