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There is no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens for President Trump, Secretary of State Rubio, and the entire Department of State.
We are working on additional options to assist Americans to depart the Middle East. Please continue to check your email for additional information or last-minute changes. We are closely monitoring the situation and are committed to providing timely information and assistance to U.S. citizens in the affected area. We urge all Americans to remain vigilant, follow local authorities’ instructions, and review the latest guidance from the U.S. Embassy. Your well-being remains our foremost concern.
We 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 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. You can reply to the most recent email from our crisis case management system to update your case with your current plans and location so that we can send you the best departure information for your location.
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 due to the continuing threat of missile and UAV attacks.
There are overland routes to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where commercial options to depart the region are operating. Americans should strongly consider departing on one of these overland routes if they believe it is safe to do so. Visit the airline websites to find information about flight availability and purchasing tickets.
A valid passport and visa are 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. Please note that visa applicants must be over 18 years old to apply for a KSA visa without a parent or legal guardian.
The U.S. Department of State will arrange buses in the coming days for American citizens wishing to leave Kuwait. If you wish to be included on one of the buses, you must complete and submit the online crisis intake form and await further instructions. You may also choose to make your own commercial transit arrangements. If you have already completed the crisis intake form, please do not fill it out again.
Commercial Transit Options for Leaving Kuwait
If you do not wish to take one of the U.S. Embassy chartered buses to Saudi Arabia, you may travel via a local commercial provider. The Embassy is aware of the following companies that offer international transportation services between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The U.S. Embassy does not endorse any company.
- Al-Rashed International Holidays: +965 9556 3581, +965 9961 2605, +965 9992 8604
- Jumbo Travels: +965 9224 1461, +965 9969 2137, mytrip@jumbotravels.com
- Top Terminal Logistics (TTL): +965 2228 9172 · Jassim Transport & Stevedoring Co.: +965 2228 6100, info@jtckw.com
- Kuwait & Gulf Link Transport Company (KGL): +965 1800 900
- UBS Company: +965 6111 5000, +965 5504 8887
Applying for a Visa to Saudi Arabia:
If you choose to leave Kuwait via Saudi Arabia, you must obtain a visa.
American citizens are eligible to apply for Saudi https://visa.visitsaudi.com/ . To apply, you will need your passport, a recent passport-style photograph, a completed online application form, and a valid email address.
The cost is approximately $105 USD and processing time is generally less than two business days.
Only use the official website. Third party sites have been reported to charge higher prices and some have even not provided a visa after payment.
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. Transit visas cost approximately $10.50 USD but are only good for up to 96 hours. We have heard anecdotally that the transit visa may be purchased in person at the land borders.
Visitor Visa Extensions:
Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has announced an automatic extension for all types of visit visas for one month and an additional three-month absence permit for residents currently outside of the United States 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.
Shelter in Place
If not departing. we recommend all Americans in Kuwait to shelter in place. To the extent possible, remain in your residence, hotel, or another structure, and stay away from windows.
Embassy Operations
The U.S. Embassy has suspended all routine consular services.
Please complete this 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.
Americans should contact the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) and +1-888-407-4747 (from the United States and Canada) in case of emergency.
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: https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step
- 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 this 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. Department of State: call 202-501-4444 from abroad or 888-407-4747 when calling from the U.S. and Canada.
