Starting March 10, 2019, Kuwaiti authorities will no longer issue residence permit stickers in passports for new and current residents of Kuwait. When applying for a new or renewal residence, Kuwaiti authorities will issue residents a newly-formatted civil identification card to replace the function of the residence permit sticker. After receiving a new civil identification card on or after March 10, residents should enter or exit Kuwait with a valid passport and the new civil identification card only.
Existing residence permits remain valid until their printed expiration date unless otherwise notified by Kuwaiti authorities. Current residents bearing an unexpired residence permit in a valid passport can continue to enter or exit Kuwait without a civil identification card.
Official information is available on the Ministry of Interior’s website in Arabic only. The Kuwait Times reported on this on March 6. Kuwait Times: Civil ID to be proof of residency after iqama sticker scrapped.
Assistance:
• U.S. Embassy Kuwait, Kuwait City
+965-2259-1001
KuwaitACS@state.gov
kw.usembassy.gov
• State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
• Kuwait Country Specific Information
• Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive security updates.
