April 20, 2020
Kuwait International Airport has re-opened to allow airlines to operate outbound flights only. If interested in returning to the United States, please see current flight options from Kuwait below. Please be aware that only one-way tickets are available.
All passengers, including minors, are required to wear a mask and gloves upon arrival at the airport. Neither the airport nor the airlines will provide them to passengers.
Qatar Airways flights to United States: April 19 – May 30
Starting April 19 until May 30, Qatar Airways will operate only one daily outbound flight at 3:30pm from Kuwait to Doha (Hamad International Airport) with connections to select U.S. cities: Dallas (Fort Worth International Airport), Chicago (O’Hare International Airport), and Washington, DC (Dulles International Airport). This one-way flight is available for U.S. citizens and U.S. Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs). Passengers will be responsible for all costs and onward travel arrangements from the above cities (lodging, final destination, local transportation, etc.).
The airport hotel and lounges at Hamad International Airport are available for booking online for long layovers. Check-in counters will close 90 minutes prior to departure, even if passengers completed online check-in and are only checking luggage. For pricing and reservations, please visit qatarairways.com.
Kuwait Airways flights to London: April 21
The U.S. Embassy has been informed that Kuwait Airways will operate two special flights from Kuwait to London (Heathrow Airport) early on Tuesday morning, April 21. The cost of a one-way ticket starts at KD 252.750.
Heathrow Airport is currently operational with same-day onward flights to multiple U.S. destinations. U.S. citizens will be responsible for all costs and onward travel arrangements from London (lodging, final destination, local transportation, etc.). Please note that passengers must be ticketed on a connecting flight from Heathrow Airport in order to be permitted to transit through London. If interested, please visit kuwaitairways.com.
Both Kuwait Airways flights will depart after the curfew begins at 5:00pm. If you are confirmed on one of these flights, please allow for additional time for possible stops by local authorities. Please have a confirmation of your booking and your passport available. Individuals escorting passengers to the airport after 5:00pm must request a permit to be allowed to drive during curfew hours at curfew.paci.gov.kw.
Note: Although the Kuwait Airways website indicates that these flights are for UK nationals/residents and EU citizens only, U.S. citizens are able to purchase tickets for these flights on their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still depart Kuwait on an expired tourist visa?
We understand that U.S. citizens with expired tourist visas will be allowed to depart Kuwait without paying overstay fines.
How can I get to the airport if I am under lockdown in Mahboula or Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh?
Travelers will need to arrange their own means of transportation to the airport. You will need to have your passport and confirmation of your booking available to drive to the airport during the curfew. Drivers must request a permit beforehand at curfew.paci.gov.kw.
Can you book the flight for me?
The U.S. Embassy cannot assist with contacting airlines, arranging onward travel, or negotiating the use of funds from any pre-existing itineraries.
Can I book my luggage or pets all the way through?
You must contact your airline to review rules and regulations regarding pets and luggage.
Will I be required to self-quarantine when I arrive in the United States?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all travelers returning from abroad to stay home for 14 days from the time they return home from international travel.
Reminder:
Potential travelers should consult CDC guidance on travel, consider health conditions at their final destination, and remember that they will not be able to return to Kuwait until the airport re-opens and commercial service has been restored. U.S. citizens who wish to depart Kuwait should also ensure that their travel documentation is in order, that there is no travel ban on their departure, and that they have funds to purchase tickets.
U.S. citizens should continue to check the Embassy website and follow our social media platforms for announcements about possible future flights to the United States.
The Embassy updates the information on its COVID-19 webpage daily so please check it for the latest information on COVID-19 in Kuwait.
If you have not done so already, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and messages from the Embassy.
