Kuwait ends US-Iran conflict related visa extensions from September 1: What visitors and residents should know

Kuwait will revert to its regular visa and absence permit rules starting September 1, 2026, ending temporary extensions previously granted from March of the same year. These extensions were introduced to accommodate visitors and residents impacted by the US-Iran conflict-related travel disruptions and airspace closures. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior announced the end of these measures on August 20, reverting to the standard rules that were in place before the emergency period.

Visitors and expatriate residents who were granted three-month absence permits during this time will need to comply with the regular residency rules upon their return. The temporary permits allowed individuals to be outside Kuwait for more than six months without losing their residency status, but those who left before August 31, 2026, will continue to receive the extended period.

To determine the expiration of their absence permit, residents must refer to the validity period indicated on their residency permit certificate, which will be available through the Sahel app.