28 Dec 2020 | 08:26 PM UTC
Kuwait: Authorities to resume commercial flights Jan. 1, reopen land and sea borders Jan. 2 /update 27
Kuwait to resume international commercial flights from Jan. 1, reopen land and sea borders from Jan. 2 amid easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
Event
Authorities in Kuwait plan to resume international commercial flights beginning Jan. 1 and reopen the nation's land and sea borders between the hours of 0900-1500 beginning Jan. 2. Kuwait had previously suspended all commercial flights and closed the country’s land and sea borders from Dec. 21 amid concerns regarding the spread of a newly discovered coronavirus disease (COVID-19) strain. The closure does not apply to cargo operations.
Prior to the flight suspension, authorities were permitting Kuwaiti nationals and residents to fly into and out of the country. Special entry directives implemented to control the spread of COVID-19 require arrivals to produce proof of having tested negative for the virus using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test performed no more than 96 hours before their departure for Kuwait. Travelers will not be permitted entry to Kuwait if, in the preceding 14 days, they have been in a country Kuwait considers high risk for COVID-19. Upon arrival, all travelers are subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine and must provide proof of insurance with COVID-19 coverage. Travelers must also download and register with the "Shlonik" application before traveling.
Other measures implemented by the Kuwaiti government include:
Authorities are not issuing visitor visas upon arrival at the airport. Visas are also not available electronically in advance. All entry visas must first be approved by Kuwait's Corona Emergency Ministerial Committee.
Public- and private-sector workplaces are operating at 50-percent capacity.
Large gatherings, including weddings, banquets, and funerals, remain prohibited.
Protective face coverings must be worn in public. Violators may face fines or imprisonment of up to three months.
Kuwaiti seaports are prohibited from servicing foreign vessels arriving from or departing to several foreign countries, including mainland China, Hong Kong, and Iran.
Schools and universities are operating via distance learning.
All religious gatherings are prohibited and Christian places of worship closed nationwide through at least Jan. 10.
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.
Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.
