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Before you travelÌý

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:Ìý

• ²õ±ð±ðÌýgeneral advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• ²õ±ð±ðÌýgeneral advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read aboutÌýsafety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insuranceÌý

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.Ìý

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.Ìý

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to�get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.�

Follow FCDO: â¶Ä¯Ì�

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen� passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Kuwait’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Kuwait set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Kuwaiti Embassy in the UK:Ìý

Telephone: 020 7590 3400Ìý

Passport validity requirementsÌý

To enter Kuwait, your passport must have an ‘expiry dateâ€� at least 6 months after the date you arrive.Ìý

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.ÌýÌý

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.Ìý

Previous travel to IsraelÌý

If your passport contains an Israeli stamp, you may be refused a visa or entry to Kuwait.Ìý

Visa requirementsÌý

You must have a visa to visit Kuwait.Ìý

Applying for a visaÌý

You can get a visa on arrival in Kuwait or online. More information is available from the .

Checks at border controlÌýÌý

You must be able to show:Ìý

• a ticket for return or onward travelÌý
• proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel bookingÌýÌý
• work visas (both public and private sector) require further documents from employer. See Ìý

Working or living in KuwaitÌý

For work or residency visas, apply to the Kuwaiti Embassy in London.Ìý

If you’re applying for a residency visa, your passport must be valid for at least 2 years.ÌýYour employers should not keep your passport.Ìý

For further information, read about living in Kuwait.Ìý

Vaccine requirementsÌýÌý

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, .ÌýÌý

Customs rulesÌý

There are strict rules about . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. Failure to declare could result in:Ìý

• imprisonmentÌý
• refusal of entryÌýand possible deportation

It is illegal to import:ÌýÌý

• narcoticsÌýÌý
• alcohol Ìý
• gambling machinesÌý
• pork and pork productsÌý
• pornographic materialÌýÌý

Taking money into KuwaitÌý

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 3000 Kuwaiti dinars (£7,500) or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.Ìý

TerrorismÌýÌý

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.   ÌýÌýÌ�

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.Ìý

Terrorism in KuwaitÌý

Terrorist attacks in Kuwait cannot be ruled out.

Terrorists have threatened to carry out attacks in the Gulf region, including on:ÌýÌý

• residential compoundsÌý
• restaurants and hotelsÌý
• beachesÌý
• shopping centresÌý
• mosquesÌý
• military, oil, transport and aviation interestsÌý

Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.Ìý

Examples of recent significant incidents include:Ìý

• in 2020, 6 minors were arrested in Kuwait on suspicion of links with ISISÌý
• in 2024, 3 individuals were arrested on suspicion of an alleged ISIS plot against a place of worshipÌý
• Red Sea military activityÌý

Regional escalation

Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Lebanon could escalate quickly and pose risks for the wider region.

On 1 October, Iran launched around 200 ballistic missiles at Israel. On 26 October Israel carried out military action against Iran.Ìý

Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast. Follow and contact FCDO travel on , and . You can also get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Read FCDO advice if you’re affected by a crisis abroad.

Political situationÌýÌý

Recent developments in the Middle East have heightened tensions in the region. Planned and pre-approved peaceful protests are legal, however these are for Kuwaiti citizens only. Ìý

There have also been minor, isolated cases of vandalism aimed at some international companies, or calls for them to be boycotted.ÌýÌý

Be mindful of local sensitivities on these issues, stay away from demonstrations or developing crowds and follow the advice of the local authorities.

CrimeÌý

Violent crime against foreigners is rare. However, take care if you plan to travel to Jahra or Jleeb Al Shuyoukh, where there have been incidents of robberies, petty theft and road rage.Ìý

Border crossingsÌýÌý

It is illegal and dangerous to go near Kuwait’s borders without authorisation. Armed guards regularly patrol these areas.ÌýÌý

Kuwait-Saudi Arabia borderÌý

It is easy to miss the border posts between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. You must only use an authorised land border crossing and make sure to get an exit or entry stamp before you continue your journey.Ìý

Kuwait-Iraq borderÌý

If you plan to cross the border from Kuwait into Iraq, make sure you have the correct paperwork. See the website for more information.Ìý

Landmines and unexploded weaponsÌý

There are landmines and other unexploded weapons in Kuwait.ÌýÌý

You should:Ìý

• avoid off-road drivingÌý
• stay on clearly marked identifiable tracks if you travel off-roadÌý
• take great care even if an area has been officially clearedÌý
• not pick up metal, plastic or other objectsÌý

Laws and cultural differencesÌýÌý

Kuwait is a Muslim country. Always respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Make sure your actions do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you visit religious areas.ÌýÌý

Personal IDÌý

As a visiting foreign national, you must always carry your passport. If you are resident in Kuwait, you must always carry your Kuwaiti civil identification card.ÌýÌý

Keep copies of your passport photo page and your visa or entry stamp in a separate place.Ìý

Ramadan Ìý

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not:ÌýÌý

• eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your carÌýÌý
• play loud music or danceÌýÌý
• swear in publicÌýÌý

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.ÌýÌý

You should also:ÌýÌý

• check opening hours of shops and restaurantsÌýÌý
• be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screensÌýÌý
• follow local dress codes â€� clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this timeÌýÌý
• be aware that driving may be erratic, particularly when people are trying to get home at duskÌýÌý
• be patient and show toleranceÌý

Dress codeÌý

Dress and behave modestly in public, particularly in downtown or conservative areas. Women should avoid wearing shorts or tight-fitting or revealing clothing.

Do not expose body piercings or tattoos that may be perceived as extreme or offensive � for example, you could be accused of violating religious sanctity for a tattoo of verse from the holy Quran in Arabic.

Relationships outside of marriageÌý

It is illegal for an unmarried couple to live together in the same house or stay in the same hotel room. You will Ìýbe asked to provide a marriage certificate if sharing a hotel room. Ìý

Public behaviourÌýÌý

It’s illegal to insult or humiliate any person verbally or through obscene gestures in a public place, including a police officer, public official or private individual. Police may arrest you and conviction may lead to prosecution, imprisonment, or immediate deportation.Ìý

It is frowned on for men and women to show affection in public.Ìý

Alcohol lawsÌý

Buying, selling or carrying alcohol and drunken behaviour in public is punishable by a fine or imprisonment and can result in deportation.Ìý

Illegal drugs penaltiesÌýÌý

Penalties for drug trafficking include the death sentence. Possession or use of illegal drugs can lead to a prison sentence of between 5 and 10 years, and a heavy fine. Bail is not usually given and even if found not guilty, you can expect to spend several months in detention while the case progresses through the judicial system.Ìý

Using cameras in secure areasÌý

It is illegal to photograph or take videos of:Ìý

• government buildingsÌýÌý
• military buildingsÌý
• industrial buildings or oil-related infrastructure Ìý
• other restricted areas such as borders and oil fieldsÌý
• record people without their knowledge or consentÌý

Unpaid fines and billsÌýÌý

All foreign nationals must pay traffic fines, phone bills and utility bills before they leave Kuwait. The Kuwaiti authorities may:ÌýÌý

• stop you from leaving the countryÌý
• arrest you, or send you to prisonÌý
• fine youÌý
• deport you, and not allow you to return to KuwaitÌý
• refuse renewal of your residency card or re-entry visaÌýÌý

Financial crimesÌý

Bouncing cheques is illegal and the law does not provide for offenders to be released from custody on bail. Ìý

Commercial disputesÌý

If you’re involved in a commercial dispute with a Kuwaiti company or individual, the Kuwaiti authorities may prevent you from leaving the country until it is resolved.ÌýÌý

LGBT+ travellersÌý

Same-sex activity is illegal.Ìý

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.Ìý

Transport risksÌýÌý

Road travelÌýÌý

If you are planning to drive in Kuwait, see information on driving abroad. Ìý

If you have a visit visa, you can drive in Kuwait using a UK photocard driving licence. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.ÌýÌý

There is also guidance on driving if you live in Kuwait.Ìý

Car insuranceÌý

You must get third-party insurance in Kuwait before you drive.ÌýÌý

If you hire a car, you can usually get insurance through the hire company. If you drive a relative or friend’s car, you’re responsible for getting insurance. You must always keep the insurance document with you while driving.Ìý

Car accidentsÌýÌý

If you have a major accident, where there are serious injuries or a vehicle is not drivable: Ìý

• stay with your vehicle if it is safe to do soÌý
• call the police on 112Ìý
• do not move the vehicle before the police arriveÌý

If you have a minor accident, where there are no serious injuries:Ìý

• take pictures of vehicle damage if it is safe to do soÌý
• record licence plate numbers of vehicles involvedÌý
• move your vehicle to avoid blocking traffic if it is drivable - you can get a fine if you do not do thisÌý
• call the police on 112 and follow their instructionsÌý

Drink-driving ÌýÌý

Drink-driving is a serious offence in Kuwait. If you are tested and found to have any alcohol in your system, you may get a fine, imprisonment, or deportation and the withdrawal of your driving licence.Ìý

Driving conditionsÌý

Driving conditions are hazardous. Many drivers pay little attention to other road users and may:ÌýÌý

• drive faster than speed limitsÌý
• switch lanes without warningÌý
• ignore traffic lightsÌý
• use mobile phones while drivingÌý

Sea travelÌý

Many areas of the Gulf are highly sensitive, including near:ÌýÌý

• maritime boundariesÌý
• Bubiyan and Warbah, northern Gulf islandsÌý
• Abu Musa and the Tunbs, southern Gulf islandsÌý

The area of the northern Gulf between Iran, Iraq and Kuwait has not been demarcated, and vessels entering this area have been detained and inspected. There have been occasional arrests. Make careful enquiries before entering these waters or visiting ports.Ìý

Take extra care when sailing in Kuwaiti waters â€� regional tensions may affect your planned route. There may be an increased risk of attack on vessels in the Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab El Mandeb regions.Ìý

Take care when travelling by dhow, as the safety of these sailing vessels may not be up to UK standards. Make sure life jackets are available.Ìý

Before you travel check that:Ìý

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may needÌý

• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuationÌýÌý

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.Ìý

Emergency medical numberÌý

Call 112 and ask for an ambulance.Ìý

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.Ìý

Vaccine recommendations and health risksÌý

At least 8 weeks before your trip:ÌýÌý

• check the latest Ìý
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the ÌýÌý

MedicationÌý

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.Ìý

Read .Ìý

Healthcare in KuwaitÌý

There is a state medical service with local clinics and several good hospitals. There are also private medical and dental facilities.ÌýÌý

Private medical fees are high. The Kuwaiti government controls fees and has increased them for foreign residents and visitors. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.ÌýÌý

If you work in Kuwait, check whether your employer provides appropriate private medical insurance which includes repatriation. If not, you’re strongly advised to take out personal medical insurance for yourself and any dependants.Ìý

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Kuwait where some staff will speak English.Ìý

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Kuwait.ÌýÌý

Travel and mental healthÌý

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also .Ìý

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.Ìý

Emergency services in KuwaitÌýÌý

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)Ìý

Contact your travel provider and insurerÌý

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.Ìý

Refunds and changes to travelÌý

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.Ìý

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:Ìý

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a providerÌý
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claimÌý

Support from FCDOÌý

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:Ìý

• finding English-speakingâ€� ²¹²Ô»å  in KuwaitÌýÌý
• dealing with aâ€�death in KuwaitÌýÌý
• ²ú±ð¾±²Ô²µâ€�arrested or imprisoned in KuwaitÌý
• getting help if you’re aâ€�victim of crimeÌýÌý
• what to do if you’reâ€�in hospitalÌýÌý
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attackÌý

ContactingÌýFCDOÌý

Help abroad �

SeeÌýÌýincluding in an emergency.Ìý

Help in the UKÌýÌý

You can call�FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad. �

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours) �

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates �

Sign up to�get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. �

Follow FCDO:Ìý

Risk information for British companiesÌýÌý

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Kuwait on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.Ìý