Health Alert – Government of Kuwait Eases COVID Restrictions
Location: Kuwait
Event: On Monday, February 21, the Government of Kuwait announced the suspension of the Mosafer and BilSalamah mobile applications, effective Wednesday, February 23. This follows the announcement on Monday, February 14, of the easement of COVID restrictions that became effective Sunday, February 20.
Fully vaccinated arriving travelers will no longer need a pre-departure or arrival PCR test. In addition, fully vaccinated travelers will no longer have any quarantine requirements.
Partially vaccinated travelers will no longer need a PCR test on arrival, but will be required to quarantine for seven days with the possibility to end quarantine early by presenting a negative PCR test after arrival.
Unvaccinated travelers may travel, but must carry a negative PCR test conducted within at least 72 hours before arrival to Kuwait, must stay in home quarantine for seven days after arrival, and must conduct a PCR test on the seventh day to end the quarantine.
Unvaccinated arriving travelers under the age of 16 are exempt from testing and quarantine measures.
In addition, unvaccinated individuals will be allowed to enter malls and cinemas with proof of a negative PCR test within the last 72 hours.
Social distancing rules are cancelled in mosques, public transport, cinemas, theaters, and banquet halls.
The ban on in-person events such as conferences, training courses, weddings, and funerals has ended.
The cabinet encourages arrivals to get rapid antigen tests after entering Kuwait if they have symptoms; these people must conduct a PCR test if the rapid antigen test is positive.
The weekly PCR test requirement for unvaccinated students under the age of 16 who wish to attend in person classes has been eliminated.
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.
Please note that the State Department’s Travel Advisory page, which is based on the CDC’s Travel Health Notification, still shows Kuwait as a Level 4: Do Not Travel due to COVID-19 risk.
Definitions of Vaccinated:
Fully Vaccinated:
- Individuals who have completed initial series PLUS booster of Kuwait approved vaccine (Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson)
- Individuals who are less than 9 months since completing initial series
- Individuals who have recovered from COVID in past three months
Partially Vaccinated:
- Individuals who have completed initial series of Kuwait approved vaccines but are MORE than nine months since the second dose
Unvaccinated:
- No vaccine doses OR not completed initial vaccine series
- A vaccine not approved by the Government of Kuwait
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.
- 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
Email: KuwaitACS@state.gov
