UK Foreign Office to its citizens: The situation in Kuwait is safe... No objection to traveling there
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has lifted its previous advice against all but essential travel to Kuwait, and has again advised its nationals that “the situation in Kuwait is currently safe, and there is no objection to traveling there.” This comes in a new update to the FCDO’s travel guidance for Kuwait, reflecting an improvement in the British Foreign Office’s assessment of the risks associated with travel to the country, despite ongoing uncertainty stemming from regional tensions.
In an update published yesterday, the ministry stated that “the Foreign Office no longer advises against all but essential travel to Kuwait,” after such advice had previously been included in its travel warnings for the country.
Conversely, the British Foreign Office maintained its warnings regarding security developments in the region, noting that the situation in the Middle East “remains unpredictable,” with risks linked to the possibility of new attacks or unexpected escalation. It pointed out that the United States and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding on June 17 related to the Middle East conflict, but regional tensions have persisted. The update highlighted reciprocal strikes and attacks since July 8 at several sites in the region, “including Kuwait,” targeting US military and civilian infrastructure.
The FCDO emphasized that British citizens in the Middle East should be prepared for the possibility of flight cancellations or periodic airspace closures, as well as potential disruptions to travel movements.
Regarding travel to or transit through Kuwait, the British Foreign Office confirmed that Kuwait International Airport is currently operating through Passenger Terminals 4 and 5, which serve Kuwait Airways, Jazeera Airways, and several foreign airlines. It noted that flight schedules remain reduced, urging travelers to verify their flight details with airlines before heading to the airport and to follow instructions issued by Kuwaiti authorities.
The FCDO urged its citizens in the region to continuously monitor their departure plans, ensure the validity of their travel documents, and stay updated on the latest developments concerning airports and airspace that could be closed with little notice. It also advised avoiding areas surrounding security and military facilities and complying with local authorities’ instructions in the event of directives to shelter in place or remain indoors.
The FCDO’s update comes as Kuwait continues to bolster its security measures and address the repercussions of regional tensions. The downgrade of the British travel warning for Kuwait serves as a significant indicator for British travel flows to the country, particularly given the continued operation of Kuwait International Airport.
