Contents
Summary
Entry and exit requirements
Safety and security
Local travel
Laws that apply to you
Health issues
Where to get help
Additional information
Summary
- We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Kuwait due to the on-going threat of terrorist attack and the presence of unexploded ordnance and landmines.
- Political developments locally and in the region may prompt demonstrations in Kuwait. Australians in Kuwait should avoid all protests and follow the advice of local authorities.
- Attacks could occur at anytime, anywhere in Kuwait. Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks on the Arabian Peninsula and have demonstrated intent to conduct attacks in Kuwait against a range of targets. These include US military and identifiably Western targets such as hotels and restaurants, as well as symbols and buildings associated with the Kuwaiti Government.
- Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
- organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
- register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency
- subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it's reissued.
Entry and exit
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. You may experience difficulties as you enter Kuwait if your passport has evidence of travel to Israel, such as entry or exit stamps. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Kuwait for the most up-to-date information.
Kuwaiti authorities have advised that visas will not be issued for Australian emergency passports. This includes for entering or transiting Kuwait.
Visitors who overstay their visas face significant fines.
Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
Safety and security
Terrorism
We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Kuwait due to the on-going threat of terrorist attack. Attacks could occur any-time and anywhere in Kuwait. Terrorists may seek to attacka range of targets in Kuwait , including US military and identifiably Western targets such as hotels and restaurants as well as symbols and buildings associated with the Kuwaiti Government.
In August 2009, security forces arrested members of a terrorist cell planning to attack a number of targets in Kuwait, including an oil refinery, a US military base and government buildings. The US Government later warned that terrorists may be conducting surveillance on Westerners, particularly at hotels, housing areas and rental car facilities, and that contractors, especially those with links to the military, could be targeted.
Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks on the Arabian Peninsula. Potential targets could include residential compounds, military facilities, oil, transport and aviation interests.
In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. In addition to the places mentioned above possible targets may include clubs, theatres, schools, public transport, outdoor recreation events, markets and shopping areas. Tourist areas, hotels, religious sites as well as other places frequented by foreigners, including international schools, are also potential terrorist targets.
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
Civil unrest/political tension
In 2011, there have been regular anti-government demonstrations within Kuwait. These generally occur on Wednesday evenings in Irada Square and outside of the National Assembly building in the Al Qibla area of Kuwait City. While the protests have been generally peaceful, there have been occasional clashes between protestors and security forces. The protests have been focused on government buildings, although there is a possibility these demonstrations could spread to other areas within Kuwait.
There have also been protests by various groups, including Bidoons (or stateless persons), expatriate labourers. International events and political developments (including elections) may also prompt demonstrations in Kuwait.
Australians in Kuwait should avoid all protests and follow the advice of local authorities. You should take particular care in the areas of Al-Qibla, Jahra and Sulaibaya and in the period surrounding Friday prayers in all parts of Kuwait.
Australians should monitor local and international media for information that may affect your safety and security.
Crime
The crime rate in Kuwait is not high.
Women should avoid walking alone in isolated areas at night, and travel with a companion if possible. Since the beginning of 2007, at least three attempted sexual assaults against Australian women in Kuwait City have been reported. On two occasions, Western women were reportedly sexually assaulted by a person posing as a police officer.
Money and valuables
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas.
Make two photocopies of valuables documents such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
Local travel
Driving can be hazardous. While Kuwait's roads are well maintained, speeding, reckless driving, road rage and ignoring traffic lights are common. For further advice, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety.
Kuwait has restrictions on eligibility requirements for drivers’ licences. You should confirm eligibility requirements with the nearest Kuwaiti Embassy if you are planning to drive or obtain a licence in Kuwait.
You should book taxis in advance from a well-known, reputable company. Fares should be agreed before setting off.
Travellers entering the Gulf area by sea should be aware that many areas are sensitive in relation to security and territory. There are reports of vessel inspections, detentions and arrest.
There are still unexploded munitions, including landmines, from the Gulf War remaining in rural areas, at beaches and at picnic sites. People have been injured after picking up strange metal or plastic objects. You should not stray from well-travelled roads.
Piracy occurs in the Gulf. See our travel advice on travelling by sea for more information. The International Maritime Bureau issues piracy reports on its website.
Airline safety
Please refer to our travel bulletin for information about Aviation Safety and Security.
Laws
When you are in Kuwait, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians overseas is set out in the Consular Services Charter.
Penalties for drug offences (including possession) are severe and include the death penalty.
Australians who might engage in activities that involve local legal matters, particularly with regard to family law (divorce, child custody and child support), are strongly advised to seek professional advice and ensure they are aware of their rights and responsibilities. Child custody decisions are based on Islamic law and it is difficult for a woman to be granted custody of her children in local courts.
Homosexual acts are illegal in Kuwait. It is also illegal for unmarried heterosexual couples to live together. Public displays of affection can lead to arrest.
The importation and use of alcohol, pork products and pornography is illegal in Kuwait. Customs officials use strict screening procedures to detect illicit imports.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence and offenders may be fined, imprisoned and/or deported.
Anyone involved in a commercial or any other dispute with a Kuwaiti company or individual may be prevented from leaving the country or placed in custody, pending resolution of the dispute.
You should carry identification (passport or civil identification) at all times as authorities conduct regular checks for illegal workers.
Taking photographs of or near government buildings or other infrastructure, including oil fields, can lead to detention. It is forbidden to take photographs at some shopping centres.
Prison terms of up to seven years can be imposed for challenging the authority of the Emir or insulting him – whether by speech, writing, drawing or any other means of expression.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism, child pornography, and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism and child pornography laws. These laws provide severe penalties for up to 25 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in child sexual exploitation while outside of Australia.
Authentication of documents: Kuwait authorities have advised that documents issued in Australia must be authenticated in Australia before being further authenticated by the Australian Embassy in Kuwait. If you intend to use Australian documents such as an academic record, marriage certificate or drivers licence to obtain residency/employment permits and/or a driving license for use in Kuwait, you should have all such documents authenticated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at the relevant state or territory office before leaving Australia.
Local customs
During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims and eating, drinking and smoking in public is forbidden for even non-Muslims.
There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in Kuwait and you should take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.
Information for dual nationals
Dual nationality is not recognised in Kuwait. This may limit our ability to provide consular assistance to Australian/Kuwaiti dual nationals who are arrested or detained.
Our Dual Nationals brochure provides further information.
Health
On 10 August 2010, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced it had moved to a post-pandemic period in response to pandemic (H1N1) 2009. The virus is expected to remain as a seasonal influenza virus and local outbreaks may occur. For more information see the WHO website.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.
The standard of medical facilities in Kuwait varies: some facilities offer high quality services while others are adequate for routine procedures only. Private health care facilities generally require payment at the time of treatment. In the event of a serious illness or accident, or for complex procedures, medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate facilities could be necessary. Medical evacuation costs would be considerable.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world, including Kuwait. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
Where to get help
In Kuwait, you can obtain consular assistance from the:
Australian Embassy
Dar Al-Awadi Building (12th Floor)
Ahmed Al-Jaber Street
Sharq KUWAIT
Tel: (965) 232 2422 (outside Kuwait) or 2232 2422 (within Kuwait)
Fax: (965) 232 2430 (outside Kuwait) or 2232 2430 (within Kuwait)
Website: www.kuwait.embassy.gov.au
The working week is from Sunday to Thursday, in accordance with local practice.
If you are travelling to Kuwait, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the above mission, you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
Additional information
Natural disasters, severe weather and climate
Sand and dust storms occur regularly.
Kuwait often experiences extremely high temperatures. During the hottest months of the year, the temperature regularly exceeds 50˚C.
Flooding can occur during December and January.
Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
Wildlife
Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
For parents
For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.