Kuwait bars public healthcare access for visit visa holders

Kuwait has announced that individuals entering the country on temporary or visit visas will no longer be eligible for services at public hospitals, specialty centres, or primary care clinics. The decision was issued by Health Minister Dr Ahmad Al Awadhi and is intended to prioritize resources for citizens and residents already covered under the national health system, according to a Gulf News report. The policy is part of a “comprehensive health vision” aimed at balancing operational efficiency with fair access, while also reducing overcrowding and pressure on facilities.

In a statement, the ministry said the move is designed to ensure sustainability of the healthcare system, maintain service quality, and direct medical resources to those most in need.

Dr Al Awadhi also met with residents and representatives of the Ahmadi governorate to discuss proposals for transforming the Ahmadi health district into a full medical city and provided updates on the ongoing Sabah Al Ahmad Medical City project.

Kuwait has recently taken other steps to streamline its visa system. Earlier this year, the country removed the minimum salary requirement for family visit visas and launched four types of tourist visas that can be applied for online. These measures were intended to simplify entry for visitors while the new healthcare restriction now clarifies that temporary residents will not have access to public medical services.

The combined changes reflect Kuwait’s effort to manage both the flow of visitors and the availability of public services, ensuring that citizens and long-term residents receive priority access to healthcare.