Travel Restrictions: Banned Countries From Visiting Kuwait

Kuwait has enforced travel bans to prevent individuals involved in disputes or immigration violations from leaving the country until the issue is resolved. In 2023, Kuwait reported an all-time high number of travel bans, with 20,939 procedures executed. The country has also banned nationals from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Syria, Yemen, and Sudan from entering. However, these nationals can enter if they have spent the last 14 days in a permitted country.

Kuwait enforces travel bans to prevent individuals involved in disputes or immigration violations from leaving until the issue is resolved

Kuwait enforces travel bans in certain situations, such as when individuals have unpaid debts or fines, are involved in disputes or face criminal charges, or have violated immigration rules. These bans can be imposed on both Kuwaiti citizens and foreign nationals, and they can take months to resolve.

In terms of immigration violations, Kuwait has imposed entry bans on citizens of certain countries at various times. For example, in 2020, Kuwait prohibited citizens of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Philippines, India, Pakistan, Iran, and Nepal from entering the country. This ban was implemented due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, in 2023, Kuwait imposed an entry ban on workers from the Philippines, citing a diplomatic feud between the two countries.

Another instance of Kuwait's travel restrictions involves the prevention of food importation by travellers from Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq. This ban was enacted by the Kuwaiti Health Ministry to address cholera concerns in these countries.

It is important to note that travel restrictions can change over time, and it is always advisable to check the latest updates from official sources before planning travel to Kuwait.

Furthermore, Kuwait has strict laws regarding public order, morality, and national security. For example, it is illegal to challenge or insult the Kuwaiti leadership, criticise regional political matters on social media, or import alcohol, pork products, or pornography. Violation of these laws can result in fines, imprisonment, or even the death penalty.

In 2023, Kuwait reported a high number of travel bans, with 20,939 procedures executed

Travel bans also apply to those entering Kuwait. For instance, travellers from countries with ongoing cholera outbreaks, such as Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq, have been banned from bringing food into the country. Furthermore, individuals who previously entered Kuwait without passing through Kuwaiti exit control may face difficulties upon re-entry, as they may appear to have overstayed their visa. Kuwait also enforces entry restrictions based on passport stamps; those with an Israeli stamp in their passport may be refused entry.

In addition to these travel bans, Kuwait has implemented other measures to regulate entry into the country. For instance, all travellers from Kuwait must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test in Arabic, French, or English to enter Germany. Similar regulations are in place for Switzerland, which only permits vaccinated travellers with specific vaccines. Turkey, on the other hand, generally allows travellers from any country, except for those who have been in Brazil, India, or South Africa in the past ten days, who are required to quarantine for 14 days.

Kuwait does not allow entry to holders of Israeli travel documents

Kuwait has imposed travel restrictions on several countries due to varying reasons, including the COVID-19 pandemic and diplomatic tensions. Notably, Kuwait does not allow entry to holders of Israeli travel documents.

Kuwait's relationship with Israel remains strained due to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Kuwait has consistently affirmed its commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause and has made it a principal foreign policy issue. The country's Foreign Minister, Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, has unequivocally stated that Kuwait will not normalize relations with Israel until a sovereign Palestinian state is established based on international resolutions and pre-1967 borders. This stance was reiterated in October 2023 and again in September 2024, indicating that Kuwait maintains a firm position on this matter.

The refusal to normalize ties with Israel has been a consistent policy for Kuwait. The country's foreign minister has emphasized that the Palestinian issue is their top priority, with no ambiguity. Kuwait has advocated for an immediate end to the violence in Gaza and the creation of an independent Palestinian state. This stance has been a precondition for any potential normalization of relations between Kuwait and Israel.

The impact of this policy means that holders of Israeli travel documents cannot enter Kuwait. This restriction is part of Kuwait's broader diplomatic stance and reflects the country's commitment to the Palestinian cause. It sends a strong message of solidarity and support for the Palestinians, even as other countries in the region have begun to normalize relations with Israel.

It is important to note that the travel restrictions imposed by Kuwait on Israeli citizens or those holding Israeli travel documents are not merely logistical but also symbolic. By refusing entry to those with Israeli travel documents, Kuwait is actively demonstrating its political stance and solidarity with Palestine. This measure is a form of diplomatic pressure, indicating that normal relations with Kuwait are contingent upon recognizing and addressing the Palestinian issue.

While Kuwait's policy on Israeli travel documents stands firm, it is worth mentioning that the country has imposed other travel restrictions as well. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kuwait implemented specific regulations for travellers from various countries, including Turkey, Germany, Switzerland, and Brazil. Additionally, in 2020, Kuwait restricted entry for nationals from countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Philippines, India, Pakistan, Iran, and Nepal, although the reasons for these restrictions are unclear.

Countries whose citizens cannot obtain visas to Kuwait include Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Syria, Yemen, and Sudan

Kuwait has enforced travel bans to prevent individuals involved in disputes or immigration violations from entering or exiting the country until the issue is resolved. The Kuwaiti government does not lift travel bans until the underlying dispute is resolved.

Citizens from the following countries cannot obtain visas to Kuwait: Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Syria, Yemen, and Sudan. This is due to differences between governments and non-compliance with certain regulations. This decision is periodically reviewed, but no new developments have occurred to warrant a change.

In addition, holders of Israeli travel documents are refused admission and transit, even if they do not leave the aircraft and proceed by the same flight.

Kuwait has banned food from being brought in by air travellers from Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq

In addition to the food ban, there are other restrictions in place for travellers to Kuwait. For example, all travellers arriving in Kuwait must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, taken a maximum of 48 hours before departure. The test result must be in Arabic, French, or English. Furthermore, it is illegal for non-Kuwaiti nationals to protest in the country.

As of 2020, Kuwait had also banned citizens of certain countries from entering, including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Philippines, India, Pakistan, Iran, and Nepal. This ban was implemented as the country started gradually opening up after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Travellers should be aware of other laws and restrictions in Kuwait. For instance, it is illegal to buy, sell, import, carry, or consume alcohol, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment and deportation. Kuwait also has strict laws regarding relationships and LGBTQIA+ issues. Same-sex relations are illegal, and it is against the law for unmarried couples of the opposite sex to live or stay together in hotel rooms. Public displays of affection between men and women are also prohibited.

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