Kuwait

Terrorist attacks are possible.

Terrorist groups have threatened to carry out attacks in the Gulf region. This includes targeting western interests, such as:

• residential and military compounds
• oil infrastructure
• transport services
• aviation facilities
• extremist groups in the region can carry out trans-national attacks.

Terrorist groups in the region can carry out trans-national attacks.

Places where Westerners gather, are possible targets.

Targets may include:

• Western cultural symbols such as restaurants, hotels and shopping centres
• tourist areas, including theatres and markets
• international schools
• public transport
• mosques and other religious sites
• outdoor recreation events

When visiting Kuwait:

• be alert to threats
• report suspicious activity or items to police
• consider the level of security at places that are known targets
• monitor the media for any new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe, and avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorist threats

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

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Demonstrations sometimes happen. Protesters and security forces have clashed.

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

Avoid all protests, demonstrations and large public gatherings.

Take extra care during the period around Friday prayers when protests often occur. 

Be especially alert in:

• Al-Qibla
• Jahra
• Sulaibaya

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 crime rate is low but on the rise.

Some travellers have reported being physically and verbally harassed. Some Westerners 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
• avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas
• carry only what you need – leave other valuables in a secure place

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 for 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 1000s 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. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.

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)
• COVID-19 (Department of Health and Aged Care)

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
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use.

More information:

• Medicine

COVID-19

COVID-19 remains a risk in Kuwait.

Public health measures, including wearing a face mask, can change at short notice. Monitor local media for the latest updates and follow the advice of local authorities.

You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally.  The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.

More information:

• Ministry of Health - Kuwait COVID-19 updates
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Department of Health and Aged Care)

MERS CoV

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

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

Other countries outside the Middle East have also reported new cases from returned travellers.

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. Some offer high-quality services, while others are only suitable for routine procedures.

Some hospitals don't accept foreigners.

Healthcare facilities are generally expensive and require up front payment. Some treatments may not be available for foreigners.

If you need a complex procedure or become seriously ill, you'll 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.

Ask your family, friend or colleague to inform the Embassy as soon as possible.

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, 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.
• engage in public displays of affection
• engage in same-sex relations and impersonate the opposite sex
• live 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.

If you're part of a couple, it's illegal to stay in a hotel room unless you're married. If you stay at a hotel together, hotel staff will ask you for a marriage certificate.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

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 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

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.

Border measures

You don't need to be fully vaccinated or take a COVID-19 test, regardless of immunisation status, to travel to Kuwait. Wearing face masks indoors and outdoors is optional.

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

Land and sea borders are open between 9am and 3pm.

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:

• COVID-19 and consular services overseas
• 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).

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

• The FIFA World Cup will take place in Qatar from 20 November to 18 December 2022. From 1 November to 22 December only Hayya Card holders can enter Qatar.
• To get a Hayya Card between 1 November and 2 December, you must hold a ticket for the FIFA 2022 World Cup. Tickets are not required for Hayya Cards after 2 December. For a fee, ticket holders can use their Hayya Card to bring in three friends or relatives who don't hold tickets. Hayya Cards can be used for entry to Qatar until 23 January 2023. 
• You must arrange accommodation for your stay before you travel to Qatar if your visit is more than 24 hours. No standard visas will be issued for Qatar during this time. 
• You don't need to pre-register on the Ehteraz health application prior to arrival.
• If you're visiting Qatar via regional shuttle flights or road, stay up to date on the different entry processes and requirements.
• FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and Qatar travel advice provide further details.
• Stay up to date on the latest developments by subscribing to each destination you’re staying in and our news updates. Follow Smartraveller social media.
• Continue to monitor the official Qatar World Cup and FIFA websites for more information.
• Make sure you read and understand the Consular Services Charter, which outlines what the Australian Government can and can’t do for you when you’re overseas.

Authorities could issue you with a travel ban if:

• you have unpaid debts or fines, including traffic or parking fines
• 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.

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.

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 focused on 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.

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.

Contact your provider with any complaints about a tourist service or product.

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

For consular help, 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

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