Kuwait City: In response to the suspension of air traffic caused by the escalating Israel–Iran conflict, Kuwait has stepped in to assist thousands of travelers stranded at border points. Since Iran closed its airspace following Israeli airstrikes last Friday, people from various nationalities have been trying to exit the country through land borders, particularly the Abdali crossing into Kuwait.
According to a report by Arab Times, Kuwait has already facilitated the entry of over 30,000 stranded travelers, with numbers expected to continue rising. The country’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al Sabah has directed the Ministry of Interior to actively coordinate safe entry and repatriation efforts for those affected.
Support Extended to GCC Nationals, Arabs, Europeans, and Asians
Due to suspended air operations in Iran and Iraq, the affected include Kuwaiti citizens, GCC nationals, and travelers from Arab, European, and Asian countries. Kuwait has made arrangements to provide a safe passage, entry permits, and assistance to facilitate onward travel.
Iran–Iraq–Kuwait Transit Route Operational
Travelers are exiting Iran through the Shalamcheh border into Iraq and then continuing through Safwan and Abdali into Kuwait. Once in Kuwait, passengers are being directed to continue their journeys via Kuwait International Airport or through the Nuwaiseeb and Salmi land crossings into Saudi Arabia.
Kuwait is also issuing 7-day transit visas to GCC residents with valid onward travel tickets. In addition, certain European nationals have been granted special entry permits via the airport to enable safe return to their home countries.
Kuwait Deploys 40 Buses for Transportation
To ease internal movement, Kuwait has arranged 40 buses to transport travelers from Safwan to Abdali, ensuring a smooth and coordinated transit process. Customs officials are operating around the clock to handle the large influx efficiently.
Coordination with Embassies for Repatriation
Kuwait’s authorities are working closely with GCC embassies to ensure that stranded nationals can be repatriated swiftly. The Ministry is facilitating all documentation and logistics to guarantee a safe return for affected travelers.
No Injuries Reported Among Kuwaiti Citizens
Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Al Yahya confirmed that all Kuwaiti nationals in Iran are accounted for, with no injuries or casualties reported from the recent Israeli attacks. Citizens located in Tehran, Mashhad, and Qom have been identified, and arrangements are underway to evacuate them through the nearest exit points.
