Kuwait Travel Safety

Road safety

Exercise caution when driving after dark. Off-road driving can be hazardous. Undertake off-road driving in a convoy of four-wheel-drive vehicles with an experienced guide only. Accidents are common and due mainly to unsafe driving practices such as reckless driving. Be well prepared and equipped with gasoline, water, food and a cellular phone.

Regional travel

Foreignershave 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).

Border crossings

Use only official border crossings when crossing from Iraq or Saudi Arabia into Kuwait. Other crossings are considered illegal by Kuwaiti officials. Borders are patrolled by armed guards and there have been exchanges of gunfire in the recent past.

Taxis

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

Marine transportation

Pirate attacks occur in coastal waters and, in some cases, farther out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. Consult the Ministry of Interior of the State of Kuwait for instructions and regulations for sailing in Kuwaiti waters. Exercise caution if travelling by sea, including for recreational purposes, in the Persian/Arabian Gulf, particularly around the islands of Abu Mousa and the Tunba(s), as both Iran and the United Arab Emirates have claimed sovereignty over the islands.

Women's safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. In addition, don't flash money or valuables in public. Doing so may make you a potential victim of criminal activity.

Crime

The crime rate is low and violence is rare, including against foreigners. However, you should avoid secluded places or non-residential areas after dark. Locals have sometimes followed foreigners 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.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism. Be particularly vigilant in or near places of worship. 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. Targets could also include government buildings, schools, transportation hubs and public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets and hotels, as well as sites frequented by foreigners. Be aware of your surroundings at all times in public places.

Dress and behaviour

Kuwait's customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Exercise common sense and discretion in dress and behaviour. Dress conservatively - for women: knee-length or longer dresses and long sleeves are preferable, women should avoid clothing that could be construed as revealing, such as miniskirts, shorts and sleeveless or low-cut (front or back) blouses and tops, men: should not wear shorts outside tourist areas. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Overt public displays of intimate affection are frowned upon in Kuwati culture. During the lunar month of Ramadan, use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset.

LGBT

The laws of Kuwait prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Sexual intercourse between men and imitating the appearance of the opposite sex are punishable by law. Those convicted can face upto 6 years of imprisonment. LGBT travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Kuwait.

Illegal or restricted activities

Religious proselytizing is not permitted. Penalties for possession, use and trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. 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. Defamation of the emir, any member of the Royal family or any local authority is prohibited by Kuwaiti law. 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. Do not photograph people without their permission.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is required. Kuwaiti law states that the driver must wait for the police to make an official report, in the event of an accident, do not attempt to move the vehicle, even though it may impede traffic. Digital cameras register traffic violations. Suspects as well as witnesses to incidents may be held for lengthy periods without access to legal counsel or consular officials. 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.