Kuwait

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

There have been several terrorist attacks in the Gulf region in recent years. These have occurred at places visited by foreigners. Take official warnings seriously. In case of an attack, follow the advice of local authorities.

Attacks could occur at any time and could target:

• places of worship
• hotels and restaurants
• sporting venues
• military sites
• transport hubs
• crowded public places
• other locations foreigners may visit

More information:

• Terrorism

Conflicts in the Middle East and Gulf region could affect Kuwait. Monitor local and international media.

The security situation in the region remains unpredictable and could deteriorate with little or no warning.

If there's a security incident, follow the advice of local authorities.

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests are rare in Kuwait but can occur. Events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Protesters and security forces have clashed previously.

Security forces have used water cannons and tear gas to break up protests.

Avoid all protests, demonstrations and large public gatherings.

Take extra care during the time of Friday prayers when protests are more likely to occur. 

Be especially alert in:

• Al-Qibla
• Jahra
• Sulaibiya

During a period of unrest:

• monitor the media and local sources for new threats
• plan your activities to avoid days of national or commemorative significance
• follow the advice of local authorities
• be prepared to change your travel plans

Contact your airline, travel agent or insurer if your travel is disrupted. 

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

The overall crime rate in Kuwait is low but it is higher in some areas.

Some travellers have reported being physically and verbally harassed. Some foreigners have reported being followed at night.

Take care if you intend to travel to Jahra, where attackers have used firearms in confrontations. Robberies have occurred in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh.

To protect yourself from crime:

• be alert to petty thieves while in crowded places
• carry only what you need – leave other valuables in a secure place
• watch your belongings on buses and taxis, especially at night
• don't go out alone after dark or to isolated places, especially on foot
• always keep your vehicle and accommodation locked
• be alert to suspicious behaviour

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information:

Cyber security when travelling overseas

Sand and dust storms occur regularly.

It's often very hot and dry in Kuwait, where the hottest months are June, July and August. Temperatures are often above 50°C and rarely drop below 30°C, even at night. High humidity can be expected in August.

Flooding can happen, usually between December and January.

If there's a natural disaster or severe weather:

• secure your passport in a safe location
• monitor local media and other sources such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice from local authorities
• keep in contact with friends and family.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need.

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Kuwait. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use.

More information:

• Medication

MERS CoV

Cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) are reported in:

• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• Jordan
• Kuwait
• Oman
• the United Arab Emirates

Avoid contact with camels. Don't consume raw camel milk, undercooked camel meat, or anything contaminated with camel secretions.

Get medical advice if you have a fever, cough, breathing difficulties or diarrhoea.

More information:

• MERS Information Card

Air quality

Air pollution levels in Kuwait can spike to dangerous levels in the winter months, October to February. It can increase the risk of breathing problems.

Dust and sandstorms can be severe and occur throughout the year.

Poor air quality can cause:

• traffic delays and accidents
• flight delays

People who have pre-existing medical conditions, particularly heart and lung conditions, may be especially affected. If you're concerned:

• seek medical advice
• follow advice from local authorities about methods to reduce exposure
• monitor an air quality index
• reduce your exposure

More information:

• US Embassy Kuwait City Air Quality
• Air Pollution WHO

The standard of medical facilities in Kuwait varies in government-run and private institutions. You'll be expected to pay in advance for all services. Healthcare facilities provide most services for foreigners. Some hospitals only accept citizens, and some treatments may not be available to foreigners. Government facilities offer more specialty care services, though wait times are often long and can be difficult to access for non-nationals.

Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions.

If you need a complex procedure or become seriously ill, you may need to be evacuated. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Kuwaiti authorities don't normally notify the Australian Embassy if they detain or arrest Australians.

If you are detained, ask the authorities, your family, friend or colleague to inform the Embassy as soon as possible.

More information:

• Arrested or jailed

Drugs and alcohol

Possession of illicit drugs and alcohol is illegal. Penalties are severe.
Convictions for possession and trafficking of drugs may result in heavy fines, lengthy jail sentences, deportation or the death penalty.

It is illegal to bring alcohol into Kuwait and possess or consume it in the country.

Public intoxication or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is punishable by fines, imprisonment, deportation and confiscation of your driving licence.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Commercial, civil, family and employment law

Australian and Kuwaiti laws are very different. This includes laws about:

• commercial arrangements
• civil matters
• family matters
• employment.

Seemingly minor incidents can result in lengthy legal proceedings. If you have an open case, you may be prevented from leaving the country until it’s resolved.

Some offences that aren't serious in Australia are extremely serious in Kuwait. This includes:

• writing a cheque without enough funds in your account
• not paying your bills.

We can't interfere in commercial and family disputes.

If you're involved in local legal matters:

• seek professional advice
• understand your rights and what you must do under Kuwaiti law.

This is particularly the case for family law matters, including:

• divorce
• child custody
• child support.

Kuwaiti authorities require that documents issued in Australia are both:

• authenticated by DFAT before you leave Australia
• authenticated by officials at the Australian Embassy in Kuwait.

Types of documents you'll need to authenticate include:

• academic records
• a marriage certificate or driver's licence for a residency permit
• employment permits
• a driver's licence for other purposes.

More information:

• Legalising documents

Other laws

Always carry ID, such as your passport or a Kuwaiti civil identity card.

Authorities conduct regular checks for illegal workers.

It's illegal to:

• use social media to criticise regional political matters and figures, including the Emir
• challenge or insult the Emir in any way, including in speech, writing or drawing
• import alcohol (also see Drugs and alcohol section above), pork products or pornography
• drive without a valid licence
• drink and drive
• take photos or videos of Government buildings or military sites, oil fields, and people (particularly local women) without permission.

Sex and intimacy laws 

It's illegal to:

• have sex outside of marriage
• cohabitate with someone of the opposite sex if unmarried. It's illegal to stay in a hotel room with someone of the opposite sex unless you're married to them. The hotel staff will ask you for a marriage certificate
• engage in public displays of affection.

LGBTI laws

Same-sex relationships and impersonating the opposite sex are illegal. Kuwait doesn't recognise or allow same-sex marriages and rights. Punishments can include fines, imprisonment and deportation.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Victims of sexual assault

Depending on the situation, victims of sexual assault in Kuwait may face arrest, detention or criminal prosecution for having sex outside of marriage and/or adultery.

If you are sexually assaulted in Kuwait, contact the Australian Embassy in Kuwait or the Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra immediately.

While consular officers can’t provide legal or medical advice, they can give you a list of English-speaking service providers such as lawyers and translators who may be able to help you.

More information:

• Sexual assault

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Kuwait doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Kuwaiti authorities have confiscated the Australian passports of dual citizens. This doesn't deprive you of your Australian citizenship.

If this happens, contact the Australian Embassy. See Local contacts

More information:

• Dual nationals

Kuwait is a Muslim country. Respect local traditions, customs and religious beliefs. Dress and behave modestly in public.

The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan is strictly observed in Kuwait. Take care not to offend others. 

Avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public and in front of people who are fasting.

Visas

You'll need a visa to enter Kuwait.

Visas on arrival and e-visas are available for Australian citizens. To obtain a visa on arrival, you need to:

• pay the fee in cash when you arrive at Kuwait International Airport
• have evidence of a return ticket on onward travel plans
• evidence of accommodation booking
• have a passport valid for at least 6 months

Information and applications for e-visas are available through the Ministry of Interior website.

To apply for employment or residency visas, contact your nearest Embassy of Kuwait.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact your nearest Embassy of Kuwait for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

If you overstay your visa, you'll face a large fine or travel ban. Check the expiry date on your visa.

You may be refused entry into Kuwait if you have an Israeli stamp in your passport.

Border measures

Contact your airline, travel provider or Kuwaiti diplomatic mission for the latest information on travel restrictions. Follow the Australian Embassy on social media for the latest announcements and updates (see Local contacts). For latest updates, also follow social media messages from:

• Ministry of Interior
• Ministry of Health
• Ministry of Information or
• Directorate General for Civil Aviation

The northern border between Iraq and Kuwait is closed, and other countries may monitor travellers from Kuwait. Further measures may be introduced at short notice. Follow the instructions of local authorities.

More information:

• Official Instagram accounts of Ministry of Interior (@MOI_KUW), Ministry of Health (@kuwait_MOH), (MOH_media_office) and the Ministry of Information (@MOinformation).
• For the latest aviation services and advice, see the official Instagram account of the Directorate General for Civil Aviation (@Kuwait_DGCA).

Authorities may prevent you from departing Kuwait if:

• you have unpaid debts or fines, including traffic or parking fines, utility or telecommunications bills
• you're in a financial dispute
• you're charged with a criminal offence or are under investigation

Authorities enforce travel bans. They can take months to resolve. Seek the advice of a local lawyer.

If you're applying for an employment or residency visa, you'll need to get supporting documents verified before you arrive. See Local laws

Customs officials use strict screening procedures to detect illegal imports. See Local laws

You may have trouble entering Kuwait if your passport has evidence of travel to Israel. This includes entry or exit stamps.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Kuwait won't issue entry, transit or other visas in Australian emergency passports.

Emergency passports can only be used to exit Kuwait.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information:

• LGBTI travellers

The local currency is the Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD).

Declare all local and foreign currency equivalent over KWD3000 when you arrive. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

ATMs are widely available. Credit cards are widely accepted.

Some banks and shops won't accept foreign cards. Ask your bank if your cards will work in Kuwait.

Unexploded weapons

Kuwait has unexploded remnants of war, including landmines, in desert areas and on some beaches.

People have been injured after picking up strange metal or plastic objects.

Don't stray from well-travelled roads.

Border crossings

It's illegal and dangerous to travel near the borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia without authorisation.

Armed guards patrol border areas.

All travel to Iraq is dangerous. Don't go there.

If you travel to Iraq despite our advice, make sure you have correct documents authorising your movements.

Only use authorised road border crossing points into Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

More information:

• Travel advice for Iraq

Driving permit

Kuwait has strict requirements for driver's licences.

If you drive without a valid licence, you could be jailed or deported.

If you're a visitor, you can use a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) instead of a local driver's licence.

Get your IDP before leaving Australia.

If you're a resident in Kuwait, you need to apply for a Kuwaiti licence.

If you plan to drive, get advice from an embassy or consulate-general of Kuwait.

Road travel

Driving in Kuwait is dangerous.

Road conditions vary.

Driving speeds are very fast in Kuwait compared to Australia. Most drivers pay little attention to other road users. Drivers generally ignore road safety rules.

It's illegal to leave the scene of an accident before police arrive. If you have an accident:

• stay with the vehicle and don't move it
• call the police on 112

If you don't pay traffic or parking fines on time, authorities may:

• seize your vehicle
• impose a travel ban that prevents you from leaving Kuwait

Pay any traffic or parking fines as soon as possible.

If you must drive in Kuwait:

• check you have adequate insurance
• find out about local traffic laws and practices

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check if your travel insurance covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Only use official taxis and limousines. Book transport from a reliable company. Rideshare apps are common.

Some taxis don't use meters, which can result in disputes over the fare. Some taxis don't accept credit cards.

Agree on the fare and form of payment before setting off.

Public transport

Public transport exists in Kuwait but is limited to residential areas rather than tourist destinations.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Sea travel

Many sea areas in the Gulf region are under territorial dispute.

There are reports of vessel inspections, detentions and arrest.

Piracy happens in the Gulf. Read the International Maritime Bureau's piracy reports.

More information:

• Travelling by boat

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Kuwait's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112 or go to a hospital.

Police

Call 112 or visit the nearest police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Few police officers speak English. If you don't speak Arabic, you may need to find an Arabic speaker to help.

Your insurer should have a 24 hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Kuwait City.

Australian Embassy, Kuwait City

Dar Al-Awadi Building (12th floor)

Ahmed Al-Jaber Street,

Sharq, Kuwait

Phone: (+965) 2232 2422

Email: consular.kuwaitcity@dfat.gov.au

Fax: (+965) 2232 2430

Website: kuwait.embassy.gov.au

Twitter: @AusAmbKuwait

Facebook: Australian Embassy, Kuwait

Instagram: @AusEmbKuwait

The working week is from Sunday to Thursday.

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia