Kuwait’s residency authorities announced in April 2026 that embassy-extended expired passports could be accepted for residency transactions. As of 10 September 2026, the public official residency pages do not state whether this exceptional measure remains open, so residents should confirm their individual case with the Ministry of Interior before relying on it.
What the Circular Says
Brigadier General Farid Al-Mutairi, Director General of the General Department of Residency Affairs, issued the circular to departments under the residency directorate on 15 April 2026.
According to reporting by the Arab Times, the directive told staff to accept residents whose passports had expired and could not be renewed, provided the passports had been extended through their embassies.
The reported requirements were:
- Embassy extension stamp: The passport carries an official extension stamp from the holder’s embassy or consulate in Kuwait.
- Embassy letter: The embassy issues a letter confirming the validity of the passport extension.
- MOFA authentication: The embassy letter is authenticated by Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Because the circular was an exceptional measure and no current end date is published on the official residency-service pages, applicants should confirm that all three requirements are still being accepted before submitting a transaction.
Why This Matters for Expats in Kuwait
Kuwait International Airport is not closed. The UK government’s Kuwait travel advice, current on 6 September 2026, says Terminals 4 and 5 are operating for Kuwait Airways, Jazeera Airways and foreign carriers, while Terminal 1 remains closed and schedules are reduced.
The airport’s official published timetable includes services through September and October 2026. A timetable is an advertised schedule, not confirmation that a particular flight has departed or that seats are available.
The April passport measure may still matter to residents whose embassy cannot issue a replacement quickly, but it should not be treated as a substitute for a valid passport for travel or for services outside the residency directorate.
What to Do Now If Your Passport Has Expired
- Contact your embassy in Kuwait and ask whether it can issue a new passport or, if necessary, extend the existing passport and provide a confirmation letter.
- Ask the General Department of Residency Affairs whether the April circular still applies to your transaction and which documents are currently required.
- If instructed, have the embassy letter authenticated by Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Check the status of the residency transaction through the Ministry of Interior residency services or the Sahel app.
The April circular concerned transactions handled by the General Department of Residency Affairs. It did not establish that an embassy-extended passport would be accepted for travel, banking or every other government service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a completely expired passport without an embassy extension?
The April circular reportedly required an embassy extension stamp and an authenticated embassy letter. Confirm the current requirements with Kuwait’s residency authorities before applying.
Does this apply to all government services in Kuwait?
No general rule covering all services was announced. The reported directive concerned the General Department of Residency Affairs and its sub-departments.
My embassy can issue a new passport. Do I still need an extension?
Use the replacement process your embassy recommends. The April measure was intended for residents who could not obtain a renewed passport and should not replace a new passport when one is available.
Is Kuwait International Airport open?
Yes. As of 10 September 2026, Terminals 4 and 5 are operating, Terminal 1 remains closed and schedules are reduced; check the airport timetable and your airline’s live status for the specific flight.
Sources
- Arab Times — Residence Department Asked to Accept Expired Passports
- Kuwait Ministry of Interior — Residency e-Services
- Kuwait Government Online — Immigration and Travel Services
- Kuwait International Airport — Official Flights Timetable
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — Kuwait Travel Advice
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
