Kuwait preparing to allow vaccinated expats to re-enter as travel restrictions ease

Kuwait is making its preparations to re-open its borders to expatriates as it tries to kickstart its travel industry, the health ministry said.

Health ministry spokesperson, Abdullah Al-Sanad, said in a press statement on Friday that Kuwait Airport will allow the return of fully vaccinated expats starting 1 August, as per a decision made by the government.

The ministry's team will conduct authenticity checks on the vaccination certificates of travellers who were vaccinated outside of Kuwait, he added.

Al-Sanad said vaccinated expats who will return to Kuwait must upload their vaccination certificates on the ministry's website for confirmation.

A government statement released on Tuesday said only fully vaccinated citizens will be allowed to leave the country

The rule applies to everyone, except children under age of 16, those with a health ministry certificate saying they cannot be vaccinated, and pregnant women who have a pregnancy proof certificate from authorities.

Also on Tuesday, the country's civil aviation authority said that all arrivals in Kuwait must have a negative Covid-19 PCR test before they board their flights and must not be showing any symptoms.

All arrivals will have to be home quarantined for seven days unless they take a Covid-19 PCR test inside Kuwait that comes out negative.

The Kuwaiti government on Monday eased some coronavirus related restrictions and resumed all activities except for gatherings which include conferences, weddings, and social events.