Kuwait’s Interior Ministry has announced that Kuwait visa extension rules will change from September 1, 2026, with automatic extensions for entry visas and leave permits coming to an end.
Under the new measures, automatic extensions for visit visas of people currently in Kuwait will no longer continue. The ministry said normal legal validity periods and procedures would be restored.
The decision will also affect leave permits for foreign residents living outside Kuwait. Their regular validity periods will be reinstated under the standard rules and procedures.
However, foreign nationals who leave Kuwait on or before August 31, 2026, will remain eligible for the additional exceptional extension under the existing regulations, according to the reported measures.
The ministry has also clarified the process for expatriates who are outside Kuwait. The residency permit status certificate issued through the Sahel application will serve as the official reference for determining the expiry date of their leave period.
Expatriates living abroad will therefore need to return to Kuwait within the date shown on their residency permit status certificate. The change is expected to affect residents who rely on extended leave periods to remain outside the country.
The new Kuwait visa extension policy marks a return to normal visa and permit procedures. Foreign residents and visitors are advised to check their official documents and applicable deadlines before making travel arrangements.
