Cairo: Expatriates, unable to get the jab against COVID-19 for health reasons, will not be allowed to enter Kuwait, an airport source has said, as the country is set to lift a ban in place since February on non-Kuwaitis’ entry.
However, foreign children under the age of 16 will be allowed into Kuwait starting August 1 on condition they are escorted by their parents who have received two doses of the vaccine, the source at the Kuwaiti International Airport told Al Qabas newspaper.
In recent months, Kuwait has tightened travel measures to limit the spread of coronavirus, including suspending flights with several countries.
“Direct air routes with the high-risk countries will not reopen to protect the health system in the country,” the source said.
Kuwait has recently seen a steep drop in virus infection rates.
According to a circular issued by the Kuwaiti Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the vaccinated expatriates to be allowed into the country, who have already received vaccination against COVID-19, are required to register themselves in the health Shlonik app and the Kuwait Musafer platform, necessary for all passengers travelling to and from the country.
As for the expatriates inoculated abroad with vaccines approved in Kuwait, they will have to get their vaccination certificates accredited by uploading them on the Health Ministry website while proving electronically they have received the jabs before boarding their flights heading to Kuwait. On arrival in Kuwait, they need to complete registration via the Shlonik app and the Kuwait Musafar platform.
Vaccines approved in Kuwait are two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Moderna and one dose of Johnson & Johnson
Since February 7, non-Kuwaitis have been barred from travelling to Kuwait. The ban is due to be lifted on August 1 when vaccinated foreign residents, who have a valid residency permit can enter Kuwait.
