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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Kuwait travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: June 5, 2024 06:24 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, kuwait - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Kuwait due to the threat of terrorism.

Jaleeb Al-Shuyoukh - AVOID NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL

Avoid non-essential travel to Jaleeb Al-Shuyoukh due to high crime rates.

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There is a threat of terrorism. There is an increased risk of attacks in or near places of worship, particularly Shia places of worship, and heightened security measures have been put in place at these sites. Be particularly vigilant in or near places of worship.

Targets also could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Criminal activity occurs but violent crime is rare, including against foreigners.

You should, however, avoid secluded places or non-residential areas after dark. Locals have sometimes followed Westerners home after dark and then vandalized their parked vehicles. If you suspect you are being followed or you witness suspicious loitering, report it to the local police.

Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Border crossings

Use only official border crossings when crossing from Iraq or Saudi Arabia into Kuwait. Kuwaiti officials consider other crossings illegal.

Armed guards patrol the borders. There have been recent exchanges of gunfire.

Women’s safety

Women have been physically and verbally harassed. Do not travel alone, especially after dark.

Advice for women travellers

Munitions and landmines

Unexploded munitions and landmines from the 1991 Gulf War pose hazards in rural areas, picnic spots, beaches and desert areas. Monitor children closely. Do not touch suspicious unfamiliar objects.

Weapons are readily available, and accidental shootings have occurred.

Public transportation

Use only officially marked taxis, and pre-negotiate fares.

Road safety

Accidents are common and due mainly to unsafe driving practices such as reckless driving. Exercise caution when driving after dark. Avoid off-road driving due to residual landmines.

Exercise caution if travelling by sea, including for recreational purposes, in the Gulf, particularly around the Abu Mousa, Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb islands, as both Iran and the United Arab Emirates claim sovereignty over the islands.

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report  - International Maritime Bureau

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Kuwaiti authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Kuwait.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Travel documents with an X in the "sex" field

The Kuwaiti authorities will deny you entry if your passport shows an X in the “sex” field or if it includes an observation to that effect.

Tourist visa: required Business visa: required Student visa: required

You can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival. If you need a business or student visa, you must get it at an embassy or consulate of Kuwait before arrival.

Arriving without a visa could lead to refused entry or a lengthy delay.

Canadians travelling with a regular passport can also get a tourist, business or visit visa online. You must present a copy of this visa for verification on arrival.

Apply for a tourist, business or visit visa  - Ministry of interior

Other entry requirements

A round-trip or onward travel ticket is required to obtain a transit visa.

Residence permit

The expiry date of a residence permit cannot exceed that of a passport. In order to ensure the longest possible permit validity period, renew your passport before your residence permit expires.

If you intend to work in Kuwait, you must obtain a certified criminal record check for each individual or dependent family member over the age of 18 who will be residing in the country.

You must have certified criminal record checks authenticated by Global Affairs Canada and by the Embassy of the State of Kuwait before travelling to Kuwait. You must do this no more than 3 months before arriving there.

Canadians who intend to work in Kuwait must also obtain a police clearance from Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior (MOI) upon their arrival. Visit the Embassy of Canada to Kuwait to obtain the letter required to apply for the MOI’s police clearance.

• Authentication of documents
• Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada

Regional travel

Canadians have been denied entry into Kuwait because their passports bore an Israeli visa or border stamp, or an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel (such a stamp would indicate entry from Israel).

• Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) have been reported in this destination. The risk to travellers is low; MERS is primarily spread through contact with camels or camel-based products (raw milk, meat, urine). It can also spread through close contact, such as when caring for an infected person. 

Avoid contact with animals (especially camels), camel-based products, and wash your hands frequently.

Prevention of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)

MERS symptoms range from mild and flu-like to more severe pneumonia-like symptoms, and can result in death.

There is no vaccine or medication that protects against MERS.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Modern medical care is available through government-run clinics and hospitals. Immediate cash payment is often required.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

The work week is from Sunday to Thursday.

You must carry an international driving permit.

In the event of an accident, do not attempt to move the vehicle, even if it impedes traffic. Kuwaiti law states that the driver must wait for the police to make an official report.

Digital cameras register traffic violations.

Authorities may hold suspects as well as witnesses to incidents for lengthy periods without access to legal counsel or consular officials. Even if access is granted, it may be severely limited by Kuwaiti authorities. Authorities may withhold the passport of an individual involved in legal processes, pending resolution of the case. This could result in the delay of a planned departure.

There is a zero-tolerance policy regarding drinking and driving. Consequences include heavy fines, imprisonment or deportation.

International Driving Permit

Penalties for possession, use and trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines, lengthy jail sentences or even the death penalty. The possession of illegal drugs, even a very small amount, could result in arrest and imprisonment.

Possession and consumption of alcohol is illegal in Kuwait.

Alcohol cannot be legally purchased or imported into Kuwait, and the penalties associated with the possession of alcohol include heavy fines, imprisonment or deportation.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Illegal activities

Defamation of the emir, any member of the royal family or any local authority is prohibited.

Religious proselytizing is not permitted.

The import and consumption of pork products is illegal.  It is illegal to possess pornographic material.

Photography of government buildings and military or industrial sites, particularly oil fields, is forbidden. Don't photograph people without their permission.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Kuwait.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Kuwait, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

Fraudulent practices—for example, writing cheques without sufficient funds and non-payment of bills—are regarded as extremely serious offences and may result in imprisonment and fines.

Temporary release pending legal action may be granted in minor cases if the passport of the accused and the passport of the guarantor are surrendered to the authorities.

Dress and behaviour

Exercise common sense and discretion in dress and behaviour. Men and women should dress conservatively. Men must wear pants and a shirt in public.

It is uncommon for Western women to cover their head in Kuwait. Dresses and skirts are permitted, provided they cover the shoulders and knees. Shorts and short skirts are considered inappropriate.

Exercise particular care in your behaviour with others, especially officials, to avoid offending local sensitivities. Verbal insults and obscene gestures may be considered a criminal act and, if found guilty, you could face deportation, fines and/or a prison sentence.

Avoid physical contact, such as holding hands, in public.

In 2024, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 10.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, refrain from:

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

The laws of Kuwait prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Kuwait.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Family law matters, including child custody and divorce-related decisions, are settled according to Kuwait’s Marriage law, based on sharia (Islamic law). If you are involved in custody or other family disputes, consult a lawyer for advice on how religious law in Kuwait may affect your family situation.

Kuwait’s Marriage law

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Kuwait.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Kuwait by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Kuwait to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

The currency of Kuwait is the Kuwaiti dinar (KWD).

KWD is readily convertible to U.S. dollars.

Credit cards and U.S. dollars are widely accepted, and ATMs are available nationwide.

The rainy season extends from December to January and often results in flooding.

High levels of humidity and severe heat occur from June to September.

Severe sand and dust storms can occur throughout the year.

Local services

Dial 112 for emergency assistance.

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Kuwait City and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Kuwait Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Kuwait

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Kuwait entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to Kuwait from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Kuwait.

Can I travel to Kuwait if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Kuwait without restrictions.

Can I travel to Kuwait without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Kuwait without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Kuwait?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Kuwait.

Can I travel to Kuwait without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Kuwait?

Mask usage in Kuwait is not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Kuwait?

Restaurants in Kuwait are open. Bars in Kuwait are .

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Kuwait travel guide: everything you need to know as the country extends travel restrictions

Travellers from 15 countries must provide pcr test results before arriving in kuwait.

Here's what to know if you're travelling to Kuwait. Getty 

Kuwait has extended travel restrictions in place across the country that prohibit non-citizens from flying into Kuwait International Airport.

The country's Civil Aviation Authority has banned non-Kuwaiti citizens from flying to Kuwait until further notice.

The decision was based on the instruction of health authorities and part of coronavirus restriction measures, the authority said on Twitter.

الطيران المدني : بناء على تعليمات السلطات الصحية تقرر تمديد العمل بقرار منع دخول الركاب غير الكويتيين لدولة الكويت حتى اشعار آخر مع استمرار دخول الركاب الكويتيين وخضوعهم للحجر المؤسسي في أحد الفنادق المحلية المعتمدة لمدة 7 أيام واستكمال مدة الحجر 7 أيام الأخرى في الحجر المنزلي . pic.twitter.com/qlF0efdLCB — الطيران المدني (@Kuwait_DGCA) February 20, 2021

Kuwait Airport had been set to reopen to more travellers on February 21, when travel restrictions were due to ease.

Commercial passenger flights were gearing up to once again be allowed to accept non-Kuwaiti citizens.

Airlines had been advised they would have to bear the cost of Covid-19 testing for passengers, according to a circular from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

Travel to Kuwait has been restricted since February 7 when authorities closed borders to all travellers except Kuwaiti nationals and their first-degree relatives, domestic workers and medical professionals.

With the country extending restrictions and changing quarantine rules, here’s a guide to what you need to know if you’re planning to fly to Kuwait.

Who can fly to Kuwait?

Tourists and non-Kuwaiti citizens cannot fly to Kuwait.

Until further notice, only Kuwaiti citizens, their first-degree relatives, domestic workers, diplomats and medical professionals can fly to the country.

Who cannot fly to Kuwait?

Non-citizens including those with valid residency permits and GCC citizens will need to wait to travel to Kuwait.

When restrictions ease, travellers who have been in or transited through any country on the restricted list cannot enter Kuwait unless they spend 14 days in a non-restricted destination. This does not apply to Kuwaiti citizens..

List of restricted countries

• Afghanistan
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Dominican Republic
• North Macedonia
• Philippines
• United Kingdom

Kuwait remains closed to tourists. No visitors have been permitted to travel to the country since March 2020 and visa on arrival facilities are suspended.

What do I need to do before I fly to Kuwait?

Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled Al Sabah receives a Pfizer-BioTech Covid-19 vaccine injection at a vaccination centre in the capital Kuwait City. AFP

Anyone planning to fly to Kuwait must have a negative PCR test. The PCR test must be conducted no more than 72 hours before acceptance on any flight to Kuwait and the result should be in English.

Visitors from 15 countries must submit their PCR test result before arriving in the country. This can be done via Kuwait's Medical Utility Network Accreditor system. The rule applies immediately to visitors from India, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal.

Travellers from the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, France, the UK and the US must follow these new rules from Thursday, March 25.

Passengers must also download the Shlonik contact tracing app and the  Kuwait Mosafer app before travelling to Kuwait. Negative PCR certificates need to be scanned on the Kuwait Mosafer app.

When checking in for any flight to Kuwait, travellers will have to pay 60 Kuwaiti dinars (Dh729) for two subsequent PCR tests, as requested by Kuwaiti authorities.

What rules are in place at the airport?

Passengers arriving in Kuwait will be required to go through thermal screening and then undergo the first of their two prepaid Covid-19 PCR tests.

ارشادات عامة عند التواجد في مطار الكويت الدولي . General instructions when at Kuwait International Airport pic.twitter.com/Oit4dFQKL0 — Kuwait Airways (@KuwaitAirways) February 10, 2021

Kuwait Airli`nes has also reminded travellers of mandatory rules in place at the airport including compulsory face masks, social distancing and hand sanitising every 30 minutes.

Which airlines are flying to Kuwait?

Commercial flights to and from Kuwait are operating at a reduced capacity of 35 passengers per flight. Several airlines continue to fly to and from the country including Kuwait Airlines, Emirates, Flydubai, Etihad and Jazeera Airways.

Until further notice, only Kuwaiti nationals, their relatives and those on the exemption list will be accepted for boarding.

Do I need to quarantine in a hotel?

From Sunday, anyone arriving in Kuwait will have to undergo self-funded compulsory quarantine for seven days in a designated hotel, followed by a further seven days of home isolation. This is bookable in advance, via the Ministry of Health.

This has changed from the previous rule which demanded 14 days of home isolation.

Only diplomats, Kuwaiti patients who travelled overseas for medical treatment, Kuwaiti students studying overseas, medical crews and unaccompanied minors are exempt from hotel quarantine.

How much will quarantine cost?

The Kuwait Hotel Owners Association (KHOA) has announced recommended prices for each hotel category, according to local media.

For three-star hotels, the room rate has been set at KD20 (Dh243) per night for a standard single room and KD30 (Dh364) for a double room with breakfast and airport transfer.

Four-star hotels will cost KD30 (Dh364) per night for a standard single room or KD40 (Dh486) for a double room with breakfast and airport transfer.

Those looking to quarantine in luxury look set to pay KD45 (Dh546) per night for a standard single room and KD55 (Dh668) for a double room with breakfast and airport transfer in a five-star hotel.

The hotel quarantine policy will run until at least Sunday, March 21, when it will be reviewed.

• 2 Other destinations
• 3.1 History
• 3.2 Climate
• 3.3 Terrain
• 3.4 Visitor information
• 4.1 Entry requirements
• 4.2 By plane
• 4.5 By boat
• 5.1 By road
• 5.2 By public transport
• 5.3 By taxi
• 5.4 By rental car
• 9.3 Shopping
• 14.1 Extreme weather
• 14.3 Photography
• 15 Stay healthy
• 17.2 Mobile
• 17.3.1 Mobile Internet
• 17.3.2 Connection points
• 17.3.3 Home Internet
• 17.4 Telephone

Kuwait (Arabic: الكويت) is a monarchy situated at the Persian Gulf, nestled between Iraq and Saudi Arabia .

Historically, Kuwait was a strategic trade port between Mesopotamia, India, and Persia. Like many of its neighbours, Kuwait is endowed with oil and gas wealth.

There are 6 governorates in Kuwait, each of which has several areas in it. Most of Jahra, Ahmadi and Mubarak al-Kabeer are residential with no tourists attractions.

• 29.375 47.98 1 Kuwait City – the capital
• 29.333333 48.033333 4 Hawalli – the closest southern suburb, about 10 min from Kuwait City by car

Other destinations

Kuwait has a population of 3,806,616 (Jun 2012), including about 2 million non-Kuwaitis, with ethnic groups consist of 45% Kuwaiti, 35% other Arabs, among whom Egyptians predominate, 9% South Asian, 4% Iranian, and 7% others. Kuwait ranks among the most liberal Gulf nations in terms of religion. While Islam is the official religion with fully 85% of the population practicing the Muslim faith (divided into 70% Sunni and 30% Shia), others including Christians, Hindus and Zoroastrians make up 15% of the population.

The country is divided to governorates, which are divided into areas, which are divided into blocks. Knowing the area and block is necessary, as the street numbers may be repeated across different blocks of the same areas. Area names are not repeated across the country, so it would be unusual if you mention the governorate after the area. See the Get around section.

Electrical current is 220 Volts a/c, plugs are either standard British, Europlugs (2 prong diamond-shaped) or German Schuko variety—adapters are readily available.

The Kuwaitis trace their roots to the Al-Anisa and Al-Utub tribes from Nejd province, which is now in Saudi Arabia. They moved to Qatar and then to Al-Qurain, now in Kuwait, by around 1710. By 1752, the long term residents of Al-Qurain decided that they needed a central authority to tamp down tribal warfare in the area. The Al-Sabah tribe was chosen to rule, and the first sheikh, Sabah ibn Jaber, reigned as Sabah I from 1752 to 1756. The Sabahs mediated religious and tribal disputes with diplomacy. They also played the Ottomans, Egyptians and European powers against each other while maintaining their autonomy. In 1899, Mubarak I signed an agreement making Kuwait a British Protectorate, with the sheikhs maintaining local control while putting their foreign policy in the hands of the British, in exchange for military protection from other powers. The British had already had a presence in Kuwait for some time: in the 1770s, Abdullah I already had a contract with the British to deliver mail for them up to Aleppo , Syria .

In the 1920s and the 1930s, Kuwait's main product was pearls. However, income from the precious stones took a hit shortly thereafter, when the Japanese flooded the market with cultured pearls. In 1938, oil was first struck at the Burgan oil field in Kuwait, and by 1946, oil exports began. In 1961, Kuwait nullified the treaty of 1899, and became an independent nation.

In the early 1990s, Kuwait was annexed and invaded by Iraq. In the months to follow, a US-led coalition completely liberated Kuwait in four days and drove out the Iraqi forces.

Kuwait is an emirate and a developed country. The Kuwaiti dinar, the country's currency, is the strongest currency in the world. Although it has one of the world's largest oil reserves, it is often considered to be the most oil-dependent country in the Middle East .

Dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters. Natural hazards  : sudden cloudbursts are common from October to April; they occasionally bring heavy rain which can, in some rare cases, damage roads and houses; sandstorms and dust storms occur throughout the year, but are most common between March and August. Common temperatures range from 5°C in Dec/Jan to over 50°C from Jun to Aug.

It would be prudent for travellers to pack clothes accordingly. Sunglasses for heat or during sandstorms won't be amiss.

Flat to slightly undulating desert plain. Highest point: 306 meters above sea level, in the al Jahrah desert.

Visitor information

• Kuwait Tourism website

Entry requirements

Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries ( Bahrain , Oman , Qatar , Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates ) may enter Kuwait without a visa and stay indefinitely.

The nationals of 54 countries are eligible of visas on arrival at Kuwait's airport and land borders. The on-arrival visa is valid for a single entry of up to 3 months and costs KD 3, plus KD 3 for a "stamping" fee (visa and stamping fee not required for nationals of Italy , Norway , Sweden , Turkey , United Kingdom and United States of America ). Those 54 nations are: Andorra , Australia , Austria , Belgium , Bhutan , Brunei , Bulgaria , Cambodia , Canada , Croatia , Cyprus , Czechia , Denmark , Estonia , Eswatini , Finland , France , Georgia , Germany , Greece , Hong Kong , Hungary , Iceland , Ireland , Italy , Japan , Laos , Latvia , Liechtenstein , Lithuania , Luxembourg , Malaysia , Monaco , Netherlands , New Zealand , Norway , Poland , Portugal , Romania , San Marino , Serbia , Singapore , Slovakia , Slovenia , South Korea , Spain , Sweden , Switzerland , Turkey , United Kingdom , United States of America , Vatican City and Vietnam .

All other nationals need advance visas, which require an invitation from a sponsor in Kuwait. Kuwait Airways offices and major hotels can provide invitations, but the process can take up to a week and may require a fee. The Embassy of Kuwait in Japan has some information.

Import restrictions: Alcohol and pork are not legal and may not be imported into the country. If you bring either in, it will be confiscated at the airport and you may be subjected to fines for attempting to import these banned goods. Your bags will be X-rayed and/or hand-searched on arrival.

The national airline, Kuwait Airways , serves Frankfurt , Geneva , Rome , Kuala Lumpur , London , New York City , Paris and several other European, Asian, African and Middle Eastern destinations, but is best avoided. It is a flag carrier with a poor reputation, its planes are old (although some long haul routes have gotten new planes), delays are frequent, poor and rude cabin attendants, and weak customer service. You will have to use Kuwait Airways if you are travelling directly from New York's JFK Airport , however. Almost all its flights are served at Terminal 4. Flights to and from JFK still go to the old terminal, Terminal 1, due to the increased security requirements for US flights.

Semi-low-cost carrier Jazeera Airways provides a popular alternative for regional flights. It is the only user of Terminal 5.

International airlines serving Kuwait include British Airways from London , Lufthansa from Frankfurt , KLM from Amsterdam , Singapore Airlines from Singapore , and Turkish Airlines from Istanbul , plus connections through other large Gulf hubs ( Dubai , Doha , Abu Dhabi , etc.) are accessible through Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airlines, and Gulf Air. Airlines that operate seasonal flights to Kuwait include Malaysia Airlines, Ukraine International Airlines, Bulgaria Air and Czech Airlines. Code shares with other members of international airline alliances often offer cheaper air fares than the carrier servicing the route to and from Kuwait. All of these other airlines use Terminal 1 as well, except for Aegean, which uses Terminal 3, a small building meant for private planes at first.

If you need a visa on arrival at the airport, do not head down to Arrivals; instead, look for the "Visa Issuing" desks next to gate 2, opposite the Dasman Lounge. Join the mob (no queuing is possible) to have your passport copied and pick up a queue ticket, fill out a visa entry form, and wait for your number to be called. (Be careful, you will only have 2 or 3 seconds to respond before you are skipped.) Payment for the visa stamp is accepted only in Kuwaiti dinars, have the exact change (KD 3) ready or pay by credit card, there are a number of bureaux de change in the arrivals area, where the best rates appear to be for U.S. dollars, Australian dollars and euros. You'll also get an A4-sized sheet entirely in Arabic, which you must keep -- this is your visa! You can now proceed straight through immigration without queuing, just show your visa form at any desk and they'll let you through. Generally, you can pass through the open gate for flight crew and show your visa to the guard just past passport control.

Airport taxis can be found outside arrivals, with the fare to most points in the city being no more than KD 5. If you want to go to a central location busses are a viable and cheap option (less than KD 1), use Google for planning. Most hotels can arrange a transfer for the same price if not free of charge, which may be safer, especially for single females, and a more comfortable option. When in operation, you can also use the "limousine" service which is located to the right of the outside exit for KD 6-10 depending on destination. These generally have a reputation as having much safer drivers than the airport taxis (driven by Kuwaiti nationals who usually do not observe posted speed limits and will even drive on the verge/shoulder at 140 km/h). It is illegal for a regular taxi to pick up arrivals passengers at the airport so most will refuse to do so because of the fear of hefty fines and possible imprisonment or deportation. Regular taxis are a worse choice in most cases anyway, being driven by chronically underpaid expats from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and usually poorly maintained. Drivers of regular cabs are often totally unaware of how to get anywhere, often speak little or no English and frequently have poor or no concept of personal hygiene.

Kuwait shares its borders with only 2 nations: Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The political situation in Iraq is volatile, so it is advisable not to use that route. There are long-distance bus services to Dammam and other points in Saudi Arabia, but you will of course need to have a valid Saudi visa.

There are 3 bus lines in Kuwait: KPTC, City Bus, and KGL. KPTC, the Kuwait Public Transportation Company, operates only within Kuwait and is used mainly by the poorer expats in menial jobs. Buses are frequently poorly maintained, sometimes non-air-conditioned (and thus hazardous in summer). Apart of that they are a reliable and very cheap option (under 1 KD into the city center), especially compared to taxis. Just use Google to find the appropriate lines.

KGL is the only one of the three that provides routes to other GCC countries, but visas will probably be an issue for non-GCC citizens.

Scheduled ferries to and from Iran are handled by Kuwait-Iran Shipping Company, phone +965 2410498, fax +965 2429508. The ferries go three times a week from Ash Shuwayk in Kuwait to Bushehr in Iran. One-way tickets from KD 37.

Speedboats also go between Ash Shuwayk and Manama in Bahrain. A ticket is KD 45.

Ports and harbors:

• Ash Shu'aybah
• Ash Shuwaykh
• Kuwait City
• Mina' 'Abd Allah
• Mina' al Ahmadi
• Mina' Su'ud

With an area of 17,820 square kilometres (6,880 sq mi), Kuwait is among the smallest countries in the world and you can easily cover the country in less than 2-3 days. A journey from the capital city to Umm Qasr in Iraq will take you roughly 60-80 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Kuwait has a good road system. All signs are in English and Arabic. The major north-south roads are effectively freeways numbered Expressway 30, 40, etc. These are traversed by increasingly widely spaced ring roads named First, Second, etc., making navigation fairly easy.

Using Google Maps for navigation is a good option, as it offers traffic and roads, and all major destinations. However, if you need to find a location using its address (which you probably won't need to). Google Maps will even give you wrong address for your current location and places. This is due to how Kuwait addresses work mixed with lack of proper support of Kuwait subdivisions in Google Maps platform. Areas are labelled as neighbourhoods and blocks as sub-neighbourhoods . For example, if you are in Street 1, block 1, Jabriya, your address will appear as Street 1, Kuwait City (since it is the only city in Kuwait, and neighbourhoods aren't supposed to be included in addresses). So if you intend to go/find a place using its address, make sure you install the free and easy-to-use official Kuwait Finder GIS system on your phone from its apps market.

By public transport

Kuwait's public transport is adequate with three companies (KPTC, City Bus and KGL) running dozens of routes in every major city. Waiting times for buses range from one minute for most frequent routes to 1 hour for less used routes. All buses are equipped with air-conditioners and usually one can find a seat without much trouble. Although, during peak hours (7-9AM, 2-4PM, 8-9PM) most routes are packed and public transport should be avoided for those seeking comfortable travelling. Although areas with expatriates majority are covered with many routes, Kuwaiti residence areas are scarcely connected with public transport buses and are reachable mostly by taxis only.

Bus 500 runs to Abdaly, a village in the north on the border with Iraq. It departs every 3 hours (6AM, 9AM, etc.) from KPTC bust station in Hassawi.

These are recognisable by orange licence plates and may be hired by the day, in which case fares should be agreed beforehand. Although most taxis have meters these are rarely used as in practice, meters are always "broken", covered, missing or just ignored, and you'll need to agree on fares in advance. Beware that cabbies will often ask for ridiculous prices. Share-taxis are also available. Hailing taxis from the road is the most practical approach. However some sources have reported it was not advisable, particularly for females, and they recommend that taxis are booked in advance by telephone from a reputable taxi company. The cream-colored taxis are the cheapest, but also likely to be poorly maintained and possibly dangerously so, considering the general speed and size of the rest of the vehicles on Kuwaiti roads.

A standard rate is applicable in most taxis, but those at hotel ranks are more expensive. Naive westerners routinely pay 2 to 5 times more than the standard rates which are typically KD 0.500 for up to a 5 minute ride plus about KD 0.100 per minute thereafter. The only exception being airport departures which are approximately KD 3. Tipping is not expected, however you should negotiate fares before boarding the taxi. It is customary to collect all baggage and exit the taxi before offering payment to avoid conflicts or loss of personal property should a taxi driver demand more than the agreed price after arriving at the destination. This way, the passenger can drop the money in the seat and walk away if necessary.

It is common to share a taxi (which is often an unofficial taxi or a private car) from bus stations to more remote destinations such as Abdaly on Iraq border. Taxi drivers often wait until the car fills up with passengers and this may take an hour. Expect to pay KD 2-3 for the shared taxi with 3-4 other passengers. Do not agree to pay more. If the driver refuses, just wait a couple of minutes for another driver.

By rental car

Self-drive is available. If you produce an International Driving Permit, the rental company will, at the customer's expense, be able to arrange the statutory temporary insurance, which is drawn on the driver's visa. If you arrive at Kuwait International Airport, you will find the car hiring companies located at your left after you exit from the baggage claiming area. You can find international companies such as Avis and Budget among others.

However, driving in Kuwait, especially for those new to driving in the country, can be extremely chaotic and frightening. Turn signals and lane divisions are effectively optional, speeding and aggressive driving is commonplace, and there is little active enforcement of traffic laws. This is especially true for Kuwait city. Driving outside the city, you may have three lanes almost to yourself as there is little traffic. However, the speed limit is 120 km/h beyond which a fine of 20 KD will be imposed upon you. This may be frustrating to drivers seeing the vast expanse of space ahead of them in the highways.

A law has been passed to disallow the use of cell phones while driving (including voice calls and text messaging or SMS.) If driving, ensure you keep out of the left hand "fast" lane unless you are very relaxed about large 4-wheel drive vehicles tailgating you.

If involved in a car accident , do not attempt to move your car until police arrive and have made a report or you will be arrested.

Hiring a car may be a good (the only?) opportunity to experience the desert, the coast and the oilfields.

Prices are comparable to hiring a car in European countries, e.g. KD 10 for a small two door Japanese made car, 4WD and American made sports cars may cost around KD 25. Petrol costs KD 0.1 per litre, gas stations are plenty. However, you need to pay with cash or KNET; foreign credit cards are generally not accepted.

Arabic is the official language. Although in schools the classical version of Arabic is taught, just like everywhere in the Arab world, Kuwaitis use the Kuwaiti dialect in everyday conversation. English is widely used and spoken. Most of the traffic signs in Kuwait are bilingual. English is taught as a second language in schools in Kuwait beginning at the first grade. Many Kuwaitis speak English fluently as there are lots of private English and American schools and universities where all subjects are taught in English and Arabic is taken as a subject. A lot of Kuwaitis enroll their children in these schools.

Due to a large population of working Indians living here, languages like Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam are also widely spoken.

See Kuwait City for listings of attractions in the city. Kuwait is not the ideal vacation spot in the region, but if on a business trip, there are some sites worth seeing:

• 29.430592 48.270764 1 Failaka Island , [email protected] ( take KPTC ferry from Ras Al Salmiya (Ras al Ardh) near scientific center or private speedboat near Marina Mall ), ☏ +965 66111924 . A port with many old dhows, Failaka Island can be reached by regular ferry services. There are also some Bronze Age and Greek archaeological sites well worth viewing, including the island's Greek temple. Failaka Island was named Ikarus by the Greeks who, under Alexander the Great, established an outpost in the island. Failaka was heavily damaged during the Iraqi invasion. Plans are underway to develop the island into a large-scale tourist attraction. KD 3 .  
• Al Jahra city . Traditional-style boums and sambuks (boats) are still built in Al Jahrah, although, nowadays, vessels are destined to work as pleasure boats rather than pearl fishing or trading vessels.  
• Mina Al Ahmadi . Mina Al Ahmadi, lying 19 km (12 miles) south of Kuwait City, is an oil port with immense jetties for supertanker traffic. The Oil Display Center pays homage to the work of the Kuwait Oil Company (reservations needed).  
• 29.421867 47.684854 2 Kazmah desert cliffs ( go on Road 80, turn right to Road 801 to Bubiyan, take first exit and turn left ). Being one of the few elevations in the Kuwaiti desert these cliffs allow a good view on the bay if the visibility is good. A lot of young Kuwaitis come here on weekends to challenge their Jeeps and quads uphill.  
• Desert , anywhere ( go north on Road 801, west on Road 70 or south on road 306 ). Although the city keeps growing, Kuwait is still largely a vast and uninhabited desert. Going away from the city many roads will take you to places where there is nothing but sand, sand and more sand. While this may be a form of excitement you'd look for every weekend in the winter as the locals do, it's also a nice experience once if you are visiting during the extremely hot summer.  
• War sites and memorials . The Gulf War in 1990-91 affected Kuwait's economy and ecology, however there are some sites from the war that can be found across the country.  
• Oases . While Kuwait is always scorching hot, its landscape includes a dot of some lively oases in a vast expanse of open desert.  

See Kuwait City for more activities in the city.

• Sea Clubs & spas . Many of Kuwait's sea clubs offer a wide variety of facilities and activities such as indoor and outdoor swimming pools, beaches, tennis courts, gymnasiums, bowling and even karate.  
• Riding . Horse-riding clubs flourish in the winter. The Hunting and Equestrian Club is on the 6th ring road near Jaber Al Ahmed Al Sabah Armed Forces Hospital.  
• Golf . The golf course "Sahara Club" is located near the Hunting and Equestrian Club beside 6th ring road. It features a five-star restaurant and a spa.  
• Swimming and diving . Swimming is allowed on various public beaches along the Gulf Street. Women in swimwear are rare and might offend locals. The beach resorts as Radisson SAS and Palms offer beaches to both genders but will charge. However, since most beach areas are also the dump sites for raw, untreated sewage, swimming near the mainland is not recommended. Few homes have swimming pools and those that do are generally indoors, below ground. Many of the big hotels and spas have reasonably sized pools, but again can be quite expensive for those who are not guests.  
• Boating . Sailing and scuba diving are available. Powerboating is a Kuwaiti passion. Contact any of the hotels on the beach and they can arrange a trip for you. The best beach front hotels are the Hilton Resort, Movenpick Resort, Marina Hotel and the Radisson SAS. Hiring a boat should be done with caution and the boat should be inspected carefully for signs of neglect before agreeing on a rental. Many unwary tourists have been stranded at sea for hours while the coastguard ineptly attempts a rescue because like automobiles in Kuwait, mechanical maintenance is generally not a high priority for most boat owners.  
• Shopping in Malls . The largest mall in Kuwait is The Avenues on 5th ring road behind road 60. It is one of the largest malls in the whole Middle East and features a lot of clothing and electronics stores as well as a Carrefour and an Ikea. Furthermore it offers the best cinematic experience in Kuwait with VIP theatres with massaging reclining seats and a personal butler. Other popular malls include Marina Mall (Salmiya), Souq Sharq (Sharq), 360 Mall (includes a 3D Imax cinema, located in Jinoob al Surra between 6th ring road and road 50) and Al-Kout Mall (Fahaheel) which is famous for its orchestra musical fountains.  
• Shopping on Markets . Regardless of the growing amount of malls, Kuwait still hosts a lot of small markets. See the buy section in the Kuwait City article.  
• Drive to the Iraqi border ("Highway of death") . Rent yourself a car and drive north along highway 80. This six-lane road has almost no traffic and is almost straight, but gained some history during the war. You may get as far as the border control towards Iraq (around 1½ km before the border), but it's unlikely that you will get in (read: forget about it). Caution: check the current situation beforehand, be aware and know what you are doing! The border may be dangerous and border police is very alerted by cars approaching them! There is a gas station and a small supermarket right before the border control.  
• Drive through oil fields . There might be tours but you can easily drive through oil fields yourself. The areas are rather spread out so you will only see a glimpse. Also, fields are heavily protected (do not approach the fences!). Every entrance gate is also protected (there will be police). Do not take pictures. But all this adds to the overall impression and shows the status if the black gold. The unnamed road behind Al Abdaliyah might be a good point to start with, then driving south of Al Jaber Air Base towards Wafra.  

The national currency is the Kuwaiti dinar , denoted by the symbol " د.ك " or "KD " (ISO code: KWD ). It has the distinction of being the world's strongest currency.

The dinar is divided into 1,000 fils. Notes are available in denominations of KD ¼, ½, 1, 5, 10 and 20. Coins are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 fils. Notes feature inscriptions in Arabic on the front and English inscriptions on the back, with Arabic numerals (the numerals used in English) on both sides.

Notes issued before 1994 , many of which were stolen during the Iraqi occupation, are no longer legal tender. You are unlikely to see these in Kuwait (the designs are different), but unscrupulous dealers elsewhere have been known to try to pass them off. See the Central Bank of Kuwait for pictures.

Exchanging money can be difficult and exchanging travelers cheques even impossible. Stick to ATMs , which are ubiquitous and work fine. Higher-end establishments accept credit cards .

Although Kuwait is a tax haven 0% VAT and 0% income tax, it would be hard to manage on under US$100 per day, and you can very easily spend US$250 or more just on an ordinary hotel room, though hotel rooms start at around €50.

Tipping is generally not necessary. Taking a service charge is illegal in Kuwait.

Prices on common expenses (as of May 2022):

• Medium burger combo meal: KD 2 (McDonald's)
• Pizzas for 2 regular size: KD 7–8 (Domino's, Papa John's)
• Meal for 2, mid-range restaurant, three-course: KD 10–12
• Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant: KD 1 (Shawarma & Fatayir restaurants)
• South Indian Takeaways: KD 0.5 to 2
• Oranges (1 kg): 400–450 fils
• Milk (1 litre): 300 fils
• Single medium latte with an add-shot at Starbucks: KD 2
• Falafel sandwiches: 100 fils (includes chips (fries), salad and tahina, law doesn't permit restaurant to increase that price)
• Khubiz Irani (flat bread), fresh from the baker: 20 fils

Petrol prices are among the cheapest in the world and most of the time are less than water, literally, which explains the Kuwaiti penchant for huge fuel-guzzling U.S. import vehicles.

Kuwait is a tax-free country. Custom-made items, imported items, and shipping out of the country can be expensive, so shop wisely. Businesses are required by law to allow exchanges on credit cards purchases, and returns or exchanges on non-credit cards purchases for a period of a fortnight. If in a rare case you think a store isn't obeying the laws, don't hesitate to call Consumer Protection Department at 135.

There is a huge array of restaurants in Kuwait. Because nightlife is virtually non-existent, most people go out to restaurants and malls. A wide variety of international cuisines is available in high-end restaurants, although some heavily pork-based cuisines (German, e.g.) are conspicuously absent. Kuwait is known for its culinary specialties and catering services. Restaurants can be found in food courts in malls, and alternatively many international restaurants are grouped together in certain areas in Kuwait, namely:

• Behind the Roman Catholic Church in Kuwait City
• Outside the Mövenpick Resort in Al-Bida'a, near Rumaithiya and Salmiya
• In the Marina Crescent

Just ask any local where the "Restaurants Road" is and they will guide you to a road in Salmiya packed end-to-end with local restaurants serving a wide array of specialty sandwiches, juices and snacks. Alternatively, head to any of the major shopping malls which are also crowded with restaurants ranging from fast to gourmet food. Every conceivable U.S. chain is represented in Kuwait.

While rare, there are still some restaurants that serve traditional Kuwaiti food. Al-Marsa restaurant in Le Meridien Hotel (Bneid Al Gar location) has some traditional Kuwaiti seafood but with a relatively high price tag. A cheaper option is the quaint Shati Alwatia restaurant at the Behbehani Villa compound in the Qibla area of Kuwait City (behind the Mosques) and another Kuwaiti restaurant is Ferij Suwailih in salmiya area.

If you don't feel like going out to eat, just about every restaurant and eatery in the country delivers food anywhere. Order online from a number of sites and enjoy the same selections as at the restaurant for a tiny delivery fee (usually 200 to 400 fils) tacked onto the order total itself.

For general grocery shopping, each district has its own 'Co-operative Society' (Jumayya) which anyone can use, and they usually consist of a supermarket and a general do-it-yourself store. When paying for your grocery shopping the cashier will usually ask if you have a number (which is given to local customers as a way to build up credits). It is also normal that somebody will pack your grocery bags for you and will carry the bags to your car, unless you insist otherwise. It is customary to tip them about KD 0.500 if they do go to your car, although they do not normally wait around for it. Kuwait also offers a wide variety of hypermarkets ranging from local chains of excellent quality (The Sultan Company) to the ones operated by international heavy hitters such as Carrefour (By MAJ) and an Indian chain, LuLu. All of them offer selections of truly international range and usually at competitive prices.

Alcohol is banned outright in Kuwait. It may not be imported, manufactured, or possessed, even for personal use. Newspapers regularly report busts of illegal distilleries.

Hotels in Kuwait are expensive, but major Western chains are well represented (see Kuwait City for hotel listings). Light sleepers should bring ear plugs as public announced prayers are broadcast before twilight and several times during the day.

Chalets and other weekend accommodation can be rented in many places along the southern part of the coast.

The economy of Kuwait is best described as healthy: the standard of living is on par with many of the world's developed nations, the cost of living is low, unemployment is low, and taxes are virtually non-existent.

Many full-service office providers are available to businesses within Kuwait, such as IO Centers . Most large companies have high-quality office facilities but expect to see a significant portion of Kuwaiti businesses operating out of small 3- to 4-person offices. These businesses are usually owned by a Kuwaiti and staffed by Middle Easterners or Asians and don't usually hire nationals of Western descent. If you plan to work in Kuwait, check the academic requirements of desired positions, as in most cases, the Kuwaiti government insists on degrees from accredited universities.

Expect to be paid anywhere from KD400-800 for average middle-range positions to KD1000-1500 for higher jobs such as teaching or consulting. However, domestic maids can earn as little as KD50 per month, although food and accommodation are usually included with the job. Kuwait is heavily saturated with IT workers (mainly from India), so wages in the IT industry are meagre. If you are looking at accepting a job offer before coming to Kuwait, check carefully how much you will be paid and if your employer will assist you with accommodation. It is common for workers of Asian nationality to fall victim to promises of good pay and provision of accommodation only to find themselves having their passports confiscated and falling under the control of their sponsor. Be sure to check the reputation and creditability of any potential employer before accepting a position.

Any foreign national wishing to work in Kuwait must have a working visa under a Kuwaiti sponsor. There is no provision for freelance work. Foreign nationals found working without a work permit will be promptly apprehended and asked to leave, resulting in a possible ban from returning.

Kuwait, by and large, is a very safe country to visit.

Emergency telephone number (police, fire, ambulance) is 112 .

Extreme weather

Perhaps the biggest danger in Kuwait is the hot climate . Temperatures can reach record highs during the summers. Be sure to hydrate often when walking out during the day, and wear appropriate clothing to deal with the heat.

The crime threat in Kuwait is assessed as low. Violent crimes against foreigners are rare but do occur. Physical and verbal harassment of women are continuing problems. Kuwaiti drivers can also be quite reckless.

Photography

Photography is probably the easiest way for a visitor to (inadvertently) get into trouble.

Do not take pictures or record videos of government buildings or anything of strategic importance (airports, oil fields) or else you could be detained by the authorities.

Also, do not take pictures or record videos of Kuwaitis without their explicit permission; it is very rude.

Stay healthy

Public health is entirely supported by the government at local clinics and hospitals, with a KD 5 fee paid by foreigners visiting Kuwait and KD 1 for expats with a resident visa, or a visitor's visa. Private non-governmental clinics are available as well, but charge much more at KD 30 and upwards. You will be entitled to free treatment in case of an accident or an emergency. In case of an emergency, call 112 .

Tap water is drinkable, although most of it is desalinated and not particularly tasty, and in summertime, you may have a hard time telling apart the hot and cold taps. Bottled water is available everywhere for a few hundred fils.

Much of what's considered good manners in the Arab world applies to Kuwait.

You should be very smart about what you openly say to someone — honour is an important part of Kuwaiti culture and Kuwaitis will not hesitate to react with anger if you say or do anything that makes them feel insulted. Keep in mind that it is a crime to insult, humiliate, make fun of, or make defamatory statements about someone in public. The law is broadly defined and open to interpretation. In other words, if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all.

Kuwait adopts a live-and-let-live policy for clothing, and you'll see a wide range of styles: women wear anything ranging from daring designer fashions to head-to-toe black abayas with headscarves, while men can be seen both in T-shirts and shorts or the traditional dazzling white dishdashah . To avoid unnecessary attention, though, women will want to steer clear of showing midriffs. Ironically, low necklines are less offensive. Bikinis are fine at the hotel pool, but not on public beaches. Public nudity is prohibited everywhere and not tolerated.

Do not eat, drink or smoke in public during the holy month of Ramadan or you may be fined or even go to jail. The fine is KD 100. Also, during Ramadan working hours may be shorter and restaurants will be closed during the day, even at the international airport. However, most supermarkets will remain open so food can still be purchased from there. Also, major hotels will offer breakfast (some start before dawn) and food during the day. Almost all restaurants offer Ramadan meals after dusk with set meals. If you are working, many employers will provide a space where Westerners may eat during Ramadan, but if not, it is inadvisable to consume anything in the presence of Muslim coworkers during Ramadan.

Although Kuwait is a relatively democratic country with some of the strongest press-freedoms in the Middle East , the ruling Al-Sabah family is venerated and the ruling family is projected by strict lèse-majesté laws, i.e, it is illegal to criticise them and challenge their authority. In Kuwait, the penalty for lèse-majesté is imprisonment . In 2013, a Kuwaiti teacher was sentenced to 11 years in prison for insulting the emir on social media.

Homosexuality is illegal, although you will frequently observe local men kissing when greeting and also holding hands when walking together, as this is not considered homosexual behavior in Kuwait.

Public display of affection between men and women is illegal.

The country code for Kuwait is 965 . Local phone numbers are 8 digits long. Numbers starting with 2 are landline telephones, while numbers starting with 5,6 or 9 are mobile telephones numbers and numbers starting with 1 are service numbers. there are no area code and dialing within Kuwait will never require an additional 0 in the beginning.

Kuwait uses GSM and mobile phones are widely available. The operators are Zain , Wataniya Telecom (Ooredoo) , and Viva . As roaming charges can be very steep, it makes sense to get a local SIM card. a new SIM can be obtained from any of the official branches. A SIM can be bought from most telephone stores, and doesn't require registration. Registration requires the passport of the one who's applying. The prices for a new SIM card are very low:

• Viva: KD 2 with 1 KD 1 balance + KD 1 local talking time.

The charges apply on the caller only.

Kuwait is a small country. The whole country is covered, so don't worry about each operator coverage. However, since Viva is a relatively new company, you'll get lower signal and even lower LTE signal.

There are several internet and telecom service providers in Kuwait. The media in Kuwait is among the most outspoken in the Gulf states, journalists self-censor on issues related to royal family. Kuwait is one of the fastest growing ICT markets in the region. Majority of the Kuwaiti population can afford to have Internet services at home, the reason the country has fewer Internet cafes than other Gulf countries.

Major Internet service providers in Kuwait.

• FASTtelco Tel: +965 22256688 Email: [email protected] Website: www.fasttelco.net
• Gulfnet Tel: +965 1816666 Website: www.gulfnet.com.kw
• Mada Tel: +965 1822888 Website: www.mada.com.kw
• Qualitynet Tel: +965 1804444 Website: www.qualitynet.net
• Zajil Telecom (KEMS) Tel: +965 1820820 Email: [email protected] Website: www.zajil.com

Telecommunications

Fixed (Landline) line telephony services are provided by the Ministry of Communications (MoC). To subscribe you need to apply at your local branch of the MoC. Typical documents required are Tenancy contract, employer letter and civil id. Most expats don't tend to bother however and choose one of the 3 mobile operators.

Mobile Internet

LTE is available nearly everywhere. if there's no LTE, the connection will be changed to HSPA+, which is very fast. VIVA offers LTE for the same price as 3G. However, their network is relatively slow. Zain's and Wataniya's LTE prices are different from the 3G prices, but their network is fast.

Connection points

• Shopping malls: Fastelco [dead link] , one of the ISPs provide you with one hour of free high speed Wi-Fi each day. KEMS [dead link] , another ISP have a lot of access points, but their internet isn't free.
• Starbucks: Starbucks' Wi-Fi is free for an hour but requires a Starbucks card. However, connection speed in Starbucks is limited to less than 512 Kbps, so it's not recommended. Also electricity sockets aren't available if you plan to charge your device while using it.

Home Internet

If you already subscribed to mobile phone internet, you can always turn on the portable hotspot in you phone and then connect to the internet in you computer/laptop, tablet or any other device.

Internet is available via different ways, the most stable and popular way is via ADSL subscription. Subscribing to ADSL service requires a landline. Internet access starts at KD 39 a year at 1Mbit/s. ADSL connection are mainly available via annual subscription. However, 1 month, 3-month and 6-month subscriptions are also available.

Some people may choose to use an LTE mini routers or CPEs (fixed routers) and use mobile internet services from Zain, Wataniya (Ooredoo) and Viva, this is a good option if you're planning on staying for a little time. However, connecting this way is capped.

Another recommendation is to try a relatively new service, "Mada". This service is Wimax and up to 10 Mbit/s download speed (although the speed never reaches this rate, and in some areas it will not even reach 1 Mbps). the cost [dead link] is KD 40 for the main router and KD 25 per month.

Websites containing adult content are censored by all of the internet providers by direction of the Minister of Communications. Skype is legal in Kuwait. All other VoIP clients like Line, Tango and Viber and Skype can easily be download from phones' applications' markets (e.g. Appstore or Google Play).

Kuwait has high international call rates. Although calling overseas is also very cheap It's recommended to use apps and services like Line or Skype to call overseas. For home usage, Phoneserve cards are available (mostly in Hawally) that can be used for cheap calls worldwide. Users with credit cards use Skype and Yahoo Voice for communication as well, but Skype website is banned now (However, the app can be used).

Some traditional corner-shops called "Baqqalat" (singular. Baqqala) sell an international calling card called Big Boss which offers good rates to Europe but only when calling landlines. For the rest of continents the rates are decent even when calling mobile phones.

Like when entering Kuwait, most people leaving will probably do so by plane. Thus, you can choose among several interesting small Gulf states including the UAE , Qatar and Bahrain reachable by plane in just one hour or so. Iran and Oman are also close by.

Going elsewhere overland can be a bit tricky. Saudi-Arabia requires virtually all foreigners to obtain a visa and doesn't issue them for just "tourism". In the same way practically everyone needs a visa to enter Iraq, and while you probably could get a tourist visa, consider that Iraq is one of the world's most dangerous countries. By boat, you can reportedly travel to Iran and Bahrain.

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• COVID-19 travel restrictions: Kuwait
• < Travel restrictions

Travel restrictions

By Kiwi.com May 31, 2022

By Kiwi.com | May 31, 2022

This article was published on May 31, 2022, and all the information in the article is correct as of this time. Before you book your trip, we highly recommend that you also check official sources for the most up-to-date travel requirements, as they are subject to constant change.

Can I enter Kuwait?

You can enter Kuwait . Due to COVID-19, several entry requirements are currently in place to stop the disease from spreading.

Please be aware that the first thing you must do when traveling to Kuwait is complete a Health Declaration (all arrivals) and register on the Shlonik app (for unvaccinated arrivals only). The following steps vary depending on your vaccination status.

Can I enter Kuwait if I am vaccinated? 

You can enter Kuwait if you are vaccinated. You are considered fully vaccinated at least 14 days after administration of the second dose for vaccines with a two-dose schedule; or at least 21 days after administration of the vaccine with a single dose schedule. 

The following vaccine drugs are fully approved in Kuwait:

• AstraZeneca / Oxford
• Moderna 
• Johnson & Johnson 

The vaccines listed below are not approved in Kuwait. However, you can enter the country if you have received at least one dose of one of the Kuwait-approved vaccinations after taking any of the following:

In addition, please be aware that the same rules as for fully vaccinated travelers apply to partially vaccinated ones in Kuwait. Partially vaccinated means you have not received the booster dose in the nine months since your last vaccination dose. ​

Travel documents if you are vaccinated

• A vaccination certificate

Can I enter Kuwait if I am unvaccinated? 

You can enter Kuwait if you are unvaccinated.

Travel documents if you are unvaccinated

• A negative PCR test result obtained no more than 72 hours before departure

Can I leave Kuwait?

You can leave Kuwait. Please check the destination country ‘s requirements to make sure you are allowed to travel there.

Can I leave Kuwait if I am vaccinated?

Vaccinated travelers can leave Kuwait.

Vaccinated travelers must have one of the following documents to leave Kuwait:

• A document confirming vaccination 

In addition, check the requirements about the COVID-19 test presence in your destination country. 

Can I leave Kuwait if I am unvaccinated?

There are no restrictions for unvaccinated travelers leaving Kuwait.

Unvaccinated travelers have to present one of the following documents: 

• Document of recovery from COVID-19 (stating that the visitor has been infected no older than 180 days before the day of crossing the border of a particular country)
• A negative COVID-19 test result (the relevant period and kind of test may vary, please check the requirements of the destination country)

Nevertheless, COVID-19 tests may be required for recovered travelers as well. Please check in advance whether this is the case.

COVID-19 situation in Kuwait currently

Presently, the COVID-19 situation in Kuwait is becoming safer due to the increasing number of vaccinated population.

Is it safe to travel to Kuwait right now?

International travel to Kuwait is safe if travelers abide by basic regulations:

• Wearing masks indoors
• Maintaining social distance

Is Kuwait City open for travel?

Kuwait City is open for travel now. As with the whole country, the capital has the same basic COVID-19 rules. 

Do I have to quarantine if I go to Kuwait?

Fully vaccinated travelers are exempt from quarantine.

Partially vaccinated travelers have to:

• Self-isolate upon arrival
• Undergo a PCR test
• End their self-isolation upon receiving a negative result

Unvaccinated travelers have to:

• Self-isolate upon arrival for seven days
• Undergo a PCR test on day seven
• End their self-isolation upon receiving a negative result 

How do I get a health pass to travel to Kuwait?

At present, all foreign arrivals are required to:

• Complete a Health Declaration (all arrivals)
• Register at Shlonik app (unvaccinated arrivals only)

Useful link:

• Kuwait Health Declaration
• Shlonik app for unvaccinated arrivals only
• Registration of Vaccination Document issued Abroad

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Business Customs

Business and account executives will generally not have language difficulties with their Kuwaiti counterparts, as English is widely spoken, and many Kuwaiti business professionals were educated overseas.

A personal relationship is an important basis for successful business ties in Kuwait. It is essential to allow time for friendly conversation before commencing with a business agenda. Scheduling appointments in advance is essential. With government officials, appointments normally occur between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Official government work hours are from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Some companies work split shifts, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. and from 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the evening. Friday and Saturday are the official weekends in Kuwait. Friday is respected as family time. It is not advisable to attempt weekend meetings unless your Kuwaiti host suggests it.

Most senior executives and key decision-makers maintain extensive travel schedules outside of Kuwait. This is particularly evident during summer months when Kuwaitis tend to escape the heat that can often hover at or above 50C/122F. During the holy month of Ramadan, business is very slow, and decisions and appointments are often delayed until after the month. Ramadan will be approximately April 12-May 11 in 2021. The two major holidays in Kuwait are Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha at the end of the Hajj or pilgrimage season, which occurs 70 days after Eid al-Fitr. National Day and Liberation Day (marking the liberation of Kuwait from Iraq), occur on February 25 and 26. These local holidays generally offer opportunities for many decision-makers to leave the country for a week or more, so travel to Kuwait during these dates would be less effective than at other times. Travelers should schedule appointments prior to their arrival in Kuwait but reconfirm a day or two before and on the morning of the appointment. It is always good to have a mobile phone contact number in case of last-minute changes.

Travel Advisory

No alcohol, pork products, controlled substances, or pornographic materials may be imported into or used in Kuwait. If prohibited items are discovered in a traveler’s effects, he or she may be arrested and prosecuted.

The latest information on travel advisories can be found on the  Travel.State.gov website or on the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait website .

Visa Requirements

Passports and visas are required for U.S. citizens traveling to Kuwait. U.S. citizens can obtain visitor visas at the port of entry. International hotels in Kuwait frequently offer a service to facilitate the visa process and reduce time at the airport to acquire a visa. Travelers who overstay their visas may face serious fines when leaving Kuwait. Travelers attempting to leave Kuwait without paying traffic or other fines may not be allowed to leave. A Ministry of Justice office is located in Kuwait’s International Airport for passengers who wish to settle any fines before departure. This includes travelers proceeding via Kuwait to and from Iraq. Visit the Kuwait Information Office – USA website for the most current visa information. Travelers may contact Kuwait’s diplomatic missions in Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, CA:

Embassy of the State of Kuwait

2940 Tilden St., N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20008

Telephone (202) 966-0702

General Consulate of the State of Kuwait

130 S. El Camino Drive

Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Telephone (310) 556-0300

For entry and exit requirements pertaining to dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction, please find information at: https://travel.state.gov/content/childabduction/en.html

For Customs Information, please see https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/kuwait.html

U.S. Companies that require travel of foreign business professionals to the United States can find visa information at the following links:

• State Department Visa Website: https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en.html
• U.S. Embassy Kuwait Consular Section: https://kw.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/

The Kuwaiti Dinar (KD) is the official currency of the country. One KD is approximately $ 3.30. The currency is pegged to a basket of foreign currencies to the rate stays stable against the U.S dollar.

Telecommunications/Electricity

The telephone system and communication services in https://kw.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/ Kuwait are supplied by the Ministry of Communications (MOC) and by private companies. The telephone system is adequate and e-mail, faxes, and the internet are widely used in international business. There are over four million Internet users in Kuwait and several service providers. Cellular service is readily available through local companies including Zain, Viva, and Ooredoo. The voltage in Kuwait is 220, different from the 110 voltage in the United States. While some hotels have adapter plugs that allow for both the local and the U.S. plug to be used, it is a good idea to bring an adapter to charge electronics.

​​​​​​​Transportation

There are several local, regional, and European airlines serving Kuwait. There are currently no non-stop flights to the United States, but you can travel to more than a dozen U.S. destinations with one-stop by transferring via Europe, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or Doha.

The road system in Kuwait is reasonably modern. Many travelers hire an automobile with driver to manage their transportation needs. Some of the better hotels offer this service to their guests. Most major car rental companies, including Avis, Hertz, and Budget, operate in Kuwait. U.S. motorists should be cognizant and exercise caution in Kuwait, as traffic conditions are often problematic given frequent congestion, speeding and limited adherence to traffic regulations. Kuwait, similar to other GCC countries, has a very high rate of traffic fatalities.

Luxury hotels, including U.S. hotel brands such as the Radisson Blu, Hilton, JW Marriott, Sheraton, Four Points, Crowne Plaza, the Four Seasons, and business-friendly 4-star hotels, are popular with travelers. As of 2020, 5-star hotels charge on average $327, plus 15% service charge, and 4-star hotels charge on average $240, plus 15% service charge, for single rooms per night.

Short-term visitors may also elect to stay in furnished apartments, which are generally rented for minimum stays of one week.

To host a hospitality event at a major hotel, business executives should expect to pay $35-50 per guest. Hotels generally require one-week notification to host such events. Function rooms are heavily booked during Ramadan and immediately following the Eid holidays.

The official language of the State of Kuwait is Arabic. For international projects and procurement tenders, written communication is often in English. In most cases, the Arabic text is the official contract version and will be the one that is upheld in court. Companies need to exercise care in understanding that the Arabic version of the contract must be correct. Translation and interpreter services are readily available and recommended. Private businesses are free to choose the language for contracts; however, some contracts such as employment contracts and business notices including announcements of the implementation of government of Kuwait regulations must, by law, be written in Arabic. Corporate and or agency registered with the Kuwait Ministry of Commerce and Industry must be in Arabic. However, English or foreign language translation may be included in the submission of registration documents. A private entity may offer translation of official Arabic text. Where documents are in multiple languages, the Arabic version is the legally binding text. English is widely spoken in the business community, and most expatriates have a sufficient command of the English language.

U.S. business visitors to Kuwait should arrive prepared to cope with extreme heat and dust storms during the summer months. Although tap water is safe to drink, it is recommended to use bottled water as an added precaution. Food, including salads and dairy products, is generally fresh.

The quality of medical care varies depending on the facility, the personnel on duty, and the nature of the medical problem. Although many medications (mainly American) are available, visitors are advised to bring sufficient supplies of their prescription medication (as well as a signed prescription) for their entire stay. Visitors should consider purchasing short-term medical insurance, which includes a medical evacuation option in the event of a medical emergency that would require treatment outside of Kuwait. Should medical care be required while here, there are two options: the government system or private clinics. There are seven regional hospitals and numerous suburban polyclinics run by the Ministry of Public Health.

Additional information can be found in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad. The brochure is available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page .

​​​​​​​Local Time, Business Hours, and Holidays

Time in Kuwait is Universal Time Coordinated/Zulu + 3 hours (Zulu is London UTC/GMT). In comparison, Eastern Standard Time is UTC/Zulu – 5 hours, Central Standard Time is UTC/Zulu – 6 hours and Pacific Standard Time is UTC/Zulu – 8 hours. Kuwait does not observe Daylight Savings Time. (Kuwait is seven hours ahead of Eastern time zone from the second Sunday of March to the first Sunday of November and eight hours ahead of the Eastern time zone from the first Sunday in November until the second Sunday in March.

Government Offices:      

07:30-14:30 Sunday-Thursday (Varies among government agencies)

Ramadan: 10:00-13:00

Private Organizations:  

08:30-12:30 and 16:30-20:00 (Friday closed) or

08.00-/17.00 (Friday-Saturday closed)

Commercial establishments:

 09:00-16:00 (Friday-Saturday closed)

Financial and service companies:

09:00-14:00 and 19:00-00:00 (Ramadan hours)

Banks:       

08:00-15:00 (closed Friday and Saturday)

Holidays – The U.S. Embassy work week is from Sunday to Thursday. If a holiday falls on Monday in the United States, the Embassy will generally celebrate it on Sunday.

View a list of holidays observed by the U.S. Embassy and Consulate (local and U.S.) . 

​​​​Temporary Entry of Materials or Personal Belongings

Samples and Advertising Material

Advertising material and samples may be admitted duty-free if they are contained in packages describing the advertising nature of the contents and identifying the sender. Materials considered to be in excess of reasonable requirements may be subject to normal customs duty.

Temporary imports into Kuwait can enter under a customs bond, with the bond remitted to the importer when the product or goods leave Kuwait. This process is known as demonstration and re-export. In the event any outdoor equipment is imported to Kuwait for testing, the best months for demonstration are July and August when weather conditions are usually the most difficult with the hottest temperatures.

​​​​​​​Resources

Department of State Travel Information

Center for Diseases Control Health Info

U.S. Embassy Kuwait

Commercial Service Kuwait

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Location & contact.

Mövenpick Hotel Kuwait

Around the hotel, sights and attraction.

• The Avenues Mall - 5 km
• 360 Mall - 8 km
• Sahara Golf & Country Club - 12 km
• The Tareq Rajab Museum - 15 km
• National Museum of Kuwait - 5 km
• Al Sayeer Company, beside the hotel - City Centre
• 5 km - Kuwait University
• 1 km - Future Kid
• 1 km - Kuwait Free Zone

How to get to the hotel

From the North

Take Al Ghazali Street/Road No 60 directly to the Shuwaikh Free Trade Zone.

From the East

Follow the 4th, 5th or 6th ring roads to Road No 60 Ghazali Bridge direct to Shuwaikh Free Trade Zone.

From Kuwait City to the hotel

Take Jamal A. Nasser street to Shuwaikh Free Trade Zone.

Kindly note we can arrange car transfers to the hotel to Kuwait international Airport

Please e-mail our Concierge Team for further information or bookings at Hotel.kuwait.frontoffice@movenpick.com

Control Room Set Up to Repatriate Kuwaitis from Lebanon

I n response to escalating tensions in Lebanon , Kuwait’s foreign ministry has urged its citizens to return home immediately and has set up a control room to facilitate their repatriation. The ministry announced the initiative on Saturday, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring the safety of all Kuwaiti nationals.

Read More: Kuwait Airways Boosts Capacity for Beirut Flights

Kuwait Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya stated that the ministry is working closely with Kuwait Airways to manage the repatriation process. Kuwait Airways has increased its capacity and is deploying larger aircraft to accommodate the expected influx of returning citizens. The Kuwait Embassy in Lebanon has also made necessary arrangements to assist in the process.

This advisory marks an escalation from a previous statement in January, where the foreign ministry had advised citizens in Lebanon to exercise caution or leave voluntarily due to potential military escalations in the region linked to ongoing conflicts.

The advisory came shortly after Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly informed her Israeli counterpart, Yisrael Katz, that Canada is preparing to evacuate around 45,000 Canadian citizens from Lebanon. Canada has updated its travel advisory to “avoid all travel” to Lebanon and has deployed military forces to the region as a precaution.

The urgency of Kuwait’s advisory was underscored by a recent phone call between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Foreign Minister Al-Yahya. The two officials discussed the necessity of preventing further escalation and enhancing bilateral cooperation for regional stability. They also deliberated on continuing humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza and post-conflict reconstruction plans.

Meanwhile, reactions on social media have been varied. Hussein Hakeem, currently in South Lebanon, described the situation as “not that bad,” downplaying the severity of the threats. Farah Al-Hashem, a Kuwaiti filmmaker residing in Lebanon, also downplayed the advisory, suggesting that such precautions are routine during security threats.

Despite these mixed reactions, the Kuwaiti government remains resolute in its efforts to ensure the safe return of its citizens. The control room will continue to coordinate with relevant authorities to manage the repatriation process efficiently.

This article was posted on KuwaitMoments