The U.S. government cares about your safety and will continue to share up-to-the-minute information you need to make informed decisions about your safety. The U.S. government is ready to help Americans leave the Middle East if you choose to take advantage of the options available.
Please complete this crisis intake form so the Department of State can better assist you and provide you with timely updates: https://mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake . If you have already completed the crisis intake form, please do not fill it out again.
U.S. citizens in Kuwait can also call the State Department at +1-202-501-4444 to receive departure information and assistance.
If you choose to not take advantage of departure options available, Americans should be prepared to shelter in place in a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.
Options to Depart
Commercial flights are currently not operating out of Kuwait.
There are overland routes to Saudi Arabia where commercial options to depart the region are operating.
- A valid passport and visa to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is required for U.S. citizens to enter or exit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- A minimum of six months validity beyond the date of travel is recommended.
- To apply for an e-visa through https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/plan-your-trip/visa-regulations , you will need a passport, a recent passport-style photograph, submit a completed online application form, and provide a valid email address.
- Please note that visa applicants must be over 18 years old to apply without a parent or legal guardian.
- The cost is approximately $105 USD and processing time is generally less than two (2) business days.
- Visa-on-arrival is also an option, but it is advisable to apply online to avoid lines at the port of entry and possible delays.
- Transit visas cost approximately $10.50 USD but are good only for up to 96 hours.
- We have heard anecdotally that the transit visa may be purchased in person at the land borders.
- Americans should strongly consider departing overland routes if they believe it is safe to do so.
Please contact your airline or the airports directly for the most up to date information. The U.S. government cannot guarantee your safety if you choose to depart.
Shelter in Place
- The U.S. Embassy of Kuwait has issued a shelter in place notification for Kuwait. We recommend all Americans in Kuwait do the same until further notice. To the extent possible, remain in your residence, hotel, or another structure, and stay away from windows.
Embassy Operations
- The U.S. Embassy Kuwait has suspended all routine consular services.
- Please complete the crisis intake form so the Department of State can better assist you and provide you with timely updates. If you have already completed the crisis intake form, please do not fill it out again.
Actions to Take
- Maintain communication with family and friends to inform them of your status.
- Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
- Find a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.
- In case of an attack, stay away from any debris, and monitor news outlets for official guidance.
- Avoid protests and demonstrations, keep a low profile, and stay aware of your surroundings.
- Pay close attention to communications from local officials.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety and security updates from the U.S. Embassy.
- Keep your cell phone charged and pre-programmed with the following emergency numbers.
Assistance
- Call 112 in case of emergency requiring police, ambulance, or fire services.
- Please complete the crisis intake form so the Department of State can better assist you and provide you with timely updates. If you have already completed the crisis intake form, please do not fill it out again.
- U.S. Department of State: call 202-501-4444 from abroad or 888-407-4747 when calling from the U.S. and Canada.
