Foreign Office Issues New Kuwait Travel Advisory
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel guidance for Kuwait, introducing a mandatory requirement for British tourists planning to enter the country. The changes were implemented overnight between Tuesday, April 21, and Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
New Pre-Arrival Contact Requirement
According to the updated advisory, British nationals who do not hold residency in Kuwait and intend to use the visa on arrival facility must now contact the British Embassy in Kuwait at least 24 hours before their planned border crossing. The embassy will then share the traveler's name and passport details with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which will make the final determination on entry permission.
Guidance for Departing Travelers
The FCDO has also provided specific instructions for British nationals attempting to leave Kuwait via Saudi Arabia. Travelers using British Emergency Travel Documents, Emergency Passports, or passports with less than six months of remaining validity are advised to contact the British Embassy in Riyadh or the British Consulate in Jeddah for assistance before attempting to cross the border.
The advisory notes that as of March 3, the Al Salmi/Ar-Ruqi and Al Nuwaisib/Al-Khafji land border crossings into Saudi Arabia are currently open. However, the FCDO emphasizes that travel within or out of Kuwait remains at the individual's own risk.
Additional Travel Recommendations
Travelers are strongly encouraged to keep their departure plans under constant review and ensure all travel documents are up to date, including any visas required for onward travel. The FCDO recommends checking for the latest updates from airlines or tour operators and following instructions from local authorities regarding border crossing status.
British national residents in Kuwait who require exit permits must apply through the Sahel App. If employers or sponsors refuse to issue exit permits without valid legal or financial reasons, residents can appeal through the Public Authority of Manpower (PAM). If no response is received within 24 hours, the British Embassy can be contacted for assistance.
The updated travel guidance comes amid ongoing regional tensions in the Middle East, with continued conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran contributing to travel disruptions and security concerns throughout the area.
