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The Kuwait embassy in Lisbon issued a statement alerting citizens that the new Portuguese legislation banning clothing which conceals the face will enter into force on September 23. Violations will result in fines ranging from 400 to 3,000 euros, the embassy said. The prohibition extends to public roads, open spaces, government service facilities, sports events and demonstrations, according to the diplomatic mission’s advisory.
The law further prohibits forcing any individual to cover their face through threats, violence or coercion, with penalties including up to two years imprisonment or a financial sanction. Aggravated punishments apply if the victim is a minor, the embassy noted in its communication distributed on September 19. Kuwaiti authorities emphasized the importance of understanding these regulations prior to travel.
Travelers from Kuwait have been encouraged to adhere strictly to Portuguese legal requirements to prevent any penalties or complications during their stay. The embassy recommended reviewing all local laws and consulting official sources for the latest updates on compliance. Emergency assistance is available through the mission’s dedicated hotline or the foreign ministry’s consular center, the statement added.
Portugal’s National Assembly passed the measure on July 17, with the text published in the official gazette on August 24, setting the 30-day countdown to implementation, the Times Kuwait reported. The legislation, known as Law 58/2026, addresses identification and public safety in shared spaces. Similar statutes exist in more than 20 European countries, a review by SIC Noticias indicated.
Exemptions under the law cover scenarios related to health needs, occupational safety equipment, artistic or promotional activities and inclement weather conditions, according to an analysis by The Portugal News. However, these carve-outs do not extend to standard public streets, commercial venues or transportation hubs outside of specified exceptions. Places of worship, diplomatic premises and aircraft remain outside the scope of the ban.
The advisory follows a comparable notice from the Saudi embassy in Portugal to its citizens regarding the impending enforcement, various regional outlets reported. Both missions stressed the universal application of the rule to all visitors regardless of nationality. Officials at the Kuwait embassy remain available to provide further guidance on the matter in line with established protocols.
