Event: Opening of Airspace
The Options to Depart section is updated with new information. There are no changes to the Embassy Operations section.
We are monitoring the situation in the Middle East closely and will keep you updated so you can make decisions about your safety. President Trump, Secretary of State Rubio, and the Department of State have no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens. New or updated information is indicated in bold.
We urge all Americans to remain vigilant, follow local authorities’ instructions, and review the latest guidance from the U.S. Embassy.
Options to Depart
By Air:
Kuwait International Airport began a phased resumption of operations on April 26. Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways announced that limited flights to select destinations from Kuwait International Airport on April 26.
Visit airline websites to find information about flight availability and ticket purchase.
By Land:
The Embassy is aware of the following companies that offer international transportation services, either by bus or private vehicle, between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Some companies also transport pets. The U.S. Embassy does not endorse any company. Additional options may be available.
- Al-Rashed International Holidays: +965 9556 3581, +965 9961 2605, +965 9992 8604
- AVIS: +965 6632 7135
- Eiffel Travel: +965 6090 9359
- ITL World: +965 9417 1519, +965 9412 9909
- Q’go — Deema Travel Agent: +965 2208 7406
- SAWAH Travel: +965 1811 911
- UBS Company: +965 6111 5000, +965 5504 8887
Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams .
Be careful of anyone asking for money.
If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help .
Applying for a Visa to Saudi Arabia:
If you choose to leave Kuwait via Saudi Arabia, you must first obtain a visa. U.S. citizens are subject to Saudi immigration requirements and should obtain an eVisa prior to arrival via the official Saudi website: https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/plan-your-trip/visa-regulations .
Only use the official website. Third-party sites have been reported to charge higher prices, and some have failed to provide a visa after payment.
To apply, you will need your passport, a recent passport-style photograph, a completed online application form, and a valid email address.
After selecting “United States of America,” you can choose from the following options:
- E-visa: $105 USD, valid for a year, maximum stay of 90 days.
- Visa on arrival: $80 USD (with a $25 USD insurance option); valid for a year, maximum stay of 90 days.
- Transit/ Stopover Visa: $10.50 USD, but valid only for up to 96 hours.
Visa-on-arrival is also an option, but it is advisable to apply online to avoid lines at the port of entry and other possible delays.
Visitor Visa Extensions
Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has announced an automatic extension for all types of visitor visas for one month and an additional three-month absence permit for residents currently outside of the Kuwait as of February 28, 2026. For further updates, please refer to https://moi.gov.kw/main/ .
Kuwait Exit Visas
Expatriates on Article 17 (government) or Article 18 (private) visas in Kuwait must obtain an automated exit permit via the Sahel app before traveling out of Kuwait.
The process requires submitting travel dates, which triggers an automated request to the employer for approval. Upon approval, the electronic permit (eEP) is generated, requiring no hardcopy and is linked to the airport immigration system.
Kuwait Immigration will not permit departure without a valid exit permit, or in advance of the approved departure date.
Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams .
Be careful of anyone asking for money. If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help .
Embassy Operations
- The U.S. Embassy Kuwait City has temporarily suspended all consular services.
- Americans should contact KuwaitACS@state.gov in case of emergency.
Actions to Take
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety and security updates from the U.S. Embassy.
- Maintain communication with family and friends to inform them of your status.
- Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
- 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.
- Follow the “U.S. Department of State – Security Updates for U.S. Citizens ” channel on WhatsApp. Download WhatsApp at whatsapp.com/download .
- 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.
- U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs: call +1-202-501-4444 from abroad or +1-888-407-4747 when calling from the U.S. and Canada.
- U.S. Embassy Kuwait: KuwaitACS@state.gov.
