KUWAIT CITY, Mar 1: The recent escalation in the region, following the Iranian attack targeting Kuwait and other Arab Gulf states, has directly impacted the operations of diplomatic missions accredited to the country. Several embassies have moved swiftly to reduce activities and suspend consular services as a precaution amid the rapidly evolving security situation.

The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait announced it would close its doors to the public and cancel all visa appointments and services for American citizens until further notice. The embassy said applicants would be notified once services resume and that further details would be provided regarding emergency passport requests when necessary.

Consular sections at a number of European embassies have also temporarily suspended in-person services as part of ongoing risk assessments. The move has affected citizens and residents seeking visas or other official documentation.

The impact has extended to external visa processing centers. VFS Global confirmed it would close its centers from Sunday until further notice for all Schengen visa applications at the request of the concerned embassies. The company also suspended acceptance of visa applications for the United Kingdom, Australia and Ireland starting Tuesday.

In contrast, the Indian Visa Application Centre continued operations during Ramadan from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., receiving applications and processing consular transactions as usual.

The widespread measures underscore the extent to which diplomatic missions are being affected by the security situation, particularly amid restrictions on air traffic and precautionary steps taken by governments to safeguard their personnel and nationals. Daily assessments are expected to continue until conditions stabilize.

For its part, the U.S. Embassy said its closure decision was prompted by ongoing regional tensions. Staff were instructed to shelter in place, and American citizens in Kuwait were advised to follow the same guidance until further notice.

The U.S. Department of State, in its latest advisory, raised the travel warning level for Kuwait to Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) and ordered the departure of non-emergency government employees and their family members due to persistent security risks and disruptions to commercial air traffic.

The embassy noted that Kuwaiti airspace remains closed, while the land border with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is currently open. It added that U.S. citizens may apply for an electronic visa through the official Saudi government website, with further guidance to be issued as the situation evolves.

The Embassy of France in Kuwait urged its citizens to strictly comply with instructions issued by local authorities and to avoid unnecessary travel.

In a statement posted on its official account on the social media platform X, the embassy announced the temporary closure of its premises to the public due to regional developments. French nationals were advised not to visit the embassy headquarters and to monitor updates through official channels and the government’s “Travel Advice” portal.

The embassy affirmed it remains in close coordination with Kuwaiti authorities and is available for emergency cases via designated contact numbers.

Meanwhile, Melissa Kelly, Australia’s ambassador to Kuwait, called on members of the Australian community to exercise heightened caution in light of continuing security developments.

In a video message, Kelly described the current period as “not easy,” warning that further challenges may arise in the coming days. She noted that security alerts continue to be issued frequently amid ongoing drone and missile activity in the region, urging citizens to remain in safe locations and adhere strictly to official instructions.

She confirmed that the embassy building is closed as a precautionary measure, though consular services continue remotely. Embassy staff are responding to emails and providing assistance where required. A 24-hour emergency hotline in Australia remains operational to ensure urgent messages reach embassy personnel.

The ambassador also encouraged Australians in Kuwait to follow official embassy platforms and register with the “Smart Traveller” service to receive timely updates, reaffirming the mission’s commitment to keeping citizens informed of any new developments.