Kuwait facilitates safe passage for 30,000 stranded travelers amid Israel-Iran conflict
Amid escalating tensions in the region due to the conflict between Israel and Iran, Kuwait has stepped up to aid thousands of stranded travelers seeking refuge or transit.
Informed security sources said since last Friday, around 30,000 people of various nationalities have crossed into Kuwait through the Abdali border checkpoint — some arriving by land from Iran, others trying to exit Iraq and return to their home countries via Kuwait, after regional air travel was disrupted, reports Al-Rai daily.
Sources confirmed that the Ministry of Interior, under direct orders from First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, is mobilizing its sectors to support the return and transit of affected people.
Efforts are focused on helping Kuwaitis, GCC citizens, and nationals of Arab, European, and Asian countries who were stranded in Iran and Iraq due to suspended flights.
A coordinated entry mechanism has been established, allowing travelers to pass through the Shalamcheh border crossing from Iran into Iraq, then onward to the Abdali checkpoint, with final departure routes through Kuwait International Airport or via Nuwaiseeb and Salmi border ports.
In a humanitarian gesture, Minister Al-Yousef directed that Gulf residents holding valid travel tickets be granted a seven-day transit visa, enabling their travel through Kuwait to their destinations. Additionally, entry visas were issued to certain European nationals to help them exit the region through Kuwait Airport.
Instructions from Minister Al-Yousef and Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Major General Ali Al-Adwani emphasized the provision of comprehensive humanitarian services, including special exemptions to ensure smooth and safe transit.
Efforts on the ground are intensive. The Abdali border crossing has turned into a hub of non-stop activity, with Ministry of Interior and Customs staff working around the clock to streamline procedures and remove barriers for travelers of all backgrounds.
Coordination with Gulf embassies is also ongoing, ensuring the evacuation of their citizens before they reach Abdali. Embassies have arranged vehicles and buses for this purpose. Kuwait itself has provided nearly 40 buses to transport travelers from the Safwan border crossing to Abdali, enabling their entry and onward travel.
The sources affirmed that all personnel at Abdali, including Ministry and Customs staff, remain fully deployed and operational to ensure the safe and dignified passage of all stranded travelers—providing shelter, transportation, and support as needed.
