Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Kuwait is a generally safe Gulf country with low serious crime. Take normal precautions against petty theft and reckless driving.
- Overall risk
- Low; serious crime against visitors is uncommon
- Main concern
- Petty theft and aggressive driving on the roads
- Emergency number
- 112 (police, ambulance, fire)
- Kuwait City and the wider country are stable and orderly. Respect local Islamic laws and customs closely, keep an eye on valuables in crowds, and take care as a pedestrian given the fast local traffic.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
There are no no-go areas for typical tourists. Avoid the immediate vicinity of the northern border with Iraq and stay away from any protests.
- No-go areas
- None for typical travellers within the cities
- Border zones
- Avoid the far northern desert near the Iraq border
- Kuwait City, Salmiya and the coastal Corniche are safe to explore. Keep away from the northern border region with Iraq and from any gatherings or demonstrations, which can attract a police response.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
The main hazard is extreme summer heat, which can approach 50°C, along with dust and sandstorms. Earthquake risk is low.
- Summer heat
- Extreme; temperatures can near 50°C
- Dust storms
- Sandstorms reduce visibility and air quality
- Seismic risk
- Low
- From May to September the heat is intense. Stay hydrated, avoid the midday sun and limit outdoor activity. During sandstorms, stay indoors where possible and protect your eyes and airways.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Kuwait has good modern healthcare. Heat-related illness is the main risk; many people prefer bottled water though tap water is treated.
- Healthcare
- Good public and private hospitals in the city
- Heat illness
- Dehydration and heatstroke in summer
- Emergency
- 112 for ambulance
- Private healthcare can be expensive, so insurance is important. Tap water comes largely from desalination and is treated; many residents and visitors still choose bottled water. Guard against heat exhaustion in summer.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Serious crime is rare, but petty theft occurs in crowded markets and malls. Watch for online, rental and taxi overcharging scams.
- Main risk
- Pickpocketing in busy souks and shopping malls
- Scams
- Online fraud, unofficial taxis and overcharging
- Advice
- Use licensed taxis or ride apps and agree fares
- Keep valuables secure at Souq Al-Mubarakiya and The Avenues mall. Use licensed taxis or reputable ride-hailing apps, and be cautious of unsolicited online offers or requests for card details.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Kuwait is a stable emirate headed by the Amir. Everyday life is calm; avoid political gatherings and check your government travel advice before you go.
- Government
- Constitutional emirate led by the Amir
- Demonstrations
- Keep away from any protests or political gatherings
- Daily life for visitors is orderly and calm. Do not take part in or photograph demonstrations. Given regional tensions in the wider Gulf, review your own government's latest travel advice before and during your trip.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Kuwait is a conservative Islamic country. Alcohol is completely banned, drugs carry severe penalties, and modest dress and Ramadan rules should be respected.
- Alcohol
- Completely illegal to import, possess or drink
- Ramadan
- No eating, drinking or smoking in public in daytime
- Drugs
- Extremely severe penalties
- Alcohol is fully prohibited: importing, possessing and drinking are all illegal. Dress modestly, especially outside hotels and beaches. During Ramadan, eating, drinking or smoking in public in daylight is against the law and penalised. Avoid public displays of affection, and be mindful that some matters, including LGBT-related issues, are legally sensitive; follow local laws and customs closely.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Dial 112 for all emergencies: police, ambulance and fire. The country code for Kuwait is +965.
- All emergencies
- 112
- Country code
- +965
- Main airport
- Kuwait International (KWI)
- 112 is the single number for police, ambulance and fire across Kuwait. Save your embassy and hotel numbers, and keep your travel insurer's 24-hour assistance line to hand.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
There is no reciprocal healthcare agreement; carry comprehensive travel insurance with strong medical and repatriation cover.
- Coverage
- Comprehensive insurance with medical cover
- Repatriation
- Include medical evacuation and repatriation
- Activities
- Add desert trips or water sports if relevant
- Private healthcare can be costly for visitors. Ensure your policy covers medical treatment, hospital stays and repatriation, plus any planned activities such as desert excursions or watersports.