The Ministry of Interior has issued a crucial advisory regarding the use of Civil ID cards for travel between Kuwait and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. According to the latest directive, citizens cannot use their Civil ID as a travel document if their passport is invalid, lost, or withdrawn. This regulation applies until the holder of a withdrawn passport receives a certificate of withdrawal, which may take up to two weeks to be issued.

Key Highlights of the New Decision

1. Civil ID Card Restrictions

The Ministry has clarified that the use of a Civil ID card for travel is only permissible when the passport is valid. The new regulation prevents citizens from leaving Kuwait with a Civil ID if their passport has been lost, withdrawn, or is invalid.

2. Impact at Border Crossings

This regulation is enforced at all border crossing points. Both male and female citizens will be prohibited from departing Kuwait with a Civil ID, as long as their passport status meets the specified conditions.

3. Ministerial Resolution No. 2646/2024

In line with the ministerial resolution, the Civil ID card can act as a substitute travel document between Kuwait and GCC countries. This includes travel to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, provided the passport remains valid.

Article 1 of Ministerial Resolution No. 2646/2024: Details

The Ministry's new directive emphasizes that, under Article 1 of the ministerial resolution, the Kuwaiti Civil ID can be used as a transit document. This measure is aimed at streamlining travel within the GCC, simplifying the process for those holding valid Civil IDs.

For citizens whose passports are invalid, lost, or withdrawn, it is essential to obtain a withdrawal certificate from the authorities. This certificate is a prerequisite for reusing the Civil ID card as a travel document. Citizens must anticipate a maximum two-week processing period for receiving the certificate.