Health Alert – Government Updates Entry & Exit Guidelines, and Cancels Closure Order for Commercial Businesses
Location: Kuwait
Event: On July 26, the Government of Kuwait confirmed plans to allow vaccinated non-Kuwaiti residents to return to Kuwait beginning August 1, 2021, and cancelled the 8:00 pm closure order for commercial businesses.
Beginning August 1, fully vaccinated non-Kuwaiti residents may return to Kuwait. Full vaccination applies to foreign residents aged 16 and above. The Government of Kuwait defines full vaccination as two doses of the Kuwait-approved Pfizer, Oxford Astra Zeneca, or Moderna vaccines, or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Unvaccinated children below 16 can enter with eligible parent(s). Confirmation of vaccine status must be approved (evidenced by a GREEN color in the app) and registered with the Ministry of Health-affiliated Immune application or on the Mobile Civil ID app. Proof of vaccination status can only be established via the Immune or Mobile ID apps.
Arriving passengers must also register with the Mosafer platform and the Shlonik application prior to boarding the aircraft. All travelers must present proof of a negative PCR test taken less than 72 hours before boarding. Upon arrival in Kuwait, there is a mandatory seven-day quarantine that can be ended earlier if a PCR test after arrival proves negative.
The Government of Kuwait stated that unvaccinated non-Kuwaiti residents over the age of 16 may not travel to Kuwait. Visitor visas remain suspended. Non-Kuwaiti residents who exited Kuwait on or before August 31, 2019 are not permitted to enter Kuwait even if in possession of a valid residency visa.
The information on this page reflects the U.S. Government’s understanding of the rules currently in place. The Kuwaiti authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing rules for entry.
To register with the Ministry of Health, individuals may follow the below links:
Registration website:
https://vaxcert.moh.gov.kw/SPCMS/PH/CVD_19_Vaccine_External_Registration.aspx
Detailed instructions for registration:
https://vaxcert.moh.gov.kw/tc/vaccine_instructions_en.html
Separately, the Government of Kuwait cancelled the previous order for 8:00 pm closure of commercial venues. Spaces such as salons, gyms, malls, museums, and restaurants may now remain open beyond 8:00 pm for vaccinated customers. Gatherings are now permitted, except for weddings, diwaniyas, and conventions. Unvaccinated persons may only enter pharmacies, cooperatives, and grocery stores. Starting August 1, 2021, unvaccinated persons may also enter hospitals and government agencies. All special activities for children will also open starting September 1, 2021.
Please note: The United States Government does not provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health webpage (https://www.moh.gov.kw) allows residents of Kuwait, including U.S. citizen residents, to register for the COVID-19 vaccine by clicking on “COVID-19 Vaccination Pre-Registration.”
Actions to Take:
- Stay abreast of local news and information.
- Check with your airlines regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for the most up-to-date information.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on state.gov for the latest information.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.
- S. citizens should continue to check the Embassy website and follow our social media platforms for announcements.
- If you have not done so already, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and messages from the Embassy.
For more information on COVID-19:
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Kuwait.
- Refer to our website for the latest Alerts and Messages for U.S. citizens: https://kw.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/security-and-travel-information/
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information related to COVID-19.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Kuwait
American Citizen Services (ACS)
Telephone: (+965) 2259-1001
Fax: (+965) 2538-0282
Email: KuwaitACS@state.gov
