The US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, however the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region, including Kuwait, against US military and civilian infrastructure. There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region. Before the ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions.
\n\nBritish nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions, and should:
\n\nKuwait International Airport is currently operating through Terminals 4 and 5, serving Kuwait Airways, Jazeera Airways and foreign carriers, while Terminal 1 remains closed. Flight schedules remain reduced. Check details with your airline before travelling and follow local guidance.
\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\n","slug":"warnings-and-insurance","title":"Warnings and insurance"},{"body":"This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Kuwait’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Kuwait set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Kuwaiti Embassy in the UK:
\n\n\n2 Albert Gate
London, SW1X 7JU \n
Telephone: 020 7590 3400
\n\nTo enter Kuwait, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nIf your passport contains an Israeli stamp, you may be refused a visa or entry to Kuwait.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou must have a visa to visit Kuwait.
\n\nYou can get a visa on arrival in Kuwait or online. More information is available from the Kuwait Ministry of Interior.
\n\nBritish citizens born in Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Sudan, Syria or Yemen are not eligible for visa on arrival and must obtain a visa from the Kuwaiti Embassy before travelling.
\n\nYou must be able to show:
\n\nKuwaiti authorities may apply additional checks to some British nationals on arrival, particularly those born outside the UK, including from parts of the Middle East or South Asia. This may result in delays, additional questioning, or, in some cases, refusal of entry.
\n\nEntry decisions are made by the Kuwaiti authorities.
\n\nIf you are concerned that you may be affected, consider checking with the Kuwaiti Embassy in London before you travel or applying for a visa in advance.
\n\nFor work or residency visas, apply to the Kuwaiti Embassy in London.
\n\nIf you’re applying for a residency visa, your passport must be valid for at least 2 years. Your employers should not keep your passport.
\n\nFor further information, read about living in Kuwait.
\n\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Kuwait guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Kuwait. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. Failure to declare could result in:
\n\nIt is illegal to import:
\n\nDeclare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 3000 Kuwaiti dinars (£7,500) or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nIn the context of regional escalation, Iran-aligned militia groups have threatened to target US interests across the region and have claimed attacks in Jordan and Iraq. US bases in Kuwait have also been hit by missile and drone fire. These groups are likely to continue to carry out these attacks in Kuwait.
\n\nAs was the case before the recent regional escalation, terrorist attacks in Kuwait cannot be ruled out. Terrorists have threatened to carry out attacks in the Gulf region, including on:
\n\nStay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nRecent developments in the Middle East have heightened tensions in the region. Planned and pre-approved peaceful protests are legal, however these are for Kuwaiti citizens only.
\n\nThere have also been minor, isolated cases of vandalism aimed at some international companies, or calls for them to be boycotted.
\n\nBe mindful of local sensitivities on these issues, stay away from demonstrations or developing crowds and follow the advice of the local authorities.
\n\nViolent crime against foreigners is rare. However, take care if you plan to travel to Jahra or Jleeb Al Shuyoukh, where there have been incidents of robberies, petty theft and road rage.
\n\nIt is illegal and dangerous to go near Kuwait’s borders without authorisation. Armed guards regularly patrol these areas.
\n\nIt is easy to miss the border posts between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. You must only use an authorised land border crossing and make sure to get an exit or entry stamp before you continue your journey.
\n\nIf you plan to cross the border from Kuwait into Iraq, make sure you have the correct paperwork. See the Iraqi Embassy to Kuwait website for more information.
\n\nThere are landmines and other unexploded weapons in Kuwait.
\n\nYou should:
\n\nKuwait is a Muslim country. Always respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Make sure your actions do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you visit religious areas.
\n\nAs a visiting foreign national, you must always carry your passport. If you are resident in Kuwait, you must always carry your Kuwaiti civil identification card.
\n\nKeep copies of your passport photo page and your visa or entry stamp in a separate place.
\n\nRamadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not:
\n\nGet more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
\n\nYou should also:
\n\nDress and behave modestly in public, particularly in downtown or conservative areas. Women should avoid wearing shorts or tight-fitting or revealing clothing.
\n\nDo not expose body piercings or tattoos that may be perceived as extreme or offensive – for example, you could be accused of violating religious sanctity for a tattoo of verse from the holy Quran in Arabic.
\n\nIt is illegal for an unmarried couple to live together in the same house or stay in the same hotel room. You will be asked to provide a marriage certificate if sharing a hotel room.
\n\nIt’s illegal to insult or humiliate any person verbally or through obscene gestures in a public place, including a police officer, public official or private individual. Police may arrest you and conviction may lead to prosecution, imprisonment, or immediate deportation.
\n\nIt is frowned on for men and women to show affection in public.
\n\nAlcohol is illegal. Buying, selling or carrying it, as well as public intoxication, can lead to fines, imprisonment and deportation. Consuming illegally produced alcohol poses severe health risks, including methanol poisoning, which can cause blindness, organ failure or death.
\n\nKuwait has zero tolerance for drug-related offences. Penalties for drug smuggling or trafficking include the death sentence. Offences involving minors or committed in schools, hospitals, prisons or other protected locations can result in life imprisonment or the death penalty.
\n\nPossession or use of illegal drugs, including for small or residual amounts, can lead to a prison sentence of between 5 and 10 years, and heavy fines. Bail is not usually given and even if found not guilty, defendants can expect to spend several months in detention while the case progresses through the judicial system.
\n\nWearing, using, or displaying items that promote or encourage narcotics, including logos on clothing, constitutes an offence and may result in significant fines.
\n\nIt is illegal to photograph or take videos of:
\n\nAll foreign nationals must pay traffic fines, phone bills and utility bills before they leave Kuwait. The Kuwaiti authorities may:
\n\nBouncing cheques is illegal and the law does not provide for offenders to be released from custody on bail.
\n\nIf you’re involved in a commercial dispute with a Kuwaiti company or individual, the Kuwaiti authorities may prevent you from leaving the country until it is resolved.
\n\nSame-sex activity is illegal.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Kuwait, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nIf you have a visit visa, you can drive in Kuwait using a UK photocard driving licence. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
\n\nThere is also guidance on driving if you live in Kuwait.
\n\nKuwait has introduced stricter traffic laws, with significantly increased fines and penalties. Offences such as speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, and running red lights can result in heavy fines, imprisonment or deportation.
\n\nYou must get third-party insurance in Kuwait before you drive.
\n\nIf you hire a car, you can usually get insurance through the hire company. If you drive a relative or friend’s car, you’re responsible for getting insurance. You must always keep the insurance document with you while driving.
\n\nIf you have a major accident, where there are serious injuries or a vehicle is not drivable:
\n\nIf you have a minor accident, where there are no serious injuries:
\n\nDrink-driving is a serious offence in Kuwait. If you are tested and found to have any alcohol in your system, you may get a fine, imprisonment, or deportation and the withdrawal of your driving licence.
\n\nDriving conditions are hazardous. Many drivers pay little attention to other road users and may:
\n\nMany areas of the Gulf are highly sensitive, including near:
\n\nThe area of the northern Gulf between Iran, Iraq and Kuwait has not been demarcated, and vessels entering this area have been detained and inspected. There have been occasional arrests. Make careful enquiries before entering these waters or visiting ports.
\n\nTake extra care when sailing in Kuwaiti waters – regional tensions may affect your planned route. There may be an increased risk of attack on vessels in the Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab El Mandeb regions.
\n\nTake care when travelling by dhow, as the safety of these sailing vessels may not be up to UK standards. Make sure life jackets are available.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nyour destination can provide the healthcare you may need
\nyou have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 112 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nPoor outdoor air quality is a risk in Kuwait. Read about the risks from poor air quality on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nYou can find further information and advice on air quality on the World Health Organization (WHO) website and check air quality levels on the World Air Quality Index Website.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nUnder new rules in Kuwait, all visitors must obtain permission from the Kuwaiti authorities to carry certain prescription drugs before arrival. This requirement applies to many commonly prescribed medications.
\n\nThere is a state medical service with local clinics and several good hospitals. There are also private medical and dental facilities.
\n\nPrivate medical fees are high. The Kuwaiti government controls fees and has increased them for foreign residents and visitors. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.
\n\nIf you work in Kuwait, check whether your employer provides appropriate private medical insurance which includes repatriation. If not, you’re strongly advised to take out personal medical insurance for yourself and any dependants.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Kuwait where some staff will speak English.
\n\nThere is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Kuwait.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nTelephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Kuwait on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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