Kuwait Ends Exceptional Visa Measures by September 2026

Kuwait's Ministry of Interior confirmed that temporary immigration measures, which included automatic extensions for visit entry visas and absence permits, will conclude on September 1, 2026. These measures were initially introduced in February 2023, allowing a one-month extension for all types of visit entry visas and a three-month absence permit for residents abroad who exceeded the permitted absence period.

The Ministry stated that from September 1, statutory rules governing entry visas will resume, and residents must adhere to the specified periods in their documentation to avoid violations. The announcement clarifies that the September 1 date is not a universal deadline for all residents outside Kuwait to return but marks the resumption of statutory absence rules.

Residents are advised to check their residence permit certificates via the Sahel app for applicable absence permit expiry dates. The Ministry did not specify the exact statutory periods that will apply.