Corona update: screening travelers from 10 countries

Following the continued spread of the novel coronavirus worldwide, the Kuwaiti government started screening travelers coming from the Philippines and 9 other countries arriving in the Gulf state beginning on March 8.

The Kuwait Directorate General for Civil Aviation made the announcement on Wednesday, March 4, saying the new measure would cover expat passengers coming from the Philippines, India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Syria, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Georgia, and Lebanon. Meanwhile, Qatari government imposed temporary travel restrictions banning the entry of travellers from the Philippines and 13 other countries.

Travelers from these countries will need to undergo a medical examination in Kuwait and submit PCR certificate confirming they are not infected with the coronavirus or risk being deported from Kuwait.
The Kuwaiti government emphasized medical certificates must be issued by health centers approved by the countries’ respective embassies in Kuwait. If there is no embassy setup, medical certificates must be issued by respective health authorities of the above mentioned countries.

The Kuwaiti government warned that passengers entering Kuwait without the required certificate will be denied entry and deported on the same airplane used to travel to the country. The government will also fine airline companies for violating its rules on ensuring passengers carried the required medical certificates.