The U.S. Department of State announced on Thursday the full suspension of operations at the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait City, citing heightened security risks stemming from ongoing regional instability in the Middle East.
In a formal media note released this afternoon, the State Department emphasized that no U.S. personnel had been injured in recent incidents, but reiterated that the safety of Americans abroad remains its top priority.
The decision follows a series of escalating events in the region, including reported strikes near diplomatic facilities and broader threats of armed conflict.
“The Department of State announced the suspension of operations at U.S. Embassy Kuwait City,” the note stated.
“While there have been no reported injuries to U.S. personnel, the safety of Americans abroad remains the highest priority of the U.S. Department of State.”
The embassy’s closure comes after earlier measures, including an ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members earlier this week (announced around March 2–3, 2026), and multiple security alerts urging shelter-in-place protocols.
Reports from diplomatic sources and media outlets indicate that smoke was observed rising near the embassy compound following drone or missile activity on or around March 2, though the U.S. government has not publicly confirmed specific attacks on the facility itself.
The U.S. Travel Advisory for Kuwait remains at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, unchanged from recent updates.
American citizens currently in Kuwait are strongly advised to depart the country if they can do so safely, using commercial flights or other available transportation options. For those unable to leave immediately, the State Department recommends sheltering in place.
“U.S. citizens in Kuwait should depart the country, if they can do so safely, using commercial or other available transportation options. U.S. citizens unable to depart should shelter in place,” the media note advised.
Emergency consular services have also been suspended, with routine and non-emergency appointments canceled indefinitely.
In the interim, U.S. citizens requiring urgent assistance, including consular support or information on departure routes, are directed to contact the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs around the clock: From abroad: +1-202-501-4444; from the United States and Canada: +1-888-407-4747
The State Department further urged all Americans in the region to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov to receive real-time security alerts and updates from nearby U.S. missions.
