27/03/2026
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27/03/2026
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KUWAIT CITY, Mar 26: The U.S. Embassy has issued a detailed update for American citizens in Kuwait, revising the Commercial Options for Leaving Kuwait section of its travel advisory while keeping existing guidance on departure options, shelter-in-place measures, and mission operations unchanged.
Officials said U.S. authorities are closely monitoring the evolving security situation in the Middle East and will continue to provide updates to help Americans make informed decisions about their safety. The advisory emphasizes that for those wishing to leave the Middle East, the U.S. government stands ready to assist by sharing the latest information on available departure options. The statement underscores that President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the Department of State consider the safety and security of U.S. citizens their highest priority.
Americans are urged to check their email regularly for additional information or last-minute changes, as new or updated points in the advisory are marked clearly in bold. Citizens who choose not to use available departure options, including commercial routes, are advised to be prepared to shelter in place in a secure location within their residence or another safe building, with adequate supplies of food, water, medications, and other essential items. The Embassy again calls on all Americans to remain vigilant, follow instructions from local authorities, and review the latest guidance from the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Flights Suspended; Overland Departure Encouraged
The advisory confirms that commercial flights are currently not operating out of Kuwait due to the continuing threat of missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks. In light of reported threats against locations where American citizens may be present, and given the continued availability of overland commercial options, the U.S. Embassy has announced it does not plan to organize any further charter buses for U.S. citizens at this time.
Instead, Americans are advised that there are overland routes to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), where commercial flights are still departing the region. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to consider leaving by these overland routes if they believe it is safe to do so and to consult airline websites directly for information about flight availability and ticket purchase.
To enter or exit Saudi Arabia, U.S. citizens must hold a valid passport and visa, and the Embassy recommends at least 6 months' validity on the passport beyond the date of travel. Visa applicants must be over 18 years old to apply for a Saudi visa without a parent or legal guardian.
The advisory also reiterates U.S. government guidance on fraud prevention, directing citizens to Department of State resources on how to protect themselves from scams and warning them to be wary of anyone requesting money. Those who believe they have been targeted or victimized are encouraged to consult FBI resources on assistance in scam and fraud cases.
New Commercial Procedures for Leaving Kuwait
In its updated Commercial Options for Leaving Kuwait section, the Embassy outlines detailed procedures for passengers using Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways to depart via Saudi airports.
For Kuwait Airways passengers:
• Travelers booked on flights departing from Dammam Airport must report to a designated area at Al Khiran Mall in Kuwait 24 hours before their scheduled flight time to complete check-in procedures.
• After check-in at Al Khiran Mall, passengers will be transported by bus to the airport in Saudi Arabia, where they will board their onward flights.
• Passengers using private vehicles must still collect their boarding pass at Al Khiran Mall before proceeding independently to Dammam Airport.
• A valid Saudi visa is required for all travelers using this route.
For Jazeera Airways passengers:
• Those booked on flights departing from Al-Qaisumah Airport must appear at the International Fairgrounds in Mishref, Hall No. 8, to complete check-in formalities at least 17 hours before their scheduled departure.
• After completing check-in at the Fairgrounds, passengers will be transported by bus to Al-Qaisumah Airport in Saudi Arabia to board their onward flights.
A valid Saudi visa is also required for these passengers.
The Embassy notes it is aware of several companies offering international transportation services by bus or private vehicle between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, some of which can also transport pets. It stresses that the U.S. government does not endorse any particular provider and that additional options may exist. Companies mentioned include:
• Al-Rashed International Holidays: +965 9556 3581, +965 9961 2605, +965 9992 8604
• AVIS: +965 6632 7135
• Eiffel Travel: +9656090 9359
• Q'go - Go Travel Agent: +965 2208 7406
• SAWAH Travel: +9651811 911
• UBS Company: +965 6111 5000, +9655504 8887
Saudi Visa Requirement
Americans choosing to leave Kuwait via Saudi Arabia must first obtain a Saudi visa and are reminded that they are fully subject to Saudi immigration requirements. The advisory instructs U.S. citizens to obtain an eVisa prior to arrival via the official Saudi government website at visitsaudi.com, and warns against the use of third-party sites that may charge higher prices or fail to deliver valid visas after payment.
To apply, travelers will need:
• Their passport
• A recent passport-style photograph
• A completed online application form
• A valid email address
After selecting "United States of America" as their nationality, applicants can choose among several visa types:
E-visa: 105 USD, valid for one year, with a maximum stay of 90 days.
Visa on arrival: 80 USD (with an optional insurance add-on of 25 USD), valid for one year, with a maximum stay of 90 days.
Transit/Stopover Visa: 10.50 USD, valid for stays of up to 96 hours only.
While visa-on-arrival remains an option, the advisory notes that it is generally advisable to apply online beforehand to avoid long lines at the port of entry and other potential delays.
Kuwaiti Visitor Visa Extensions and Exit Permits
The travel advisory highlights new measures announced by Kuwait's Ministry of Interior, including an automatic extension for all types of visitor visas for one month and an additional three-month absence permit for residents who are currently outside Kuwait as of February 28, 2026. Further updates are to be monitored via the Ministry of Interior's official website.
Separately, expatriates holding Article 17 (government) or Article 18 (private sector) visas must obtain an automated exit permit before traveling out of Kuwait. The process is completed via the Sahel app, requiring the traveler to submit intended travel dates, which then triggers an automated request to the employer for approval. Once the employer approves, an electronic exit permit (eEP) is generated, which is fully integrated with the airport immigration system and does not require a printed hard copy.
Kuwaiti immigration authorities will not allow departure without a valid exit permit, nor will they permit travel before the approved departure date.
The advisory again urges Americans to review Department of State guidance on avoiding scams and to be cautious of any individuals or entities requesting money; those who suspect fraud are directed to FBI resources detailing how U.S. law enforcement can assist scam victims.
Shelter-in-Place Guidance and Embassy Operations
For Americans who do not depart, the Embassy recommends sheltering in place inside their residence or another secure structure and staying away from windows as much as possible.
The advisory confirms that the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait City has suspended all routine consular services, in line with earlier security-related changes to operations. However, the Embassy and the Department of State emphasize that they will continue to assist U.S. citizens wherever they are located across the Middle East, supported by a 24/7 Task Force providing round-the-clock information and assistance.
In case of emergency, Americans are instructed to contact the Embassy via [email protected].
Recommended Actions for U.S. Citizens
The advisory lists several concrete steps Americans in Kuwait and the wider region should take:
Enroll in STEP: U.S. citizens are urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety and security updates from the U.S. Embassy.
• Maintain regular communication with family and friends to keep them informed of their status.
• Keep all travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Identify and use a secure location within a residence or another safe building and maintain a stock of food, water, medications, and other essential items.
• In the event of an attack, stay away from debris and monitor news outlets for official guidance.
• Avoid protests and demonstrations, keep a low profile, and remain aware of surroundings.
• Pay close attention to communications from local officials and follow their instructions.
• Follow the "U.S. Department of State - Security Updates for U.S. Citizens" channel on WhatsApp for timely alerts, downloading the application from the official WhatsApp website if necessary.
• Keep cell phones fully charged and pre-programmed with key emergency numbers.
For assistance, Americans are reminded to use the following contacts:
• Emergency services in Kuwait (police, ambulance, fire): 112
• U.S. Department of State 24/7 Task Force: +1-202-501-4444 from abroad, or +1-888-407-4747 from within the United States and Canada.
The advisory makes clear that conditions may evolve rapidly and that Americans should continue to monitor official communications closely as they weigh whether to depart Kuwait or remain sheltered in place