COVID-19 Information

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Last updated: 01/25/2022

Effective January 24, 2022, the CDC increased the Travel Health Notice from Level 3 to Level 4: High, stating “Avoid travel to Kuwait. If you must travel to Kuwait, make sure you are fully vaccinated before travel.”

Effective January 2, 2022, the Government of Kuwait made the COVID-19 booster shot compulsory, and people must receive the booster shot within 9 months of receiving their last COVID-19 vaccine.

Effective December 6, 2021, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older, regardless of vaccination status or citizenship, must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within one calendar day of travel.  Alternatively, travelers to the United States may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel.  Check the CDC website for additional information.

Effective November 8, 2021 adult noncitizen nonimmigrants traveling to the United States by air must demonstrate proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 per the Presidential Proclamation on Advancing the Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic.  The CDC’s website  explains that, for purposes of entry into the United States, the accepted vaccines will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines.

Country-Specific Information:

  • Effective October 24, 2021, airport operations have resumed at full capacity.
  • Visas on arrival are not yet available, detailed guidance on visas on arrival will be provided by local authorities in due course.
  • Electronic visas (eVisas) applications are available for U.S. citizens on the MOI website.
  • Full vaccination includes two doses of the Pfizer, Oxford Astra Zeneca, or Moderna vaccines, or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, and a booster shot within 9 months of the last vaccine you received.  Unvaccinated children below 16 can enter with eligible parent(s).  The Government of Kuwait stated that unvaccinated non-Kuwaiti residents over the age of 16 may not travel to Kuwait.
  • Individuals traveling to Kuwait who received a COVID-19 vaccination from a non-Kuwaiti government authority must register their vaccine record on the Ministry of Health website for record validation.  Vaccinated individuals with records approved by the Kuwaiti Public Health Department may then download the Kuwait Mobile ID or Immune App to access their vaccination details.  Proof of vaccination status can only be established via the Immune or Mobile ID apps.  The Embassy is not aware of additional guidance on acceptable alternatives for proof of vaccination status.
  • The airport is open for departures for all citizens provided proof of vaccination as required, if at all, by the airline, transit locations, and/or destination.
  • Passengers traveling to Kuwait must also register with the Shlonik application prior to boarding the aircraft.
  • Passengers traveling to Kuwait must undergo a PCR test within 72 hours of arrival to Kuwait.
  • The Kuwaiti government has ordered the reduction of the number of employees in government workplaces to a maximum of 50 percent of total employees.
  • All government entities that provide services to visitors must replace all face-to-face transactions with online services. In cases where these services require physical attendance, appointments may be made through the “Sahel” application, or the specific government entity’s own appointment booking platforms.
  • Effective January 09, 2022, all social gatherings, meetings, conferences, and training courses must be virtual or must be held outdoors until February 28.
  • Commercial businesses are open at full capacity operating at normal business hours; however, effective January 10, 2022, due to the increase of the spread of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus, the government requested that private businesses reduce the number of employees in the workplace to the minimum required to conduct operations.
  • Restaurants and cafes have re-opened for in-person dining, with adherence to health regulations.  Individuals seeking entry into these spaces may be asked to present the Kuwait Mobile ID or Immune applications as proof of vaccination or COVID-19 recovery.
  • Unvaccinated persons may only enter pharmacies, cooperatives, and grocery stores.
  • The use of face masks is still mandatory in indoor spaces
  • The Government of Kuwait does not allow the repatriation of remains of foreign nationals who die of COVID-19.  Instead, foreign nationals will be buried here in Kuwait.  For more information, see

Note: The information on this page reflects the U.S. Embassy’s understanding of the rules currently in place.  The Kuwaiti authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules.

COVID-19 Testing:

  • Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in Kuwait?  Yes
  • If so, are test results reliably available within one calendar day?  Yes
    • PCR tests are widely and readily available.  There are no antigen tests available.  Labs will generally return PCR test results within 24 hours.   The method of result notification varies by laboratory but is generally via text message or email.
    • If you have a medical emergency and are experiencing non-COVID symptoms, please call 112.  Please call the Ministry of Health at 151 or 2497-0967 if you are experiencing a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.
    • For information on limited humanitarian exemptions to CDC’s requirement that all U.S. bound travelers present a negative COVID test, please review this page.
    • U.S. citizens may obtain a COVID-19 PCR test from the below facilities (there are additional charges for home testing and expedited results):
      • Central United Medical Laboratory
        • Location: Shaab Albahri, Block 8, Alkindi Street
        • Drive-up Testing – Al Seef Hospital drive through (beside Alfa petrol Station) +965-2225-2265
        • Contact: +965-2225-2256
        • Website: http://ulckuwaitpcr.com
        • Price: 9 KD
        • Special Instructions: Results can be released within 8-12 hours.
      • Global Med (Branch at Jabriya is at the Mazaya Clinic)
        • Locations: Bneid Al Gar / Jabriya
        • Contact: +965-2531-3081, www.gmcvl.com
        • Price: 9 KD
        • Special Instructions: Results are within 2-3 days. Results can be rushed. Appointment is required and testing is only at the Jabriya Center clinic location.
      • I’m Negative
        • Location: 9 branches
        • Contact: +965-180-0280 (Home Service: +965-9736-3624)
        • Price: 9 KD
        • Special instructions: Appointment required. Results within 8-12 hours.  Drive-thru services are also offered.
      • Mazaya Clinic
        • Locations: Bneid Al Gar / Jabriya / Hawally
        • Contact: +965 2227 3333
        • Website: https://covid19.mazayaclinics.com
        • Price: 9 KD
        • Results can be released within 6-9 hours
        • Special instructions: 24-hour drive-through in Jabriya and Hawally branches.
      • Dar Al Shifa Hospital
        • Location: Hawally – Beirut Street, Opposite to Hawally’s Fire Station
        • Contact: +965-1 802-555
        • Price: 9 KD
        • Special Instructions: Results can be released within 8-12 hours.  Drive-up testing is in their parking structure.  No appointment needed, but patients need to go first thing at 7:30am.

Note: The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability, or reputation of, or quality of services provided by the above hospitals or clinics.  Inclusion on this list is in no way an endorsement by the Department of State or the Embassy.  Names are listed alphabetically, and the order in which they appear has no other significance.  Prices may also vary.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information:

  • Has the government of Kuwait approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use?  Yes
  • Are vaccines available in Kuwait for U.S. citizens to receive?  Yes
  • Which vaccines are available in Kuwait?  Pfizer and AstraZeneca are offered in Kuwait.  The Ministry of Health also recognizes Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
  • The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health webpageallows residents of Kuwait, including U.S. citizen residents, to register to receive the COVID-19 vaccine by clicking on “COVID-19 Vaccination Pre-Registration.”
  • There are two permanent walk-in vaccination clinics for those still not vaccinated, regardless of residency status.  One is at the Al Shabab sports center in Jeleeb Al-Shuyoukh and the other at the Al Tadamon sports club in Farwaniya from Sunday to Thursday, 4pm to 8pm.
  • Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States. The United States Government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas.  Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

  • Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter?  Yes
    • Electronic visas (eVisas) are available for U.S. citizens on the MOI website.  eVisa applications must be approved in advance and are good for entry up to the expiration date listed on the visa.  U.S. citizens are normally permitted to stay in Kuwait for up to three months on an eVisa.
    • All passengers who are permitted to arrive in Kuwait must register with the Shlonik application prior to travel.  Travelers must prove vaccination status with the Immune or Mobile ID applications.
    • Currently, there is no guidance from the Kuwaiti government regarding when and how visas on arrival will resume.
  • Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR) required for entry?  Yes.
    • In addition to being fully vaccinated, arriving passengers in Kuwait need to obtain and travel with a negative PCR test result, in English, administered by a health clinic within 72 hours prior to arrival in Kuwait.  Children under the age of six (6) do not require a PCR test prior to arrival.
  • Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry?  Yes.
    • It is mandatory to travel with a negative PCR test administered within 72 hours of arrival in Kuwait.
    • Unvaccinated non-citizens are not allowed to enter Kuwait. Unvaccinated children and those vaccinated but in red status on their Immune app will still need to quarantine for full 14 days.
    • Land and sea borders are open from 9 AM to 3 PM daily for fully vaccinated travelers.
    • The Ministry of Interior has announced that residents with Article 22 (dependent) and Article 24 (self-employed) permits can renew their resident permits online.
    • Those seeking to depart Kuwait must pay any immigration fines at Residency Affairs to obtain an exit letter.  Individuals who did not amend their legal status before May 15 may be deported and banned from entering Kuwait in the future.
    • The Government of Kuwait has extended the amount of time foreign nationals with valid Kuwaiti residencies can remain outside of Kuwait to one year.
    • As of October 4, 2021, the Government of Kuwait has resumed commercial air travel for U.S. service-members and DoD civilians utilizing CAC/military orders/vaccination cards.  All members will still be subject to providing (negative) PCR test results within 72 hours before departing or entering Kuwait.  U.S personnel should review the Foreign Clearance Guide for additional details.
    • Department of Defense contractors without valid visas or residencies are currently not authorized to enter Kuwait.  This restriction is in place until further notice, per the Foreign Clearance Guide.
    • Masks must still be worn indoors, including at the airport.

Movement Restrictions:

  • Is a curfew in place?  No.
  • Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel?  No.

 Quarantine Information:

  • Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes.
    • Upon arrival in Kuwait, there is a mandatory seven-day home quarantine. Vaccinated individuals may test-out of the quarantine immediately after arrival if a PCR test proves negative.
    • The quarantine is monitored using the Shlonik app.  The negative PCR test must be entered into Shlonik to exit quarantine early.

 Transportation Options:

 Fines for Non-Compliance:

  • The use of face masks is mandatory in indoor spaces with violators subject to fines.

 Consular Operations:

  • Unless otherwise announced, the Consular Section is open 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.  To reach the after-hours duty officer, call the main Embassy line at 2259-1001.
  • Appointments for routine American Citizen Services, including notarials, passports, and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBAs) are available on our website.
  • The United States Embassy in Kuwait has resumed all visa services.

 Local Resources:

  • View Embassy Kuwait’s latest Alerts and Messages.
  • The Government of Kuwait has a websitededicated to COVID-19 information in Kuwait.
  • The Kuwait Directorate General of Civil Aviation provides updates on COVID-19 related flight restrictions in Arabic and English on its Twitter
  • The Kuwait Ministry of Health has a hotline if people have questions related to COVID-19: +965-2497-0967.  There is also a hotline number if you are in Kuwait: 151
  • Other links:

By | 12 April, 2020 | Topics: Alert

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