Kuwait scraps most COVID-19 restrictions

Update Kuwait scraps most COVID-19 restrictions
Travelers arrive at Kuwait international airport in Kuwait City. (File/AFP)
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Updated 16 February 2022
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Kuwait scraps most COVID-19 restrictions

Kuwait scraps most COVID-19 restrictions
  • Social distancing in mosques will be abolished
  • The recent announcement clarified that unvaccinated people will now be allowed to travel and enter malls

DUBAI: Kuwait announced on Tuesday that it will remove social distancing guidelines in mosques, public transportation, cinemas, theaters, and banquet halls. 

The decision, which comes into effect on Feb. 20, was revealed during the weekly cabinet meeting, according to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).
 
A ban on in-person events, such as conferences, training courses, weddings, and funerals, has also been scrapped. 

The recent announcement clarified that unvaccinated people will now be allowed to travel and enter malls. 

Unvaccinated travelers will need to submit a negative PCR test certificate conducted within 72 hours prior to departure, quarantine for seven days and undergo another PCR test at the end of their quarantine period. 

These rules do not apply to unvaccinated travelers who are under 16 years of age. 

Meanwhile, pre-departure, post-arrival testing and home quarantine guidelines have been removed for arriving travelers who have received three COVID-19 shots of vaccines approved by Kuwaiti authorities. 

People who have only received two jabs of the coronavirus vaccine will be exempted from undergoing pre-departure PCR testing but will be required to quarantine for seven days upon arriving in Kuwait. The seven-day period can end at any given time if a negative PCR test result is presented. 

Additionally, the weekly PCR test requirement for unvaccinated students under the age of 16 has also been scrapped for those who wish to attend classes in person. 

Cabinet members explained that people categorized as ‘unvaccinated’ are those who have no received two shots of a vaccine approved by Kuwait’s government or those who’ve taken two doses more than nine months ago