Kuwait Ends Automatic Visit Visa and Absence Permit Extensions from September 1
Updated: Aug 20
KUWAIT CITY, August 20, 2026 — Kuwait's Ministry of Interior has announced the end of automatic extensions for visit visas and absence permits, with standard legal time limits to be reinstated from September 1, 2026 .
The exceptional measures were introduced following the outbreak of hostilities between the United States and Iran in late February 2026, which resulted in drone and missile strikes targeting Kuwait and other Gulf countries, major disruptions to flights, and weeks of airspace closures .
Published: August 20, 2026 | By VisasUpdate.com Editorial Team
What Changes from September 1
Aspect | Previous (Exceptional) | From September 1, 2026 |
Visit Visas | Automatically extended during crisis | Standard legal periods reinstated |
Absence Permits | Extended for those stuck abroad | Standard periods reinstated |
Extension Process | Automatic, no fee required | Regular procedures apply |
Key Details of the Announcement
Visit Visas
The Ministry of Interior confirmed that automatic extensions for all types of entry (visit) visas for individuals currently in Kuwait will be discontinued from September 1, 2026 . From that date, the legal timeframes, procedures, and regulations governing entry visas will once again apply.
Absence Permits
The legal periods for absence permits will be reinstated for expatriates who are currently abroad. However, a critical exception applies:
"The additional period for absence permits will remain in effect for residents who left the country on or before August 31, 2026."
Official Reference: Sahel App
The Ministry clarified that the residence permit certificate issued through the unified government electronic services application Sahel constitutes the official and approved reference for determining the expiry date of an absence permit .
"Upon returning to the country, residents must comply with the designated period."
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Quick Reference Summary
Aspect | Details |
Announcement Date | August 20, 2026 |
Effective Date | September 1, 2026 |
Visit Visas | No further automatic extensions; standard rules apply |
Absence Permits | Normal legal periods reinstated |
Grace Period | Those who left on/before August 31, 2026 retain extended period |
Official Reference | Sahel app (residence permit certificate) |
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