Recent activity on social media has included incorrect information about visas for Kuwaiti travelers. While there have been changes to the requirements for travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), these changes do not impact currently valid nonimmigrant visas nor do they apply to citizens of countries who are not participants in the VWP, such as Kuwait. Because Kuwaiti citizens are unable to travel under the VWP, travel to Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, or Sudan does not invalidate a current visa nor does it disqualify Kuwaitis from entering the United States.
A widely circulated tweet has quoted regulations regarding the U.S. VWP and the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). These programs do not apply to citizens of GCC countries and in no way affect Kuwaiti travelers wishing to visit the United States. More information is available atwww.cbp.gov.
The United States welcomes tens of thousands of Kuwaiti citizens for tourism, medical treatment, and education every year. Visits between our two countries are an important way to strengthen the already deep bonds of friendship between us.
