The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated ravel guidance, warning British nationals wishing to cross the border without residency must contact the British Embassy
The Foreign Office has alerted UK tourists to potential turmoil at Kuwait’s border in a fresh travel advisory. The FCDO has updated its travel guidance for Kuwait overnight on Tuesday, April 21, into Wednesday, April 22.
The FCDO has issued the “addition of information about crossing the Saudi-Kuwait border” through its ‘Warnings and insurance’ page. Within it, the FCDO states: “British nationals wishing to cross into Kuwait, who do not have residency there and intend to make use of the visa on arrival facility, must contact the British Embassy in Kuwait 24 hours in advance.
“The British Embassy will share names and passport details with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who will determine entry.”
The FCDO continued: “British nationals who are trying to leave Kuwait via Saudi Arabia and who are travelling on British Emergency Travel Documents, Emergency Passports, or passports with less than 6 months remaining validity, should call the helplines for British Embassy Riyadh +966 (0) 11481 9100 or British Consulate Jeddah +966 (0)126225550 for advice.”
The alert arrives amidst the upheaval in the Middle East, with the US, Israel and Iran conflict ongoing.
The FCDO continued: “If you judge it is safe to leave Kuwait the following land border crossings into Saudi Arabia are currently open as of 3 March: Al Salmi / Ar – Ruqi and Al Nuwaisib / Al -Khafji.
“If you plan to use commercial options to depart, check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator, as well as the instructions of local authorities and the status of any border crossings before you travel.”, reports Birmingham Live.
“Make sure you have access to emergency supplies and essential medication. Travel within or out of Kuwait is at your own risk.
“Keep your departure plans under review and ensure your travel documents are up to date, including any visas required for onward travel.
“British national residents who need an exit permit must apply for it via the Sahel App. If your employer or sponsor refuses to issue the exit permit without a valid legal or financial reason (such as outstanding fines, residency validity, court cases, bank dues), you can appeal through the Public Authority of Manpower (PAM).
“If you do not get a response from PAM within 24 hours, you can contact the British Embassy for assistance.”
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