Travel Ban in Kuwait- How to Check Immigration Ban in 2024
Kuwait is among the most rapidly developing GCC States that impose a travel ban on its citizens and expats off and on. But still, it is the favorite destination for foreigners because of the high wage rates. Recently, the State has opened its borders for its citizens and residents to make it convenient for them to move to and from the country. However, people involved in legal proceedings may still have to face an immigration ban to this oil-rich State. Therefore, it is mandatory to check your status before moving to Kuwait to save you time and money.
What is A Travel Ban?
A travel ban is a document, sometimes a mere command, from the Government or Authorities to prohibit someone from entering or leaving a country. Usually, a travel ban is issued under court or police orders. In Kuwait, a travel ban is issued to protect the personal interests of the people in different situations. Some of those situations are child custody cases, financial defaults, and criminal inquiry proceedings.
Kuwait’s travel ban entails that a person, whether a citizen or expat, who has been issued an immigration ban by the Kuwaiti Government is not permitted to enter or leave the country. However, an individual can easily enter or leave Kuwait after resolving issues.
Reasons for the Kuwait Travel Ban
The Kuwait Government can impose travel restrictions on any individual due to several reasons. Some of the most common reasons are:
Financial Obligations
If you are a Kuwaiti citizen or resident and have outstanding debts, loans, bills, fines, or any other payable dues, you are under travel restrictions to leave the State. However, you can pay your Kuwait ID fines and lift this restriction.
Legal Issues
Individuals facing legal issues in Kuwait cannot leave the country also. If you are under criminal charges or facing a lawsuit, you are under a transit ban until these cases are settled.
Security Reasons
Sometimes, people face travel bans due to security reasons. The Government suspects their involvement in violent groups posing a threat to the country’s security. Kuwait also bans individuals taking part in violence to enter the country.
Custody Battles
Parents under custody battles may also be restricted from leaving Kuwait with the child unless the case is resolved.
Health Crisis
Almost all countries impose total flight restrictions during health emergencies. Kuwait is also among those countries that closed their borders and suspended flights during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Government Orders
While living in Kuwait, you may also have to face travel restrictions on going to some specific place for your safety and protection. However, you are allowed to go there after obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate.
Travel Ban Categories in Kuwait
Kuwaiti Government imposes various kinds of restrictions on its citizens and foreigners to keep a check on who enters or leaves the State. These restrictions are known as Kuwait travel ban categories. It is mandatory for people relocating to this GCC State to check whether they fall under any of these categories and how much effect it can have on their trip. A few examples of travel restrictions in Kuwait are:
1-Complete Ban
It is a rarely imposed restriction because the Kuwaiti Government imposes this restriction during a crisis in the State. A complete travel ban restricts all nationals from entering or leaving the State until the issue is resolved.
2-Limited Ban
A limited travel ban is imposed for special groups of people like tourists, workers, journalists, and welfare staff due to health or security reasons. All other citizens and expats are free to move in and out of the State.
3-Country Warnings
Sometimes, the Kuwaiti Government warns its citizens to travel to a specific country due to violence or political instability. This kind of travel ban comes under the country warnings category. Remember that it is only a warning to save the lives and properties of the citizens. It is not a prohibition, and any citizen can disobey these warnings and travel to those countries at their own risk.
4-Personal Travel Bans
Unlike other travel ban categories, a personal ban is imposed on the selected individual due to a financial or legal issue. Only the individual facing the Ban cannot enter or leave Kuwait unless these issues are resolved.
Kuwait Travel Ban Check
Do you know that Kuwait is a country with a high expat population? Therefore, its laws are designed in such a way as to protect its people and their businesses. A Kuwait travel ban check is an online inquiry to know your status before moving to this Gulf State. There are two ways to check it online:
- Through the Ministry of Interior Website
- Through the Ministry of Justice Website
Through the Ministry of Interior Website
The most convenient way to check your travel restrictions in Kuwait is through the MOI official website. The step-by-step process is as follows:
- Visit the MOI Official portal at https://e.gov.kw/sites/kgoenglish/Pages/eServices/MOI/Personalinquiry.aspx#
- Click on the “Start eServices” button at the bottom of the page.
- On the next screen, there are two options at the top. Navigate to the Signup option if you do not have an account. If you have already registered for the Kuwait Government eServices, Sign into your account.
- After signing in to your account, you will land at the next screen showing a menu. Choose an individual category from this menu and navigate to the “Electronic Inquiries.”
- A new window will open on your screen with different eServices. Search for the “Travel Ban” service with an airplane sign.
- You will see a pop window prompting you to enter your Kuwait Civil ID. Remember that you cannot enjoy eServices unless you have a Civil Status in Kuwait.
- Type your Kuwait ID number carefully and double-check before pressing the “OK” button below the box.
- Your status will be on your screen. If you are facing a travel ban, the MOI Public Inquiry Travel Service will show you the details also. However, in case of no travel restrictions, a pop-up will appear saying “ No Flight Limitations.”
Through the Ministry of Justice Website
To facilitate its citizens and expats, the Kuwaiti Government has also provided an option, “ Inquiry About Travel Ban,” on the Ministry of Justice Website. The detailed process is as follows:
- Go to the Ministry of Justice Portal here
- Enter your Kuwait Civil ID Number in the box
- Here, you will have to enter your Mobile Number also.
- You will receive a verification code to confirm your action.
- Input the verification code in a specific field and press the “Querry” button.
- Your travel ban status will appear on the screen.
The Ministry of Justice also offers the facility of paying your fines online through the official electronic portal of the State. You can proceed with the payment in the below-given steps:
- Enter the Kuwait Ministry of Interior website through the link given at the Ministry of Justice Website and navigate to the “travel ban payment” service
- Type your Civil ID Card Number in the specific box
- Now, enter your email and mobile number
- Click on the search icon, and it will show your ID fines. Go with the payment process. Remember that paying your Kuwait ID Fines through the Ministry of Justice will remove travel ban restrictions after one of the payment receipts.
How to Resolve Travel Ban Issues?
If the MOI eServices inquiry shows your travel ban status, check its details. Remember that you have to pay fines in most cases except for any severe issue that imposes a complete ban on you. After 24-48 hours of paying fines, your status will be updated, and you will be free to move anywhere from the State.
Paying Travel Suspension Fine in Kuwait
Paying your travel suspension fine can help citizens and residents remove Kuwait’s immigration ban. Follow the steps below to pay fines:
- Visit your nearest Ministry of Interior Service Center and tell them your issue.
- They will ask you for details and check your Kuwait ID Fines online.
- You can submit your fine at the counter.
- After paying Kuwait ID fines, your immigration ban will be lifted.
