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KuwaitTravel guide

Explore Kuwait visa rulesCommon scams in Kuwait

Kuwait is a monarchy on the Persian Gulf, between Iraq and Saudi Arabia. It has a history as a trading port and wealth from oil and gas. The source's travel warning, updated 18 October 2026, says regional military strikes disrupted travel and many governments advise reconsidering travel to Kuwait.

Why go

  1. Explore Bronze Age and Greek ruins on Failaka Island.

  2. Learn about the oil industry at the free KOC Ahmed Al Jaber Oil & Gas Exhibition.

  3. See the bay from Kazmah desert cliffs when visibility is good.

  4. Visit shopping malls, small markets and restaurants.

  5. See Kuwait City's skyline from Southern Island on the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Causeway.

Best time to go: Winter has cooler weather and is a popular time for desert trips and horse riding. December and January temperatures can fall to 5°C; June to August temperatures can exceed 50°C.

Getting there

By air

  • Kuwait International Airport is Kuwait's only airport. It is 16 km south of Kuwait City.
  • Kuwait Airways uses Terminal 4 for almost all flights. Its New York flights use Terminal 1.
  • Jazeera Airways operates regional flights from Terminal 5.

By land

  • Kuwait has land borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The source describes the political situation in Iraq as unstable and urges caution on that route.
  • Long-distance buses connect Kuwait with Dammam and other places in Saudi Arabia.
  • KGL operates bus routes to other Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

By sea

  • The source lists ferries between Ash Shuwayk and Bushehr in Iran three times a week. Listed one-way fares start at KD 37.
  • The source also lists speedboats between Ash Shuwayk and Manama in Bahrain, with tickets at KD 45.

Customs

  • Alcohol may not be brought into Kuwait, even for personal use.

Getting around

  • Driving

    Kuwait has a good road network, with signs in Arabic and English. Major north–south roads have numbers such as Expressway 30 and 40. Ring roads cross them and have names such as First and Second. Drivers can be reckless, so take care on the roads.

  • Finding addresses

    Get both the area name and block number for your destination. Street numbers can repeat in different blocks of the same area. Google Maps is useful for traffic, roads and major destinations, but it may place street addresses incorrectly. For street addresses, use the free official Kuwait Finder map app.

  • Boats to Failaka Island

    The source lists a KPTC ferry from Ras Al Salmiya, near the Scientific Center. Private speedboats leave from near Marina Mall, and Ikarus Boat Rides operates at Marina Crescent. Have a backup plan because departures are not guaranteed.

What to see and do

  • Failaka Island

    See old wooden boats, Bronze Age remains and Greek archaeological sites, including a temple. The island was heavily damaged during the Iraqi invasion.

  • Al Jahra

    Traditional boats called boums and sambuks are still built here. They are now mainly used for pleasure.

  • Mina Al Ahmadi

    This oil port has large jetties for tankers. Its Oil Display Center requires reservations.

  • KOC Ahmed Al Jaber Oil & Gas Exhibition

    This museum in Ahmadi has interactive displays and guided tours every 30 minutes. Contact it ahead of time because it sometimes closes for part of the day.

  • Kazmah desert cliffs

    These cliffs offer views across the bay when visibility is good.

  • Desert and oases

    Much of Kuwait is open desert, with some oases. Locals enjoy desert trips in winter.

Food and drink

  • Restaurants Road, Salmiya

    Ask a local for directions to this road of restaurants serving sandwiches, juices and snacks.

  • Mall food courts

    Major malls offer food ranging from fast food to more expensive restaurant meals.

  • Al-Marsa

    This restaurant in Le Meridien Hotel in Bneid Al Gar serves some traditional Kuwaiti seafood at relatively high prices.

  • Shati Alwatia

    A cheaper option for Kuwaiti food in the Behbehani Villa compound in Kuwait City's Qibla area.

  • Ferij Suwailih

    A Kuwaiti restaurant in Salmiya.

  • District co-operative shops

    These supermarkets, called Jumayya, are open to anyone. Staff may pack your groceries and carry them to your car.

Money

Kuwaiti dinar, written as KD; its currency code is KWD. One dinar equals 1,000 fils.

  • Exchange offices are common in urban districts. Compare rates before changing money.
  • Bring your passport and visa when exchanging money.
  • Cash machines are widespread and the source says they do not charge withdrawal fees for foreign cards.
  • Most businesses accept card payments, including small shops.

Tipping: Tipping is generally unnecessary. If a grocery bag packer carries your bags to your car, a tip of about KD 0.500 is customary.

Typical costs

  • The source says managing on less than US$100 a day is difficult.
  • Hotel rooms start at around US$50, but an ordinary room can cost US$250 or more.
  • Food prices listed for May 2022 include KD 1 for an inexpensive restaurant meal and KD 0.5–2 for a South Indian takeaway.
  • A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant was listed at KD 10–12 in May 2022.
  • Two regular pizzas were listed at KD 7–8 in May 2022.
  • The KOC Ahmed Al Jaber Oil & Gas Exhibition is free.

Language

  • Arabic is the official language; Kuwaitis use the Kuwaiti dialect in daily conversation.
  • English is widely spoken, and most traffic signs are in Arabic and English.
  • Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam are also widely spoken.

Staying safe

  • The source's warning, updated 18 October 2026, says many governments advise reconsidering travel to Kuwait because of regional military strikes. Airports, ports and civilian attractions have been affected.
  • The source describes crime levels as low, though violent crimes against foreigners sometimes occur.
  • Women can face physical and verbal harassment.
  • Take care around traffic because drivers can be reckless.
1 common scams in Kuwait, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Speak politely and avoid remarks that could insult or humiliate someone. Public insults can be a crime.
  • Women who want to avoid extra attention should keep their midriff covered.
  • During Ramadan, plan around daytime restaurant closures and shorter working hours. Most supermarkets remain open, and major hotels provide some daytime meals.

Don't

  • Do not eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours in Ramadan. The source lists a KD 100 fine and possible imprisonment.
  • Do not criticise the ruling family or challenge its authority. This can lead to imprisonment.
  • Do not wear bikinis on public beaches; the source says they are acceptable at hotel pools.
  • Do not be nude in public.
  • Do not show affection publicly between men and women; it is illegal.
  • The source states that homosexuality is illegal.

Staying healthy

  • Tap water is drinkable, but much of it is desalinated, meaning its salt has been removed. Bottled water is widely available.
  • Avoid swimming near the mainland because many beach areas receive raw, untreated sewage.
  • Summer temperatures can exceed 50°C. Pack suitable clothes and sunglasses.
  • Government clinics and hospitals provide care for a fee, while private clinics charge KD 30 or more.

Where to stay

  • Hotels are expensive, and major Western hotel chains are represented.
  • Light sleepers should bring earplugs because calls to prayer are broadcast before twilight and several times during the day.
  • Chalets and other weekend accommodation can be rented along the southern coast.

Outdoor adventures in Kuwait

Kuwait offers desert outings, sailing, scuba diving and coastal walks. Summers are intensely hot, while winters are short and cool; swimming near the mainland is not recommended because of untreated sewage.

  • Scuba diving off Kuwait's coast

    Scuba divingPersian Gulf

    Ask a beachfront hotel to arrange a diving trip. Hotels mentioned include Hilton Resort, Movenpick Resort, Marina Hotel and Radisson SAS.

    • Swimming near the mainland is not recommended because of untreated sewage.
    • If hiring a boat, check it carefully for poor maintenance before agreeing to rent it.

  • Sailing off Kuwait's coast

    SailingPersian Gulf

    Contact a beachfront hotel to arrange a sailing trip. Options mentioned include Hilton Resort, Movenpick Resort, Marina Hotel and Radisson SAS.

    • Check a rental boat carefully for signs of poor maintenance.
    • Boat breakdowns have left visitors stranded at sea for hours.

  • Powerboating off Kuwait's coast

    More to doPersian Gulf

    Ask a beachfront hotel to arrange a boat trip.

    • Inspect the boat carefully before agreeing to rent it.
    • Poor maintenance can lead to breakdowns and long waits for rescue.

  • Kazmah desert cliffs outing

    More to doKazmah

    Drive along Road 80, turn right onto Road 801 towards Bubiyan, then take the first exit and turn left.

    • Summer temperatures can exceed 50°C.
    • Sandstorms and dust storms occur throughout the year.

  • Kuwait desert drive

    More to doDesert outside Kuwait Citynear Kuwait City

    Winter

    Drive away from the city, heading north on Road 801, west on Road 70 or south on Road 306.

    • Temperatures can exceed 50°C from June to August.
    • Dust storms are most common from March to August.

  • Failaka Island boat outing

    More to doFailaka Islandnear Salmiya

    Take a KPTC ferry from Ras Al Salmiya, also called Ras al Ardh, near the Scientific Center. Other options include a private speedboat near Marina Mall or Ikarus Boat Rides at Marina Crescent.

    • Cost: KD 3 listed for the island visit; what this covers is not specified.
    • If renting a boat, inspect it carefully for signs of poor maintenance.

  • Dasman Beach

    BeacheKuwait Citynear Kuwait City

    Visit Dasman Beach in Kuwait City for sea and skyline views.

    • Swimming near the mainland is not recommended because of untreated sewage.

  • Gulf Street public beaches

    BeacheGulf Streetnear Kuwait City

    Visit the public beaches along Gulf Street.

    • Swimming near the mainland is not recommended because of untreated sewage.

  • Radisson SAS resort beach

    Beache

    Use the beach at Radisson SAS resort, which charges for access.

    • Swimming near the mainland is not recommended because of untreated sewage.

  • Palms resort beach

    Beache

    Use the beach at Palms resort, which charges for access.

    • Swimming near the mainland is not recommended because of untreated sewage.

  • Horse riding at the Hunting and Equestrian Club

    More to do6th Ring Road

    Winter

    Go to the Hunting and Equestrian Club on the 6th Ring Road, near Jaber Al Ahmed Al Sabah Armed Forces Hospital.

  • Golf at Sahara Club

    More to do6th Ring Road

    Visit Sahara Club beside the 6th Ring Road, near the Hunting and Equestrian Club.

  • Walking and jogging in Al Shaheed Park

    More to doKuwait Citynear Kuwait City

    Visit Al Shaheed Park and explore its walking areas, jogging paths and botanical garden.

    • Summer heat is intense; the park has places to shelter from the sun.

  • Kuwait City coastal walk

    More to doKuwait City waterfrontnear Kuwait City

    Dusk for sunset views

    Walk along the coastal pavements. Benches across from Souq Sharq offer a place to stop at sunset.

Airports, metros and trains in Kuwait

Airports with scheduled flights

  • KWIKuwait International AirportKuwait CityMain international airport

People and safety in Kuwait

Religion

Most people are Muslim. Mixed.

  • Muslim74%
  • Christian14%
  • Hindu9%
  • Buddhist3%

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships are illegal

  • The law allows a fine.
  • Legal gender change is not recognised.

Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.

Women travellers

Ranked #70 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

84% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 58 of 198 countries can visit Kuwait easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required2
  • Freedom of movement3
  • Visa on arrival53
  • Visa required139
  • Admission refused1

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Europe38 of 46 countries
  • Asia16 of 49 countries
  • Oceania2 of 14 countries
  • Americas2 of 35 countries
  • Africa0 of 54 countries

Questions

When is the weather cooler?

Winter is short and cool, with December and January temperatures around 5°C. Summer temperatures can exceed 50°C from June to August.

Can I get by with English?

English is widely spoken. Most traffic signs are in both Arabic and English.

Can I pay by card?

Most businesses accept cards, including small shops. Cash machines are also widespread.

How do I find an address?

Get the area name and block number, as street numbers can repeat. The source recommends the official Kuwait Finder app for street addresses.

Can I drink the tap water?

Yes, the source says it is drinkable, although the taste may be unappealing. Bottled water is widely available.

Can I buy or bring alcohol?

No. Alcohol may not be imported, made or possessed, even for personal use.

What should I know about Ramadan?

Do not eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours. Restaurants usually close during the day, though most supermarkets stay open and major hotels offer some meals.

What power plugs are used?

Electricity is 220 volts. Sockets may take British plugs, two-pin Europlugs or German Schuko plugs; adapters are readily available.

What number should I call in an emergency?

Call 112 for police, fire or an ambulance.

Where can I try Kuwaiti food?

The source lists Al-Marsa in Bneid Al Gar, Shati Alwatia in Kuwait City's Qibla area and Ferij Suwailih in Salmiya.

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