Ministry of Health (MoH) in a press release last week provided much-needed clarity on health requirements that passengers coming into or exiting the country are required to fulfill.
The first procedure in a slew of stipulations for anyone seeking entry or exit from Kuwait is to register on the Kuwait-Musafer and the Shlonak mobile applications. Additional regulations and exemptions apply based on the category of passenger.
Kuwaiti citizens, their first-degree relatives and domestic workers accompanying them, as well as diplomats and a limited category of workers including health professionals, are currently permitted to enter Kuwait. Foreigners continue to be banned from entering Kuwait and a ban on direct flights from around three dozen countries still remains in force. And, as of 22 May, only vaccinated citizens are allowed to travel outside the country.
However, the MoH press release stated that the following categories of passengers are excluded from the vaccination requirement: Citizens who obtain a certificate from MoH stating their inability to take vaccination due to health reasons. Pregnant Kuwaiti women who carry a certificate of proof of pregnancy issued and approved by the MoH.
Children in the age group not subject to vaccination. Kuwaiti students with proof of studying abroad, who have received at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. These students will also not need to be vaccinated at least two weeks prior to their travel. Regarding other health procedures that need to be followed for return to Kuwait, the health ministry clarified as follows:
Passengers not vaccinated: Register on the Kuwait Musafer and the Shlonak app; Submit result of a PCR test taken within 72 hours before the date of boarding the plane; Undergo a PCR test upon arrival at Kuwait airport. Furthermore, they will have to quarantine for a period of 14 days, including 7 days of institutional quarantine, a smear test on the seventh day, and completion of 7 days in-home quarantine.
However, the following categories are exempted from institutional quarantine: Kuwaiti patients and those accompanying them; Diplomats accredited to the State of Kuwait, their first-degree relatives, and their accompanying domestic workers; Minors under the age of 18 are prevented from arriving alone without a companion; Medical personnel and their first-degree relatives and their accompanying domestic workers; And, Kuwaiti students with proof of studying abroad.
Vaccinated Passengers: Register on the Kuwait Musafer and the Shlonak app; Submit results of a PCR test taken within 72 hours before the date of boarding the plane. Submit a PCR test result within three days from the date of arrival in Kuwait, and end of quarantine if the result is negative.