Entry/Exit Requirements
"Passports and visas are required for U.S. citizens traveling
to Kuwait. U.S. citizens can obtain visitor visas for a fee at the
port of entry in Kuwait. Travelers who overstay their visas may
be required to pay large fines before leaving Kuwait. Travelers
who leave Kuwait without completing Kuwaiti exit procedures may
also be required to pay large fines if they return to and attempt
to depart from Kuwait. This includes travelers proceeding via Kuwait
to and from Iraq. Effective May 15, 2007, the Government of Kuwait
no longer admits travelers with a contractor identification card.
All contractors entering or transiting the State of Kuwait should
have a valid passport. Visas can be obtained upon arrival in Kuwait
for a fee of 3 Kuwaiti Dinar (KD).
Kuwaiti officials are extremely sensitive about travel to Iraq.
There have been instances in which Americans, especially those of
Iraqi descent, have been detained for questioning at ports of entry/exit.
Americans seeking to travel to Iraq through Kuwait have also on
occasion been turned around and/or detained. On a number of occasions
the border between Iraq and Kuwait has been closed without notice,
stranding Americans on either side of the border.
Kuwaitis and non-Kuwaitis, including Americans, charged with criminal
offenses, placed under investigation, or involved in unresolved
financial disputes with local business partners, are subject to
travel bans. These bans, which are rigidly enforced, prevent the
individual from leaving Kuwait for any reason until the matter is
resolved. Travel bans can be initiated by any person for almost
any reason and may remain in place for a substantial period of time
while the case is being investigated. Expatriates have been detained
in Kuwait for cases with seemingly little or no evidence or legal
merit. A person with influence with the Kuwaiti government can ensure
that a travel ban remains in place even if a judge or government
official states the ban should be lifted. In the case of purely
financial disputes, it may be possible to depart the country if
a local sponsor pledges funds equal to the amount in dispute. Once
such legal orders are in place, the U.S. Embassy can assist American
citizens in obtaining legal representation, but cannot overcome
the ban on exit from the country until the matter is resolved."
- US State Dept
For non-US Citizen requirements, please contact
us for updated information.
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