Kuwait: Authorities to close land and sea borders Feb. 24-March 20 due to COVID-19 /update 33

Event

Authorities in Kuwait plan to close the country's land and sea borders from Feb. 24 through at least March 20 as part of their efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19. The measure does not apply to cargo operations. Moreover, effective Feb. 21, the Kuwaiti Civil Aviation Authority extended its existing entry ban for foreigners until further notice. The decision exempts first-degree relatives of Kuwaiti citizens, domestic workers, diplomats, and medical staff.

All international arrivals are required to quarantine upon entering Kuwait. Diplomats, Kuwaiti students studying at foreign universities, Kuwaiti citizens returning from medical treatment abroad, medical staff, and unaccompanied minors can carry out their self-isolation at home. All other persons must quarantine for one week at a government-approved hotel at their own expense, followed by a second week of quarantine at their residence. All travelers must take two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests - one upon arrival and another on the sixth day of quarantine.

Other measures implemented by the Kuwaiti government include:

• Travelers must download and register with the "Shlonik" and "Kuwait Mosafer" applications before traveling.

• Travelers must have proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a PCR test performed no more than 72 hours before departure for Kuwait.

• Authorities are not issuing visitor visas upon arrival at the airport; neither are visas available electronically in advance. All entry visas must first be approved by Kuwait's Corona Emergency Ministerial Committee.

• Large gatherings, including weddings, banquets, and funerals, remain prohibited.

• Protective face coverings must be worn in public. Violators may face fines or imprisonment of up to three months.

• Through at least March 8, commercial shops and restaurants, including malls, must remain closed between the hours of 2000-0500; pharmacies and grocery stores are exempt. Restaurants and cafes are limited to delivery services only Feb. 24-March 20.

• Kuwaiti seaports are prohibited from servicing foreign vessels arriving from or departing to several foreign countries, including mainland China, Hong Kong, and Iran.

• Commercial flights to and from the UK remain suspended indefinitely. This does not apply to cargo operations.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Shlonik Mobile Application
Kuwait Mosafer Platform