Home Arrow News Arrow What to Avoid in Kuwait – Essential Tips for Every Traveler

What to Avoid in Kuwait – Essential Tips for Every Traveler

Icon User By Axel Donovan | Update on: Dec 26, 2025

Kuwait is an enchanting society of contemporary glamour and s trong Islamic culture. The country is renowned in terms of warm hospitality and great architecture, as well as a solid cultural identity that attracts visitors from all nations all over the world. Also, similarly to many other Gulf countries, Kuwait adheres to a conservative lifestyle. Understanding what to avoid in Kuwait will help you enjoy your trip respectfully and confidently while staying within the country’s laws and customs.

Another important thing to remember before you pack and travel to Kuwait is to apply for your Kuwait eVisa using Kuwait Immigration Services, a fast and sure method of getting official permission to visit the state. Once you arrive, knowing the basic rules and social norms will ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay.

What to Avoid in Kuwait

What to Avoid in Kuwait

1. Public Displays of Affection (PDA)

One of the first things to remember about what to avoid in Kuwait is public affection. Although it is natural to hold hands or even kiss in the streets of developed countries, it is discouraged here. Public displays of affection such as kissing or intimate hugging are discouraged and may be considered inappropriate in Kuwait.

Married couples are also supposed to be discreet in public areas. Even such simple gestures as hugging or even such lengthy touching may draw unwanted attention or even a legal problem. Keep love personal and respect the national tradition.

2. Revealing or Inappropriate Clothing

In Kuwait, clothing is supposed to be modest. In spite of the fact that the nation is modern and women are not obliged to wear hijabs and abayas, it is better to dress conservatively. Short shorts, mini skirts, sleeveless tops, and anything revealing should be avoided in a social place, like a mall, market, or restaurant.

Men are also advised to avoid wearing tank tops or overly casual beachwear in public areas, as modest dress is generally expected. Having a sense of rules in Kuwait is a great source of respecting the cultural dress code, which can assist visitors in mingling well with the rest of the population.

Women in festive and traditional clothingWomen in festive and traditional clothing

3. Drinking Alcohol or Bringing It into the Country

Alcohol is forbidden in Kuwait. Sale, importation and consumption of alcohol anywhere in the country are against the law. Visitors found possessing or consuming alcohol may face fines, imprisonment, or deportation.

Rather, savor some of the non-alcoholic drinks that are common in the Kuwaiti culture, e.g., mint tea, laban (yogurt-based beverage) or fresh fruit juices. This law is important to any individual learning the Kuwait regulations on foreigners, since the cases of alcohol are dealt with seriously.

Alcohol is forbidden in Kuwait Alcohol is forbidden in Kuwait 

4. Disrespecting Religion or the Government

The Kuwaiti life revolves around religion. Do not criticize Islam, the Prophet Muhammad, or anything about the religion. Such activities are deemed very offensive and may attract very serious consequences under the law.

In the same way, one should not talk or write about politics, criticize the Emir, or criticize the government. Although Kuwait is relatively open compared to some neighboring countries, criticism of the Emir, the government, or Islam can result in serious legal consequences, especially for foreigners.

When in doubt, keep conversations positive and respectful.

5. Using Offensive Gestures or Language

When a person speaks with offensive language or has offensive hand signs or yells in the street, it can be regarded as an act of disrespect. Even offending someone and shouting might lead to turning oneself in to the police.

Using the right hand when eating, greeting, or offering items is considered polite in Kuwaiti culture, while using the left hand may be seen as impolite in traditional settings. You must always use your right hand when socializing and talk in a calm manner and in a polite way.

These subtleties will allow you to respect the rules in Kuwait and not disagree.

6. Taking Photos Without Permission

Photography is not an exception among tourists, but it is essential to pay attention to the subject you are photographing. Photography is generally allowed in public places, but taking photos of local women without permission, as well as military sites, police officers, or government buildings, is strictly prohibited. This would either result in fines or the seizure of your camera.

To take pictures of people, markets, etc., you should ask before taking any. The Kuwaitis are generally inviting people and will be glad to have their privacy intact.

7. Eating or Drinking in Public During Ramadan

Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset during the holy month of Ramadan. The non-Muslims, too, are supposed to observe the public fasting etiquette, i.e., you are not supposed to eat and drink, or smoke in the open during the day.

The restaurants usually close until after sunset, but some of them can also have takeout behind the covered structures. Violation of this rule may lead to punishment because this is considered a show of disrespect to the local religion and tradition.

When you come during Ramadan, you should make your plans and eat in advance before the sun goes down and the city is covered with iftar dinners and cultural feasts.

8. Displaying LGBTQ+ Symbols or Acts

The LGBTQ+ relationships are not legally recognized in Kuwait, and such manifestations are not tolerated. The presence of rainbow flags, symbols of the LGBTQ+ or same-sex affection, may have legal repercussions.

Same-sex relationships are not legally recognized in Kuwait, and public displays or symbols associated with LGBTQ+ identities may lead to legal or social difficulties for visitors.

9. Using or Carrying Drugs

Possession, usage, or trafficking of drugs is a grave criminal offense in Kuwait. Drug trafficking carries extremely severe penalties, including long prison sentences and, in extreme cases involving large-scale trafficking, the death penalty. A simple act of carrying prescription drugs without the relevant documentation may lead to complications in customs.

When you come with medication, carry a prescription from a doctor (preferably translated into English or Arabic), and at the airport, they may ask you to disclose it.

Don't use or carrying drugsDon't use or carrying drugs

10. Littering or Damaging Public Property

Kuwait boasts of clean cities. Littering in the streets, on beaches, or in parks may attract fines. Disposing of waste maintains proper waste disposal and observes social distancing.

Otherwise, do not deface property, graffiti, or destroy facilities. These are not only regulations in Kuwait but also the general principles of responsible travelling.

Don't LitterDon't Litter

11. Loud Behavior and Public Arguments

Kuwaitis are polite and soft-spoken. It may be seen as impoliteness to raise your voice, argue in front of some people, and express anger. In case of a dispute, be calm and collected.

When there are any conflicts with locals, it would be better to stand aside or call the police, in case of need. Remaining calm is a way of ensuring that your relationships remain healthy and that there is no worsening of a situation.

12. Showing the Soles of Your Feet

Some may not consider this important, but in Arab culture, you must not present the soles of your feet or shoes to an individual as a sign of disrespect. In more traditional or formal settings, showing the soles of your feet may be considered impolite, especially when interacting with elders or officials.

Small gestures like this go a long way in demonstrating cultural awareness and respect.

13. Practical Tips for Travelers

Understanding what to avoid in Kuwait is only half the journey. To make the most of your trip, you should also know Kuwait what to do:

  • Visit landmarks like the Kuwait Towers, The Avenues Mall, and Al Shaheed Park.
  • Explore traditional souks for local crafts and spices.
  • Try authentic Kuwaiti dishes such as machboos and harees.

Above all, never leave your passport behind, and be cautious of rules regarding foreigners in relation to identification, photography, and conduct in the country of Kuwait.

Prior to your trip, you should apply to a Kuwait eVisa at Kuwait Immigration Services. It is not complex, and the permission is normally passed within a few days, which saves time at the airport.

14. Conclusion

It may also be a very interesting experience simply because of visiting Kuwait by knowing what to avoid in Kuwait and also by respecting the local culture. Dress code and etiquette during Ramadan: by adhering to these rules, you will be safe, comfortable, and well-liked by the locals.

Kuwait has a rare combination of both tradition and modernity, a nation whose ancient hospitality is combined with modern development. By following rules in Kuwait and approaching your visit with an open mind, you’ll enjoy everything this remarkable nation has to offer.

And do not forget to secure your visit to Kuwait through your online Kuwait e-Visa application with Kuwait Immigration Services, the safest and most convenient method to acquire legal entry into the country and begin exploring Kuwait without any hesitations.


 

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