Travel Safety

Kuwait faces an increased risk of terrorism, particularly targeting military bases. It's crucial to stay alert and be mindful of your surroundings for your safety. Always heed the advice given by local authorities.

Be cautious during demonstrations and protests, as they can escalate into violence rapidly. Avoid large crowds, especially during Friday prayer times. Keep in mind that internationals are not allowed to participate in protests in the country according to Kuwaiti law.

While Kuwait generally has a low crime rate, it is advised that visitors pay attention to your surroundings, particularly in the Jahra and Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh areas.

Driving can be hazardous due to speeding and reckless behavior, especially at night. It's best to avoid driving on unfamiliar or unmarked roads.

Extreme weather conditions are common in Kuwait. Sand and dust storms occur frequently, while temperatures soar above 50°C between June and September. Flooding may happen between December and January. Stay informed about weather updates and follow the guidance provided by local authorities to stay safe.

Healthcare Services In Kuwait 

While certain medical facilities provide excellent care, others may not meet the same standards. Additionally, it's important to note that certain hospitals, even private ones, may not accommodate foreigners. If you find yourself facing a serious illness or injury, it may necessitate medical evacuation. Make sure your travel insurance includes coverage for this, as medical evacuations can be costly and challenging to arrange.

Local Laws in Kuwait

1. Contact Your Embassy: If you're a foreigner in Kuwait and get detained or arrested, the local authorities might not inform your Embassy. Make sure someone you trust, like a family member, friend, or colleague, reaches out to the Embassy immediately if something happens.
2. Drug and Alcohol Laws: Remember, possessing, using, making, or trafficking drugs is against the law in Kuwait. The consequences can be serious, like hefty fines, jail time, or even the death penalty. Also, buying, selling, bringing in, carrying, or drinking alcohol is illegal and can lead to fines, imprisonment, or deportation.
3. Legal Advice: For any legal matters about business or family law, it's wise to seek advice from local legal professionals. What might seem minor in other countries could be a big deal in Kuwait, so it's better to be informed.
4. Respect for Authority: Kuwait has strict rules about showing respect to its leader, the Emir. Criticizing or challenging the Emir in any way is illegal. This includes talking about political matters or figures, including the Emir, on social media.
5. LGBTQI+ Rights and Relationships: Kuwait has strict laws regarding LGBTQI+ issues. Being in a same-sex relationship or pretending to be a different gender is against the law. Kuwait doesn't recognize different gender identities. Also, unmarried couples can't live together or share hotel rooms, and showing affection publicly between men and women is not allowed.
6. Dress and Conduct: Keep in mind that Kuwaiti standards for clothing and behavior are conservative. Avoid wearing shorts or tight clothes, especially in places like Jahra and Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, and be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Travel Tips

Make sure you've got your visa sorted beforehand. You can either get it on arrival or apply for a Kuwait e-visa. But keep in mind, that the rules for entry and exit can change quickly. It's best to check with the nearest Kuwaiti embassy or consulate for the latest info. Oh, and if there's an Israeli stamp on your passport, you might have trouble getting in.

Once you're in Kuwait, you'll be dealing with Kuwaiti Dinars (KWD) for currency. ATMs and electronic payments are pretty common, but some places might not accept foreign cards, so it's good to have cash handy.

If you're planning to explore the desert or hit the beaches, be careful. There could be leftover weapons like landmines lying around. Stick to well-traveled paths and avoid picking up anything suspicious on the beaches.

Heading towards the borders with Iraq or Saudi Arabia? Not a good idea without permission. Those areas are off-limits and patrolled by armed guards. And avoid traveling to Iraq unless you've got all the right paperwork sorted and use official border crossings.

One last thing to keep in mind - if you've got unpaid debts or fines in Kuwait, you might not be allowed to leave. So, it's best to settle any outstanding payments before you try to depart.