Country guides
Middle East
Electricity
The electricity supply is 240 volts at 50Hz, and the UK-style three-pin plug (Type G) is used.
Language
Arabic is the official language and taught in all schools, though English is widely used in education and business. Farsi is spoken by Iranian expats; Urdu is common among South Asian communities, especially Pakistanis.
Money
Kuwait's currency is the Kuwaiti dinar (KWD). Travellers must declare any cash, foreign currency, gold, or valuables worth over KWD 3,000 (approximately USD 9,700) on arrival or departure. There are many 24-hour ATMs, especially outside bank branches; those inside generally follow bank hours. Most large shops accept major credit cards, although some vendors and banks prefer local debit cards (K-Net) and may not accept foreign-issued cards. Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted in Kuwait, especially at larger retailers, though smaller vendors may still prefer cash or K-Net. Foreign exchange services are available in major centres. Most banks are open Sunday to Thursday, from around 8am to 3pm, with some branches offering extended or varied hours.
Tipping
A service charge of 10 to 15 percent is often added to restaurant and hotel bills in Kuwait; if not, a tip of around 10 percent is acceptable. Additional tipping is usually reserved for more expensive hotels. Taxi drivers appreciate a small tip for long journeys or assistance. Baggage handlers, petrol attendants, and assistants are typically tipped small amounts, following local custom.
Health
It's a good idea for travellers to consider vaccination against typhoid, especially if eating outside major hotels and restaurants. Vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, along with updates for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), are also recommended.
While tap water in Kuwait meets safety standards, some visitors prefer to stick to bottled water or take extra care by boiling or filtering tap water to avoid any stomach upsets.
Medical care can be quite costly, so having medical insurance is advisable. Many doctors ask for payment in cash, even if travellers have insurance. If travellers are bringing prescription medications, it's best to carry a doctor's letter explaining what they're for, and check the list of prohibited medicines to avoid any issues, especially with medications containing alcohol.
Safety
Kuwait is generally safe with low levels of crime, and public protests are not permitted. That said, demonstrations do occur from time to time and, while usually peaceful, it's best to avoid them as a precaution.
Most public areas, such as beaches and picnic spots, are safe. However, although extensive demining has greatly reduced the risk from unexploded ordnance, which remains from past conflict, it's wise to stick to marked roads when exploring remote areas.
Driving can be challenging due to fast traffic and occasional reckless behaviour, so visitors should take extra care when on the road.
Local customs
Kuwait is a conservative Muslim country, and visitors are expected to respect local customs. Modest dress is recommended in public, and public displays of affection should be avoided, except for married couples holding hands. Unmarried couples may face restrictions when booking shared hotel rooms, though some international hotels are more flexible with foreign guests.
Same-sex relationships, particularly between men, are illegal and can lead to serious consequences. Alcohol is strictly banned, and the possession of pornographic or obscene material is prohibited. Physical contact between unrelated men and women in public is discouraged, while same-gender greetings are more accepted.
Photography near government, military, or oil facilities is not allowed, and it's polite to ask permission before photographing people. During Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is not permitted. Visitors should carry identification at all times, as it may be requested by authorities.
Doing business
Kuwait's business culture tends to be traditional, and a courteous, professional approach is highly valued. Business attire is generally formal, and women are expected to dress modestly in line with local customs. Meetings often begin with light conversation, and building a personal rapport is considered an important part of doing business.
As public contact between men and women is limited, it's polite for men to wait and see if a woman offers her hand when greeting. Although Arabic is the official language, English is commonly used in professional settings. Including a few Arabic words or titles in conversation is a thoughtful gesture that's usually appreciated.
The work week runs from Sunday to Thursday. Government offices typically open early in the morning and close by early afternoon, while many private businesses follow a split schedule, pausing during the hottest part of the day and reopening in the late afternoon or early evening.
Duty free
Travellers to Kuwait may bring up to 500 cigarettes or 2 pounds of tobacco without paying duty. Alcohol and narcotics are strictly prohibited and can lead to serious penalties. Other banned items include unsealed dairy products, salty fish, mineral water, unsealed olives and pickles, homemade food, fresh vegetables, shellfish and related products, and fresh figs. To avoid issues at customs, all food items should be commercially packaged and clearly declared.
Communications
The international dialling code for Kuwait is +965. Telecommunications services are generally reliable and widely available. Since international roaming charges can be high, purchasing a local SIM card may be a more cost-effective option. Free WiFi is commonly available in many hotels, cafes, and restaurants in tourist areas.
Passport & Visa
All foreign visitors to Kuwait (excluding nationals of Gulf Cooperation Council states or other visa-exempt countries) must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and proof of sufficient financial means for their stay. A visa is required in advance for most travellers, though some nationalities may obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa if travelling by air. Passports should have at least six months' validity remaining beyond the planned arrival date. While travel agents and public sources offer guidelines, immigration officials have final discretion at the border and may enforce entry requirements beyond those typically stated.
Entry requirements
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond their arrival in Kuwait. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum stay of three months.
British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond their arrival in Kuwait. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum stay of three months.
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond their arrival in Kuwait. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum stay of three months.
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond their arrival in Kuwait. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond their arrival in Kuwait. A visa is required and must be obtained prior to arrival through a Kuwaiti embassy or consulate. Visa on arrival is not available for South African citizens. The typical visa allows a stay of up to 90 days.
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond their arrival in Kuwait. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum stay of three months.
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond their arrival in Kuwait. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum stay of three months.